Cyclone Alfred: What To Do If Affected

ASIC

Key points

Your safety is the priority, help is available for people with flood-related property damage.
Contact your insurer or broker as early as possible if you think you may need to make an insurance claim.
ASIC's Moneysmart website has information on crisis support services, free legal services and financial counsellors.

During a natural disaster, safety should always be your priority

Follow instructions and advice from local authorities and emergency services.
Only return to your property when it's safe to do so.
When it is safe to return, assess the damage and take photos or videos of any damage to provide to your insurer.
Discuss any repairs with your insurer before taking action.
Keep receipts if you replace essential items, for example whitegoods or bedding.

ASIC Commissioner Alan Kirkland said there is support available for people affected by the natural disaster.

'This is a difficult time for many Australians across Queensland and New South Wales. The road to recovery for an event such as this will be long, and when people begin to return home and the clean-up commences, it's important to know the first steps to take.'

Contact your insurer or broker to make your claim

'Ask your insurer or broker to explain how to make a claim and lodge it as soon as possible. You may be able to save time by lodging your claim by phone or online,' Mr Kirkland said.

Your insurer may take time to send a claims assessor due to difficulty accessing the area or the volume of claims. Keep communicating with your insurer throughout the claims process and ask questions if you don't understand something.

If you can't remember who you are insured with, check your bank statements (including online or via an app) for your premium payments, or call the Insurance Council of Australia's disaster insurance hotline on 1800 734 621.

Financial help is available

'Speak to your insurer early and often. Insurers may be able to provide you with emergency accommodation, financial support and other information and services assistance,' Mr Kirkland said.

If you think you will be unable to meet any loan repayments, contact your lender as soon as possible to discuss assistance that might be available to you. If you need support with debts, contact the National Debt Helpline on 1800 007 007.

Find out if you are eligible for disaster support by visiting the Services Australia website. Or contact Service NSW or the Queensland Government for financial support available in your state.

Watch out for scams

Scammers often target people who have been affected by natural disasters, claiming to help identify damage to your property with a free inspection.

'Be wary of anyone who asks for payment up-front or who asks you to sign a contract immediately. Do not agree to sign anything that prevents you from dealing directly with your insurer or broker. If in doubt, contact your insurer directly using the phone number on your policy documents or on their main website,' Mr Kirkland said.

You should also make sure any tradesperson you are dealing with is properly licensed. For Queensland, these checks can be conducted through the Queensland Building and Construction Commission's online portal. In New South Wales you can check they are licensed through Verify NSW.

Visit Moneysmart

ASIC's Moneysmart website has further information on what to do after a natural disaster and to find contact details for free legal services, financial counsellors and crisis support services.