Melbourne storms can badly damage your property. This guide covers storm damage cleaning in Melbourne. Follow these steps to get your full insurance claim.
Documenting the Storm Damage
Good records help your claim succeed. Start documenting before you clean up or make repairs.
- Photograph everything immediately: Capture roof damage, water penetration, fallen trees, broken windows, and damaged contents. Take wide shots and close-ups. Include timestamps
- Video walkthrough: Walk through the property and describe what you see. Note water ingress, structural issues, and debris
- Inventory damaged items: List each item. Include its description, age, and replacement cost
- Document external damage: Check fencing, sheds, garages, driveways, and gardens. Insurers often cover these too
- Check the roof: Photograph it from ground level if it’s safe. If not, ask your restoration company or a roofer to document it
- Record the weather event: Bureau of Meteorology records of the storm can support your claim
Photograph any temporary repairs as well. This shows you took reasonable steps to limit further damage.
Hiring a Professional Cleaning and Restoration Company
The right team makes storm damage cleaning in Melbourne much easier. Look for these qualities before you hire.
- IICRC certification: Look for this in water damage restoration, fire and smoke cleanup, or mould remediation
- Storm damage experience: The company should handle water penetration, debris, and structural issues together
- Fast response: Demand spikes after major storms. Call early to secure a spot
- Full-service capability: Choose a company that handles water extraction, structural drying, debris removal, temporary repairs, and content cleaning
- Insurance documentation: They should provide reports, photos, and invoices in the format your insurer needs
Restoration companies get busy fast after major Melbourne storms. Build a relationship with one now for a faster response later.
Communicating with Your Insurance Company
Clear, early communication speeds up your claim. Follow these steps when you contact your insurer.
- Lodge immediately: Call the claims line as soon as the storm passes. Call volumes surge after major events, so act early
- Be specific: Describe each type of damage clearly. Say “roof tiles dislodged, water entering through ceiling in bedroom 2 and lounge” instead of “storm damage”
- Ask about emergency provisions: Ask if you can start make-safe work right away. Ask if temporary accommodation is covered
- Confirm what’s covered: Most policies cover storm damage, but check for exclusions. Flood from rising water may need separate cover
- Follow up in writing: Send an email to confirm every phone call
Reviewing and Understanding the Insurance Claim Process
- Lodgement: Report the damage and get a claim number
- Assessment: A loss adjuster inspects your property
- Scope agreement: The insurer confirms what work it will cover
- Restoration: The cleanup and repairs go ahead
- Settlement: You receive payment based on the assessment, minus your excess
Assessors get busy after widespread storms, so the process can slow down. Stay proactive. Check in often and respond quickly to requests.
Maximising Your Insurance Claim for Storm Damage Cleaning
Follow these tips to get the most from your claim.
- Claim everything: Include temporary repairs, accommodation, emergency purchases, restoration costs, damaged contents, and external damage. Don’t skip claimable expenses
- Use professionals: Their documentation leads to more accurate assessments
- Report additional damage: Tell your insurer if the restoration company finds more damage than first assessed
- Challenge low assessments: Push back on specific items if the offer doesn’t match your documentation
- Get a second opinion: Ask an independent loss assessor to review your claim
Preventing Future Storm Damage and Insurance Claims
Simple maintenance reduces future storm damage. It also lowers the chance of another big claim.
- Roof maintenance: Inspect your roof regularly. Replace cracked tiles and secure loose flashings
- Gutter cleaning: Blocked gutters cause water overflow and roof cavity flooding. Clean gutters at least twice a year
- Tree management: Trim overhanging branches. Remove dead trees near the house
- Fencing: Secure loose fence panels. Consider wind-rated fencing in exposed areas
- Window protection: Fit storm shutters or laminated glass in exposed spots
- Drainage: Clear stormwater drains. Make sure the ground slopes away from the house
- Policy review: Check that your storm and flood cover matches your risk. Update your sum insured every year
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