Melbourne’s storms can cause significant property damage. Here’s how to handle the cleanup and make sure your insurance claim covers the full cost.
Documenting the Storm Damage
- Photograph everything immediately: Roof damage, water penetration, fallen trees, broken windows, damaged contents. Wide shots and close-ups. Include timestamps
- Video walkthrough: Walk through the property narrating what you see — water ingress, structural issues, debris
- Inventory damaged items: List everything affected with description, age, and replacement cost
- Document external damage: Fencing, sheds, garages, driveways, gardens — these are often claimable too
- Check the roof: If safe, photograph from ground level. If not, ask the restoration company or a roofer to document it
- Record the weather event: Bureau of Meteorology records of the storm can support your claim
Document before any cleanup or temporary repairs. Photograph the temporary repairs themselves too — they demonstrate you took reasonable mitigation steps.
Hiring a Professional Cleaning and Restoration Company
- IICRC certification: For water damage restoration, fire/smoke cleanup, or mould remediation
- Storm damage experience: They should handle the combination of water penetration, debris, and structural issues that storms create
- Fast response: After major storms, demand for restoration companies spikes. Call early to secure a spot
- Full-service capability: Water extraction, structural drying, debris removal, temporary repairs, and content cleaning — ideally from one company
- Insurance documentation: They should produce reports, photos, and invoices in the format your insurer expects
After major Melbourne storms, restoration companies are stretched thin. Having a relationship with a provider before you need one means faster response.
Communicating with Your Insurance Company
- Lodge immediately: Call the claims line as soon as the storm passes. After major events, call volumes surge — call early
- Be specific: Describe each type of damage clearly. “Roof tiles dislodged, water entering through ceiling in bedroom 2 and lounge” is better than “storm damage”
- Ask about emergency provisions: Can you start make-safe work immediately? Is temporary accommodation covered?
- Confirm what’s covered: Storm damage is standard in most policies, but check for specific exclusions — flood (rising water) may require separate cover
- Follow up in writing: Email confirmation after every phone call
Reviewing and Understanding the Insurance Claim Process
- Lodgement: Report the damage, get a claim number
- Assessment: A loss adjuster inspects the property
- Scope agreement: The insurer confirms what work is covered
- Restoration: Professional cleanup and repairs proceed
- Settlement: Payment based on assessment, minus excess
After widespread storms, assessors are in high demand and the process takes longer. Stay proactive — check in regularly and respond promptly to requests.
Maximising Your Insurance Claim for Storm Damage Cleaning
- Claim everything: Temporary repairs, accommodation, emergency purchases, restoration costs, damaged contents, external damage — don’t leave claimable expenses unclaimed
- Use professionals: Their documentation and scope of work result in more accurate assessments
- Report additional damage: If the restoration company discovers more damage than initially assessed, notify your insurer to add it to the claim
- Challenge low assessments: If the offer doesn’t match your documentation, push back on specific items
- Get a second opinion: An independent loss assessor reviews the claim from your perspective
Preventing Future Storm Damage and Insurance Claims
- Roof maintenance: Regular inspections, replace cracked tiles, secure loose flashings
- Gutter cleaning: Blocked gutters cause water overflow and roof cavity flooding. Clean 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: Storm shutters or laminated glass in exposed positions
- Drainage: Clear stormwater drains, ensure ground slopes away from the house
- Policy review: Check that storm and flood cover matches your risk. Update sum insured annually
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