Make a Claim
IMPORTANT
Prior to making a claim it is important that you know the policy number for the relevant policy under which you wish to claim as well as the name of the underwriting insurer. These details can be found on the insurance schedule forwarded to you by our office.
Some insurers, for some classes of insurance, do not require the completion of paper claim forms as they rely on what is known as a TeleLodgment claim. This is where you are provided with a toll-free phone number and you contact the insurer directly and advise them as to your circumstances and the nature of the claim. They will ask you a series of questions relative to your claim and issue you with a claim lodgement number and advise you as to any supporting documents that may be required. If an insurance assessor is required then your insurer will appoint the assessor all whilst keeping our office informed of the status and progress of your claim. Should you have any questions or concerns relating to your claim then you should contact our office for any assistance as this is not a way of relieving our service to you rather a measure of efficiency in the claims process. As your broker we are always there to help, assist and support you during this process.
INSURERS WHO USE TELELODGEMENT CLAIMS NOTIFICATION
CGU Insurance – Phone 1300 886 022
VERO Insurance – Phone 1300 888 073
Allianz Insurance – Phone 1300 363 343
Click here to go to our Insurance Claim Forms page.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO IN THE EVENT OF A CLAIM
Should you have the need to make a claim there are a number of things which you may be required to do and that you should do sooner rather than later so as to ensure an expedient claim settlement.
DO NOT go out and simply replace the goods to be claimed and expect the insurer to pay the bill. There is a due process which needs to be adhered to and your insurer may have a facility to obtain the same goods and a more competitive price. Your insurance is there to offer compensation for the damaged goods at their equivalent standard of quality and not to ‘upgrade’ to a better product.
For any property which is damaged you will need to provide a quote for the repair of the damaged property or if it is beyond repair then you will need to provide written evidence from the repairer outlining why the damaged property cannot be repaired and also support this with a quote for replacement of the property to the equivalent standard. In some instances, particularly with theft claims you may also be required to provide proof of ownership of the goods. These are things which you can do immediately and may be forwarded to our office.
In the event of a third-party making a claim against you, it is of utmost importance that you do not admit liability in any way shape or form, as admission of liability may affect your rights of indemnification granted under the policy.
WHAT YOU CAN DO IF YOUR CLAIM IS REJECTED
Should your claim be rejected some reason, you do have rights under the appropriate legislated Act and we are happy to guide you through this process should the need arise. Consumer assistance for claims which may have been declined is available from the Financial Ombudsman Services (FOS).
The FOS can be contacted on – 1300 780 808
or you may refer to their website – www.fos.org.au