Leading Australian general insurer, NRMA Insurance took help to the next level by reminding residents of important considerations needed after a home has been destroyed by fire, storm, earthquake or cyclone.
Through its experience as a leading general insurer for more than 75 years, NRMA Insurance has helped customers through many major claims events such as the Newcastle earthquake, Sydney hailstorms, Wollongong floods and the recent NSW and ACT bushfires.
Group Executive of Personal Insurance, Rick Jackson, said the destruction caused by the Canberra bushfires was an example of how natural disaster can strike quickly, leaving a trail of destruction and many people overwhelmed by the recovery process.
“Following a natural disaster, NRMA Insurance provides help beyond simply paying our customers’ claims. We take pride in being on the ground in the affected area to help provide emergency funds, organise trauma counselling and temporary accommodation for customers who cannot live in their homes,” Mr Jackson said. “NRMA Insurance even launched a mobile claims assessing centre called the help van which can be quickly deployed to areas affected by natural disasters.
“We understand that when the community recovers from the initial shock of the disaster and moves forward into the recovery phase, there is a demand for quality information about what to do next.
“We have developed a checklist of important considerations that may be useful for people as they move into the recovery process and further to this, we are also compiling a comprehensive information kit to assist customers in the rebuilding process.”
Checklist includes:
Determine whether you are rebuilding or selling and moving.
If you decide to rebuild your home, research your options – master builder, architect, owner builder or project homes.
Organise a site inspection to ensure the property is safe for rebuilding.
Consult your local council or relevant government department about building codes and approvals.
Check the credentials of your builder, make sure you have a license, obtain a number of quotes and progress timeframes to make your decision easier.
Major considerations after your home has been destroyed: 2
Do your homework to get ideas about designs by visiting display homes and exhibitions.
Research options to help protect your home from fire damage.
Consider energy efficient materials.
Obtain legal advice to help with contracts
Talk to financial planners to help manage funds.
Consult utility service companies for advice on water, sewerage, gas and electricity supplies.
Once your home is re-established, make sure you have adequate insurance.
NRMA Insurance helped make the decision-making process a little easier for ACT residents affected by bushfires by developing the special Help Expo, supported by ACT Bushfire Recovery Taskforce in March.
Information offered included planning, design, building, legal issues, safety, security, fire precautions, environmental issues, landscaping and energy efficiency. Professional advice was given by relevant government departments, builders, architects, financial planners, environmental specialists and community safety representatives.
Mr Jackson said the NRMA Insurance Help Expo gave the community useful resources and ideas to aid recovery.