Nobody buys insurance because they’re looking forward to making a claim.
We buy it for the day something goes wrong.
A storm damages your property. A pipe bursts. Equipment is stolen. There’s a fire at your business. A vehicle is damaged. Whatever the situation, when you’re standing there looking at the aftermath, remembering exactly what your insurance policy says is probably the last thing on your mind.
That’s also where having a broker can make a very real difference.
At Arbor Insurance, we don’t just help arrange your insurance and send you a renewal once a year. If you need to make a claim, we’re here to help you through that process too.
So, if something happens, here’s where to start.
1. People first. Always.
Before worrying about insurance, photos, excesses or paperwork, make sure everyone is safe.
Follow the directions of emergency services and don’t enter a damaged building or area until you know it is safe. Be particularly careful around things like fallen power lines, floodwater, fire damage, unstable structures and exposed electrical equipment.
Buildings, vehicles and equipment can be repaired or replaced. People can’t.
2. Stop things from getting worse – if it’s safe
Once everyone is safe, take reasonable steps to prevent further damage.
For example, this might mean arranging an emergency plumber to stop a leak, temporarily covering a damaged roof to prevent more water entering, boarding up a broken window or securing a business premises following a break-in.
The important words here are reasonable and safe.
Don’t put yourself at risk trying to save property, and generally avoid jumping straight into permanent repairs or throwing damaged items away before the insurer has had an opportunity to assess them.
If you do need to pay for emergency work, keep your invoices and receipts.
And if you’re unsure what you should or shouldn’t do, give us a call.
3. Take photos. Lots of them.
Your phone is one of the most useful tools you have immediately after a loss.
Before cleaning up or moving things around, take photos and videos of the damage from different angles where it is safe to do so.
It also helps to:
- Make a list of damaged, missing or stolen items.
- Keep damaged items where practical until you’ve been advised they can be disposed of.
- Find receipts, invoices, valuations or other proof of ownership if you have them.
- Write down what happened while it is still fresh in your mind, including the approximate time, date and circumstances.
- Keep copies of any invoices or expenses you incur following the event.
You don’t need to have absolutely everything organised before you contact us. We can help you work out what information is actually required.
4. Call us early
This is the part we really want our clients to remember.
You don’t have to work out the claims process on your own.
If you’re an Arbor client and something happens, contact us as soon as you reasonably can.
We can help notify the insurer, explain what happens next, work through what information is required and communicate with the insurer throughout the claim.
Depending on the type and size of the loss, the insurer may appoint a loss adjuster or assessor, arrange approved repairers, request quotes or ask for further information.
Our job is to help you understand what is happening and assist you through the process.
Claims are one of the biggest reasons we believe having a broker matters.
When everything is going well, insurance can feel like paperwork and premiums. When something actually goes wrong, having someone you know at the other end of the phone can be very different to trying to navigate the process yourself.
5. Don’t rush into signing anything
Unfortunately, major storms, floods and other widespread events can also attract opportunistic operators.
Be cautious if someone unexpectedly approaches you offering immediate repairs, restoration work or assistance managing your insurance claim.
Before signing contracts or authorising substantial work, check who you’re dealing with and, where appropriate, speak with us or your insurer first.
Emergency work to make something safe is one thing. Committing to significant permanent repairs is another.
A claim doesn’t have to be something you navigate alone
Nobody wants to make an insurance claim.
But if the day comes when you need to, the policy itself is only one part of the equation. Knowing what to do, documenting the loss properly and having someone help you navigate the process can make an already stressful situation much easier to manage.
At Arbor Insurance, we’re here before the claim to help you understand your cover, and we’re still here if something goes wrong.
Because insurance isn’t just about arranging a policy.
It’s about having the right support when you actually need to use it.
If you have questions about your current insurance or want to understand how the claims process would work for your business or property, get in touch with Arbor Insurance.
General Advice Warning: The information provided is general advice only. You should consider whether it is appropriate for your objectives, financial situation and needs before acting on it. You should obtain and consider the relevant Product Disclosure Statement before making any decision to purchase a financial product.