After the recent storms we’ve seen roll through South-East Queensland, many Redlands families are taking stock of their homes, cars, and insurance cover. Storm season is officially here, and with it comes an increase in roof damage, fallen trees, power outages and flooded vehicles.
At Arbor Insurance, we want to make sure you’re prepared, protected, and confident that your insurance will actually do its job when you need it most. Below is a simple guide to help you stay storm-ready — plus an insight into how our claims support process works when things don’t go to plan.
1. Simple Storm Safety Tips for Your Home
A few quick checks around your property can make a big difference during wild weather. We recommend:
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Clearing gutters and downpipes
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Trimming back loose branches
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Securing outdoor furniture, trampolines and shade structures
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Inspecting your roof for lifted tiles, cracked seals or loose flashing
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Taking clear photos of your property’s condition (great for future claims)
These simple steps not only reduce damage but can strengthen your claim if you ever need to make one.
2. What To Do If Your Home Is Damaged in a Storm
If your property has been impacted, follow these steps as soon as it’s safe:
1. Document Everything
Take photos and videos from multiple angles.
2. Prevent Further Damage
Use tarps, towels or buckets where needed. Insurers require you to minimise additional damage.
3. Keep Any Receipts
If you need emergency repairs, keep all invoices and notes.
4. Contact Arbor Insurance
This is where having a broker changes everything.
You don’t need to spend hours on hold with a call centre or chase assessors — we take care of the entire claims process for you. We lodge the claim, communicate with the insurer, and keep you updated throughout.
3. Underinsurance: A Common Storm-Season Issue
Rebuild and repair costs have increased significantly over recent years, and we’ve seen how underinsurance can leave families with unexpected and substantial out-of-pocket costs.
It’s worth checking:
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Whether your building sum insured reflects today’s rebuild costs
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Whether renovations and upgrades have been included
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If your contents are valued at current replacement prices
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Whether sheds, pool equipment, decks and outbuildings are listed correctly
If you haven’t reviewed your cover in over 12 months, now is a great time to do so. We can run a rebuild cost estimate and go through your policy line-by-line to ensure you’re properly protected.
4. Car Insurance During Storm Season
Storms don’t just affect homes — vehicles are often hit hard by hail, debris and rapidly rising water.
Here are some quick reminders:
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Only comprehensive cover includes storm, hail and flood damage
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Driving through floodwater can void a claim
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Speak to us before booking hail repairs (insurers often have approved repairers)
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Review your agreed value so the payout matches current vehicle prices
A quick policy review now can save you a lot of stress later.
5. What Happens When You Lodge a Claim With Arbor Insurance
Storm season is the time when the benefits of having a broker truly shine.
Here’s how the Arbor claims process works:
1. You contact us with the issue
A quick call, email, or message is all it takes.
2. We lodge the claim on your behalf
No waiting on hold. No repeating your story three times.
3. We coordinate with assessors & repairers
We handle the back-and-forth and keep things moving.
4. We negotiate if something doesn’t look right
If an insurer tries to decline, reduce, or delay — we push back.
5. You receive updates from us, not a call centre
We stay on top of the process so you don’t have to.
6. We stay with you until the claim is 100% resolved
Our job isn’t done until you’re repaired, replaced, or compensated.
Need a Storm-Season Policy Review? We’re Right Here in the Redlands.
If the recent storms have made you question whether you’re adequately insured — or if you simply want peace of mind before the next system rolls through — reach out anytime.
Arbor Insurance is your local broker, proudly based in the Redlands and committed to protecting families, small businesses and community organisations.
We’re always here to help you prepare, protect, and recover.