Cyclone Yasi: Your insurance rights
How do I submit a claim?
When you submit a claim to your
insurance company be as detailed as possible and take photos that
show the state of your property and contents. Take time to prepare
a full list of all the items lost or damaged. Make a copy of any
claim you submit.
You don't have to prove whether the damage was caused by a storm
or a tropical cyclone, this is up to your insurer.
What happens next?
Insurance companies will be processing many claims for Tropical
Cyclone Yasi, so your claim may take a little while, but insurers
must fast track your claim if you are in urgent financial need. If
you haven't heard from your insurer within 3 weeks of submitting
your claim, you should complain in writing to the company.
Hopefully your claim will be paid in full, however, if this doesn't
happen, you have the right to appeal.
What are my legal rights?
If your insurance claim is rejected or
you feel you have been treated unfairly, you can:
-
appeal to your insurance company to
reconsider its decision (each company will have its own appeals
process, so check their website or call the company)
-
take your claim to the Financial
Ombudsman Service (1800 337 444)
-
seek legal advice.