In the aftermath of severe weather events, we can be at our most vulnerable.
Your insurance company and their assigned repair assessors and contractors are here to shoulder that burden with you.
As insurance repair builders, we have first-hand experience of some of the most damaging and life-changing events to have impacted homes and properties across Queensland over the past 20 years.
The insurance team, often made up of loss adjusters, brokers and insurance company, appoint a highly professional panel builder to these claims who specialise in insurance repair work. These builders work in conjunction with the insurers, and their trusted partners like loss adjusters, to complete property repair works to the highest standard, get the insured out of an adverse situation and their property back together as soon as possible.
These works are governed by Queensland Building and Construction Commission, and property owners often receive valuable benefits like lifetime warranty on repairs, ongoing support of the insurer as well as on going cover for any additional damage that may occur due to the event down the track.
One of the most disheartening developments witnessed over that time, has been the increase in scammers exploiting property owners who are anxious and unaware of the insurance repair process.
‘Storm chasers’ will move into a region in the wake of storm events and begin knocking on doors or placing leaflets in letterboxes, offering to manage the owner’s insurance claim process and to complete the repairs. Such promises have led to property owners being hit with out-of-pocket expenses for commissions and additional works not actually covered by their policy.
All such approaches have one common characteristic – they are unsolicited.
Your insurance team, and their trusted partners, work together to ensure you feel safe and informed throughout your repairs. Therefore, a stranger unexpectedly arriving at your door to discuss your property damage, should ring alarm bells for you.
Pressurised sales techniques may be employed to have owners sign contracts prior to gaining independent advice. While in some cases, stand-over tactics used to demand money whilst falsely claiming they have been sent by the insurance company.
How to identify a ‘storm chaser’:
· Contractors and assessors authorised by an insurance team will notify customers in advance before repairs or inspections are scheduled to take place.
If a contractor or assessor approaches you unexpectedly, ask to see credentials, and if you are not satisfied contact your insurer, loss adjuster or broker to make sure they are the professional appointed to your claim.
· Seek advice about the repairs process under your policy.
Both your insurance team and the assigned builder will work to ensure your questions are answered and you feel confident about the work to be completed, the timeframes for this and who to expect to arrive at your property.
· A builder or tradesperson assigned by your insurance team will not ask you for money.
You may have a policy excess due at the time your claim moves into contract with the assigned builder, however all repairs covered by your policy are being paid direct to the builder by the insurance company – you should have no additional out of pocket expenses for contracted repairs.
· And finally, if you do sign a contract with a ‘storm chaser’, there is a statutory 10-day cooling-off period. Contact your insurer, loss adjuster or broker for help to sever that contract and protect you from exploitation.
Remember, the insurance process is often one that is new and potentially daunting especially when you have just been through a major event. If you feel unsure, trust your insurer, and ask as many questions as you need. Your insurer and its trusted partners are here to help.
