Dealing with the aftermath of a flood or earthquake can be a difficult and stressful time. The damage to your home, possessions and community can be overwhelming, but having a clear understanding of what to do and who to turn to can make all the difference.
Your insurance company can support you to get back on your feet but making a claim can be stressful. In this blog, we will guide you through the process of working with your insurer during and after a flood or earthquake.
By taking proactive measures, you can help minimise the stress and disruption it can cause:
- Stay informed: It is essential to stay informed about the current situation during a flood. Regularly check for live updates from your local Civil Defence branch or local news to get a clear understanding of the situation and follow its advice. This will help you stay safe and make informed decisions about your next steps.
- Protect your property: During a natural disaster, it is important to take steps to protect your property and belongings. Unplug all electrical devices to prevent power surges and turn off the power at the mains if water has entered your home. Only turn it back on after it has been checked by an electrician.
- Be cautious: The landscape around you may have changed significantly during a flood, making it challenging to navigate. Familiar roads and footing may no longer be there, so it is important to be cautious and avoid driving through flood water or water that covers the road.
- Evacuate safely: If it becomes necessary to evacuate, it’s important to do so safely. If you have a household emergency plan, put it into action and be prepared to evacuate quickly. Before leaving, make sure your property is secure by locking all doors and windows.
After a flood or earthquake, it’s important to take steps to ensure that your property and belongings are protected. Follow these guidelines to help you work with your insurance company:
- Wait for instructions: It’s essential to wait for authorities to declare it safe to return to your home. Do not return until it has been deemed safe to do so by local authorities.
- Document the damage: Take the time to make a detailed list of everything that has been damaged and gather any receipts or proof of purchase for those items. It’s also important to document the damage by taking photos and videos before starting any clean-up efforts. Any impact to your house, contents or business interruption will help you provide a comprehensive list of damages to your insurance company.
- Clean up: Once it’s safe to do so, start the clean-up process. This may include removing any damaged items, cleaning up mud and debris, and drying out your belongings in a covered area to minimise the damage.
- Review your policy: Before making a claim, be sure to thoroughly read your insurance policy to understand what is covered. If you’re unsure about any aspect of your policy, reach out to your insurance provider for clarification.
- Temporary accommodation: If your home is not safe to live in, it’s important to check with your insurance company to see if you’re covered for temporary accommodation.
Dealing with a flood or earthquake can be a challenging time, but with the right support, you can get through it. By following these steps and working with your insurance company, you can get the help you need to recover from the damage and get your life back on track.
Shine Lawyers – we’re here to help
Shine Lawyers has a team of expert insurance lawyers who have successfully helped hundreds of homeowners to achieve the best outcomes with their flood and earthquake claims.
Our team will investigate your claim, explain all the options available to you and provide advice on securing the best outcome for your home.
Get in touch today to book an obligation-free consultation.
