If you are fortunate, you may never need to make an insurance claim at your strata property. Unfortunately, with severe weather events increasing, this scenario is the exception. In the unfortunate event of needing to make a claim, Strata insurance provides peace of mind, and having the right coverage is essential.
When it comes to the claims process, it's not as simple as making a call and expecting immediate payment. Documenting claim details and capturing photographic evidence, especially for large claims, at the outset will help ensure a smooth claims process.
Claims can often be delayed due to missing information, such as not providing the Strata Plan (SP) or Community Titles Scheme (CTS) number or EFT bank details up front. This can delay payment as parties exchange emails or phone calls while awaiting these details.
As a minimum, the following information is required to process a claim:
SP or CTS Number
Address
Date of loss (insurable event)
Cause of loss (the underlying and/or dominant cause of the loss or damage)
Damage being claimed
Site contact details
GST status of the insured
EFT bank account details for payment
Photographic evidence before repairs are started on large claims.
Third party details where applicable.
Step-by-step claims process
Contact Strata Community Insurance to inform us of your claim as soon as reasonably practicable. Check the information on the Make a Claims page on our website for support.
Take the time to gather all information and photographic evidence wherever possible to help support the claim.
Lodge your claim online.
Three key pieces of information that should be provided when submitting a claim are:
Detail on the cause of the loss or damage.
Any attending contractor’s report on the main cause of loss or damage/failure.
If any repairs have already been completed – details from any attending contractor on what has been repaired and how repairs were undertaken. It is important to note that repair costs (other than emergencies) must be approved. If approval is not sought, costs may only be paid up to the amount that would have been authorised had approval first been sought.
Common claims and details of the documents/processes that will assist in a speedy resolution include:
Water – show proof of the cause of the leak and that it has been rectified.
Burst pipes – advise composition and condition of pipes and cause of burst.
Vandalism/malicious damage – provide evidence of a police report and/or police report number.
Impact – provide third party/vehicle details.
Boundary fence – specify whether the fence is dividing two respective properties.
Glass – advise dimensions of glass.
Fire – always call 1300 724 678.
Public Liability – refer any demands for compensation direct to Strata Community Insurance on 1300 724 678.
If you are unsure and need support, or the damage is substantial, please contact the experienced claims team at Strata Community Insurance on 1300 724 678 or visit our website.
We sincerely thank our Platinum Partners Strata Community Insurance for this editorial.
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