Key points:
- The safety of people is the priority right now and help is available for people with flood-related property damage
- Approach your insurer or broker as early as possible if you think you may need to make an insurance claim
- ob体育鈥檚 Moneysmart website has information on what to do after a natural disaster and contact details for crisis support services, free legal services and financial counsellors
ob体育 has outlined practical steps to take for communities affected by flooding in Far North Queensland following ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper.
On 18 December 2023, the Insurance Council of Australia declared a for regions of Far North Queensland impacted by severe weather and flooding over the past week.
ob体育 Commissioner Alan Kirkland said there was support available for people affected by the natural disaster.
鈥楾his is a difficult time for many Australians across Far North Queensland who are facing devastation, uncertainty, and heartbreak only days before Christmas. The road to recovery for an event such as this will be long, and as people begin to return home and the clean-up commences, it鈥檚 important to know the first steps to take.鈥�
During a natural disaster, safety should always be your priority
Individuals affected by flooding should follow the instructions of local authorities and emergency services and only return to your property when it鈥檚 safe to do so.
When it is safe to return to your property, assess the damage. Take photos or videos of any damage to provide to your insurer and prioritise removing spoiled food, water or mud-damaged goods from your property that might pose a health risk.
You should discuss any repairs with your insurer before taking action.鈥疜eep receipts if you replace essential items (for example whitegoods or bedding).鈥�
If water has entered the property, do not turn on your electricity until it has been inspected by an electrician. If there is a risk of structural damage, do not enter the building until a qualified person has assessed the building鈥檚 structural soundness. If you need help arranging these services, contact your insurer.鈥�
Contact your insurer or broker to make your claim
鈥楢sk your insurer or broker to explain how to make a claim and lodge it as soon as possible. You may be able to save time by lodging your claim by phone or online,鈥� Mr Kirkland said.
Your insurer may take time to send someone to assess your claim because of difficulty accessing the area and because of the volume of claims. Keep communicating with your insurer throughout the claims process and ask questions if you don鈥檛 understand something.
If you can鈥檛 remember who you are insured with, check your bank statements (including online) for your premium payments, or call the Insurance Council of Australia鈥檚 disaster insurance hotline on 1800 734 621.鈥�
Financial help is available
鈥楽peak to your insurer early and often following an event like this. They may be able to provide you with emergency accommodation, financial support and other information and services,鈥� Mr Kirkland said.
If you think you will be unable to meet your financial obligations, contact your lender as soon as possible to discuss assistance that might be available to you.鈥疐ind out if you are eligible for financial support by visiting the .
Watch out for scams
Be on the lookout for unscrupulous operators in the aftermath of natural disasters. They may claim to help identify damage to your property with a free inspection.
鈥楤e wary of anyone who asks for payment up-front or who asks you to sign a contract immediately. Do not agree to sign anything that prevents you from dealing directly with your insurer or broker. If in doubt, contact your insurer directly using the phone number on your policy documents or on their main website,鈥� Mr Kirkland said.
You should also make sure any tradesperson you are dealing with is properly licensed. For Queensland, these checks can be conducted through the .
Finalise your insurance claim
Insurers may offer to provide a cash settlement, or alternatively may offer to manage the repairs.
Mr Kirkland said, 鈥業f you鈥檙e given a choice, take time to consider which option is more appropriate for you, including whether a cash settlement will be sufficient to make the repairs. Your insurer might be in a better position to find and organise tradespeople, especially following a natural disaster.鈥�
Visit Moneysmart
Visit ob体育鈥檚聽 for further information on what to do after a natural disaster and to find contact details for free legal services, financial counsellors and crisis support services.
Related links
ob体育 is Australia鈥檚 corporate, markets and financial services regulator.