Eight tips for insurance claims in the wake of a natural disaster

George Newhouse, head of disaster insurance recovery department with Shine Lawyers, has firsthand knowledge of the steps involved in getting emergency benefits and how to deal with insurance companies during a time of crisis.

Below are eight tips from George to help any resident dealing with property damage following a natural disaster:

1. Gather all your insurance policies that were/are in effect from the date your property was damage through to present. If you do not have copies, request them from your broker and document this request in writing.  Remember that your broker is paid by the insurance company and has their own interests at heart.

2. Notify your insurer of the damage to your property. If you had different insurers from the time of the bushfire through to present, it is best to give each of your insurance companies notice.

4. Gather information about the damage to your property. This could include photographs of your property before and after the damage, information about work done to improve your home over the years, engineering reports and any information you might have received from your insurance company about your loss.

5. Be careful about underestimating the damage. If the damage is more than cosmetic and you do not receive the full repairs or replacement now, you may be precluded from doing so in the future.

6. Read your insurance policies.  Get advice from a specialist if you have questions and never sign a release.

7. Many policies are replacement policies. This means insurance companies are required to give new for old property or the equivalent monetary value when you suffer a loss.

8. Document in writing all communications to and from your insurance company.