With the recent heavy rainfall and terrible weather conditions across NSW and QLD, we have received a significant number of new claims for water damage, with lodgements expected to increase further. Our thoughts are with those whose homes and valued possessions have been affected. To guide you in navigating this situation and the insurance claims process, we have provided some important information below.
How the declaration of a Catastrophe affects insurance claims
Given the extreme nature of the storms and subsequent flooding, the Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) has declared a Catastrophe for large parts of NSW and QLD. This means that insurers are to give claims from affected policyholders priority, and that claims will be triaged to direct urgent assistance to the worst affected clients. We will ensure that insurers treat Catastrophe claims with the priority they deserve.
Flood cover & Insurance
Flood cover is not an automatic cover feature in Strata Insurance, and is not available in all areas. Your Whitbread Insurance Broker will be able to advise if flood is covered under your Strata Insurance policy. For emergency accommodation and security costs, please contact your insurance broker for more information.
First step – make safe repairs
Any emergency / make safe works (electrical and structural) to ensure that the property is safe, and to mitigate any further loss, must be carried out as soon as possible. For emergency / make safe repairs, contact either local contractors, or one of the panel repairers listed here. Note that the insurer will need to review any reports / costs submitted before confirming if these are claimable under the relevant policy.
Second step – Returning Home Checklist & notifying your broker
Following Step 1, when entering your home, you will need to do a comprehensive check of your property, reporting any damage to your property and belongings to the appropriate insurer. When checking your property, ensure you follow the Returning Home Checklist below.
Following the above, notify damage to your building and contents insurer(s) as per the graphic below.
Third step – lodging your insurance claim
In order to lodge a claim through our office, the usual claim form is more than satisfactory. Alternatively, an email can be sent to our office at claims@whitbread.com.au.
Please provide the following information:
- Owners Corporation (OC) or Strata Plan number
- Date of Loss
- Units affected, along with relevant contact details of those who need to be contacted regarding the claim and repairs
- Details of the damage and whether you require your insurer to appoint an assessor and/or repairer
- Quotes and invoices (if available)
Flood Embargos and New Business
Also at this time we have been informed by insurers that embargoes have been placed on certain postcodes in flood affected areas. Insurers amend the postcode embargoes as the threat of flood moves from one area to another. These embargos mean that insurers are not willing to accept any new business or policy alterations on properties in flood affected regions.
As an Owners Corporation Manager, you should continue to request quotes for new business and we will forward them directly to the insurer for their consideration. If an insurer does decide to provide terms, the quote is only indicative and valid at the time it is provided. If you accept the quote, we will need to reconfirm with the insurer that the terms are still valid and an embargo has not been placed on the region.
What to do if you have already contacted Whitbread
If you have already contacted your Whitbread broker or claims consultant to lodge a claim, we will be in contact as soon as possible to confirm assessment, repairs and the next steps.
Whitbread clients can be assured that we have all hands on deck working hard to ensure all storm claims run smoothly. Please contact our office on 1300 424 627 if you require any further assistance, or have any queries. Our team are here to assist.
This article is not intended to be personal advice and you should not rely on it as a substitute for any form of personal advice. Please contact Whitbread Associates Pty Ltd ABN 69 005 490 228 License Number: 229092 trading as Whitbread Insurance Brokers for further information or refer to our website.
