NRMA Insurance helping customers recover quickly after Cyclone Alfred

With the effects of ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred still unfolding, NRMA Insurance is encouraging community members across South East Queensland and Northern NSW to prioritise safety.

The insurer is reminding impacted customers to lodge their claims as soon as possible to ensure immediate support can be provided, including temporary accommodation and emergency financial assistance.

NRMA Insurance CEO Julie Batch comments on the efforts for disaster preparedness.

“It’s heartbreaking to see the devastation caused by ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred across South East Queensland and Northern NSW,” says NRMA Insurance CEO Julie Batch. “Our thoughts are with the communities impacted, many of which have experienced multiple extreme weather events over the past few years. Fortunately, our assessors and repairers have been able to get access and are on the ground providing emergency repairs, and we have bolstered our claims personnel to help lodge claims quickly.”

As recovery efforts continue, NRMA Insurance is urging residents to take necessary precautions when returning home.

NRMA Insurance executive general manager (Claims) Luke Gallagher says safety must remain the top priority.

“If you had to leave your property, please only return when the emergency services have declared it is safe to do so. Once you have the go ahead to return home, we recommend taking pictures or videos of your home and contents that were damaged,” he advises.

“We encourage customers to dispose of damaged items that are unsafe or pose a health risk, such as saturated soft furnishings that could go mouldy, and make a list of these items, including brand, make and model.”

Steps to take if your home has been impacted by severe weather:

1. Lodge your claim with your insurer as soon as possible. For NRMA Insurance customers this can be done online at nrma.com.au/claims or by phone on 13 11 23.
2. You can start cleaning up, but first take pictures or videos of damage to your home and contents to support your insurance claim.
3. Remove or dispose of water-damaged items from your property that may be unsafe or pose a health risk, such as saturated carpets and soft furnishings.
4. Keep a record of model or serial numbers of items you are throwing away to help replace them. If you are disposing of items such as carpet or tiles, keep a small sample.

Beware of scams

Homeowners should also be wary of “disaster chasers”, opportunistic tradespeople who have been known to approach people impacted by severe weather events claiming to be acting on behalf of an insurer, offering quick clean-ups, inspections and repairs. They will often insist homeowners sign contracts and make an upfront cash payment.

NRMA Insurance staff members will provide expert assistance in assessing and repairing damages.

Assessing and repairing the damage

It is helpful to be aware of the steps involved in the claims process. NRMA Insurance advises that the following can be expected:

• Your property may be seriously damaged after an insured event and unsafe to live in. Partner builders and suppliers will carry out emergency repairs to your home if needed. If you are unable to live in your home, NRMA Insurance may be able to arrange temporary
• A builder, loss adjustor or supplier will arrange a time with you to come out and assess your damaged property. In certain cases, there may be other experts called in such as engineers, hydrologists or building consultants.
• A scope of works for the repair of property will be provided to you. The scope of works contains a list of repairs to be carried out under the policy terms and conditions. The document will need to be signed and returned with any applicable excess payment. At this stage, trades will start to be arranged.
• A builder and their trades will complete the required works to your property.

NRMA Insurance staff members also assist in managing your claim.

Managing your claim

Once all the information has been obtained, the claims team will be able to determine the coverage under your policy terms and conditions. Depending on your circumstances, a cash settlement may be preferable to repairing or rebuilding your home. Once the repairs are finished, the builder will complete a hand-over with your claim will be finalised.

For more information on NRMA Insurance in supporting communities, visit the NRMA Insurance website.