Lawyers’ top tips for navigating disaster recovery
Date 04 January 2024
As the wild weather eases across the state, Legal Aid Queensland is offering free legal help to affected residents. Staying safe is the priority.
Principal lawyer and consumer advocate Paul Holmes has helped hundreds of Queenslanders impacted by previous disasters and offers practical tips for residents making insurance claims during this difficult time.
“Firstly, I recommend people check their insurance policy and lodge a claim as soon as possible if they are insured”, Mr Holmes said.
“You can start cleaning up as soon as it’s safe to do so, and you don’t need to wait for your insurance company to send an assessor. We recommend taking photos and videos of the damage to support your claim.
“Secondly, if someone arrives offering to repair your property or car and they weren’t organised by your insurer, don’t agree or sign any contract. These people are often ‘claim chasers’ looking to make money from unwitting owners and the work is often poor.
“Anyone needing legal help with their insurance claims, or anyone who has entered into an agreement with someone not organised by their insurers, can get free legal help from Legal Aid Queensland”, he said.
Legal Aid Queensland’s top 10 tips for navigating disaster recovery
- Safety is paramount. Call Energex if there are powerlines involved.
- Lodge your claim as soon as posible with your insurer if you are insured.
- You don’t need to wait for an assessor to start the clean up.
- Make a list, and take photos and/or videos, of any damage.
- If you are asked to drive your car to an insurers assessment lot, take somebody and arrange for other transport. If the car is written off, you won’t be able to drive it away.
- If the car is not drivable, your insurer should arrange for it to be towed. Be wary of anyone offering to tow and store the car for a fee.
- Be wary of doorknockers offering to manage your claim for a fee. The insurance claim and complaints process is free.
- Be wary of doorknockers offering to fix damage to your house cheaply and off the books. In our experience the work is poor.
- Government grants and assistance may be available to you. If you are unsure if you qualify, call the Queensland Community Recovery Hotline on 1800 173 349 to find out.
- If you are struggling financially, talk to your lenders, council, utility providers and body corporate about the financial hardship options available.
For free natural disaster legal information and advice call 1300 527 700 or visit www.legalaid.qld.gov.au/Natural-disaster-legal-help
Media contact: Miranda Greer or Amanda Catania (3917 0407)
Last updated 4 January 2024