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:
- 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.
- You can start cleaning up, but first take pictures or videos of damage to your home and contents to support your insurance claim.
- 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.
- 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.
