Allianz Australia is closely monitoring the floods currently impacting the NSW Hunter Region and the state’s Mid-North Coast, with further rainfall expected in the coming days.
The event is still unfolding and Allianz’s thoughts are with those affected by the floods. We recommend anyone in the affected areas to follow the advice from the NSW State Emergency Service and local authorities, look out for weather warnings from the Bureau of Meteorology and listen to updates from ABC online or tune into your local radio station.
There are a number of actions that people can take if they have been impacted by the floods. A full list can be found at Allianz’s flood support page:
- Avoid fallen power lines and damaged trees
- Never drive your vehicle through flood water, even if it looks shallow
- Return home only when authorities indicate that it’s safe
- Wear rubber boots and rubber or leather gloves
- Check with electricity, gas, and water authorities to determine if supply has been interrupted or is safe to be turned on and if there have been any leaks
- Don’t switch on power and electrical appliances until they’ve been checked and approved for use
- Don’t drink water straight from a tap until authorities declare it safe – until then, boil the water before drinking it
- Take photos and record all damage in case the photos and records are needed to support insurance claims
Scott Cooper, National Manager Disaster and Recovery, Allianz, said: “Allianz is well prepared to assist customers in the impacted regions. While claims have been modest so far, we expect numbers to increase over the coming days as the event unfolds.
“We have additional members of tof the Allianz team on standby to step in and support if needed. We’ve also set up a dedicated phone line for customers over the age of 75 years. If you need to make a claim, please call us on 13 10 13, or you can also lodge your claim online.
“With heavy rain expected to continue today, we ask all members of the community in the impacted regions to put safety first and listen to directions from local authorities”
Allianz has triggered a comprehensive response plan to deliver prompt and effective support to customers impacted by the floods. This includes:
- Allianz team ready to support customers to lodge a claim: Allianz’s phone lines are currently stable, with extra team members on stand-by to support a surge in claims volumes, if needed. Customers can make a claim via phone 13 10 13 or online at Allianz.com.au.
- Dedicated phone line for customers over 75 years old: On this dedicated phone line customers can seek support around how they can make a claim and get help securing temporary accommodation, if required.
- Emergency Relief Payments available for customers: Eligible Allianz customers can access a discretionary Emergency Relief Payment at the time of lodging a claim.
- Customer Communications: Customers are being updated on how Allianz can support as this weather event unfolds through social media and via text message. Customers can also visit Allianz’s flood support page for more information.
- Preparing for deployment of our Disaster and Recovery Team: Once it is safe to do so, Allianz will mobilise a team and be on the ground with customers and partners to ensure maximum support and help with claims.
- Assessing local builder options: Allianz is in conversation with local builders and tradespeople to help secure their services to support customers once the floodwaters have subsided.
- Free counselling support: Allianz also offers free, confidential counselling support to customers, distribution partners and their immediate families who have been affected by a natural catastrophic event. Calls are handled by Assure Programs and bookings can be made 24/7 via 1800 955 599. For more information, visit Allianz's counselling support page.
For customers needing to make a claim, the Allianz team is available 24/7 for new claims lodgment on 13 10 13, and customers can also claim online at allianz.com.au/claims.
Customers can lodge their claim without being at home or having a copy of your policy, as Allianz will have their details on file.
Customers can start the cleanup process without waiting for an insurance assessor to arrive. They should create an inventory and capture photos of damaged items, including their model numbers, to assist Allianz in facilitating their replacement.
Allianz can also process motor claims without needing to send a claims assessor to view the car in person. Customers should capture photos of the damaged car including VIN numbers, license plates and the odometer to assist with the claims.