Financial Relief for Cyclone-Affected Residents
Residents of Gold Coast, Logan, and Redland impacted by Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred can now apply for financial recovery grants to aid in their recovery.
To help understand your rights and some of the terminology, the team at Croy Legal have put together a quick guide on claiming financial relief.
- Emergency Hardship Assistance: Provides $180 per individual and up to $900 per family for immediate relief.
- Essential Household Contents Grants: Offers up to $1,765 for individuals and $5,300 for families to replace essential damaged items.
- Prolonged Power or Water Outages: Households without essential services for five consecutive days may be eligible for $150 per person or up to $750 per family.
To check eligibility and apply, visit www.qld.gov.au/disasterhelp or contact the Queensland Community Recovery Hotline at 1800 173 349.
Does Your Home Insurance Cover Cyclone Damage?
Most home insurance policies in Australia include coverage for cyclone damage. However, coverage details can vary, and some policies may exclude flood-related damage. To ensure you’re adequately protected:
✔ Review Your Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) for specific exclusions.
✔ Contact Your Insurer to clarify your coverage and understand any limitations.
Being informed about your policy details can help prevent unexpected financial burdens in the event of a disaster.
Insurance Catastrophe Declared: What This Means for You
The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) has officially declared the cyclone an insurance catastrophe. This designation ensures that affected policyholders receive expedited claims processing, allowing insurers to prioritize those with the most severe damage.
This initiative helps homeowners and businesses recover more efficiently by providing:
- Faster claim assessments and approvals
- Immediate support for urgent cases
- Dedicated resources for policyholders requiring assistance
Struggling to Pay Your Insurance Excess? Here’s What to Do
The excess is the amount you’re required to contribute towards a successful claim. If you’re experiencing financial hardship:
💡 Request an Alternative Payment Arrangement – Your insurer may allow the excess to be deducted from your settlement or paid in instalments.
💡 Know Your Rights – Insurers cannot deny your claim solely because you’re unable to pay the excess upfront.
If you’re struggling, discuss your options directly with your insurer to find a feasible solution.
How Long Will It Take to Process Your Claim?
Once you submit a complete claim, your insurer should provide a decision within 10 business days. If additional information is required, they must inform you within the same timeframe.
Additionally:
You are entitled to regular claim status updates every 20 business days.
If delays occur, the insurer should outline the next steps and estimated timelines.
Understanding these timelines can help you manage expectations and plan accordingly during the recovery process.
If you have any queries involving financial disputes following on from Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred, telephone Croy Legal on 1300 123 876 or email [email protected]