What should I look out for if I need to make a claim?

If you need to make a claim, there are several key things you should keep in mind to ensure a smooth and successful process. Here are some general guidelines:

Review the Terms and Conditions: Carefully go through the terms and conditions of your policy.  Understand the coverage, limitations, and any exclusions.

Document Everything: Keep thorough records of relevant information.  This may include photos, receipts, invoices, and any other documentation that supports your claim.  The more evidence you have, the stronger your case.

Notify the Relevant Parties: Notify the appropriate parties as soon as possible.  This could be your insurance company, the product manufacturer, or the service provider.  Make sure to follow the specified procedure for reporting claims.

Understand the Claim Process: Familiarise yourself with the claim process outlined by the provider. This may involve filling out specific forms, providing documentation, and adhering to certain timelines. Follow the instructions closely.

Keep a Record of Communication: Document all communication with the involved parties. This includes phone calls, emails, and letters.  Note the date, time, and the names of the individuals you spoke with.

Be Honest and Accurate: Provide accurate information and be truthful about the circumstances surrounding your claim. Misrepresentation can lead to claim denial.

Follow Up: If there are delays or if you haven't received updates within the expected timeframe, follow up with the relevant parties.  Staying proactive can help move the process along.

Seek Clarification: If you are unsure about any aspect of the claim process, don't hesitate to seek clarification from the provider.  This can prevent misunderstandings and ensure that you provide the necessary information.

Know Your Rights: Understand your rights as a policyholder, consumer, or claimant. Familiarise yourself with relevant consumer protection laws that may apply in your state.

Consider Professional Help: If your claim is complex or if you encounter difficulties, you may wish to seek legal action, depending on the nature of the claim.

Remember, the specific steps and considerations may vary depending on the type of claim and the terms of your agreement.  Always refer to the documentation provided by the relevant parties for guidance.

If you've got questions, Westralian Insurance can help.  Give us a call today on (08) 9302 1388, or visit www.westralianinsurance.com.au

Persistence and perseverance eventually pay off in a real battle of a claim.

A couple of years ago, a long-term client who was a truck driver, took out a Personal Accident and Illness policy with Westralian Insurance.

What happened

Early one night at home, he fell down his stairs and injured his leg.  At the time, he didn’t think he had done anything serious.  The pain was extreme, however he assumed he just had a minor injury. 

He had dinner and a beer, but with the pain becoming increasingly worse, his wife decided to drive him to the Emergency Department of his local hospital. 

Shortly after, scans revealed that he had in fact broken his leg and would need at least three months off work to recover.

On admission to the hospital, the doctor had noted he could smell alcohol on our client’s breath, so the Personal Accident insurer immediately declined the claim.   We argued that alcohol was consumed AFTER the accident and the hospital had never undertaken a blood test or breathalyser to prove he was intoxicated.

The insurer once again declined the claim.

We then had the matter referred to the insurers Internal Disputes Facility and their management also declined the claim.

The outcome

Not happy with this decision, we involved AFCA (Australian Financial Complaints Authority) who in turned agreed with us and forced the insurer to pay the claim.

The client was extremely happy that he had an insurance broker on his side, armed with knowledge and the facts, in order to push the claim decline further and further, until all options had been exhausted.

The insurer agreed to pay out the claim and we are happy to report that our client has made a full recovery and is back working again.

This true story is another demonstration of our commitment to our clients, and an example of why you should engage a professional insurance broker.

Call Westralian Insurance today on (08) 9302 1388, or visit www.westralianinsurance.com.au 

These days, many of us will be aware of just how easy it is to purchase home and contents insurance online.

However, getting the RIGHT home and contents insurance for your most valued asset, is not!

Just ask the possums…

Last Winter, a long-term retail client of Westralian Insurance, headed away to the South West of Western Australia, for a well-deserved holiday with her family.  Whilst she was enjoying some rest and relaxation, a family of possums were busy moving into her house in the hills.

Upon returning, our client quickly realised she had some unwanted guests, who were very unwilling to leave.  Due to them being locked in the house for a week or so, the possum family had also caused a significant amount of damage, especially to some valued antiques…damage to the value of more than $16,000!

As you can imagine, our client was quite distressed when she made the call to us, especially as she had never made an insurance claim before.  Her Account Manager ensured the process remained as stress free as possible, talking her through the course of action and assisting with paperwork.

The Account Manager also arranged for a clean-up/make safe team to attend the property as soon as possible.

Originally, the insurer denied the claim, declaring possums as vermin and therefore not being covered in the client’s insurance policy. 

However, after extensive research by the broker, it was confirmed that possums are indeed NOT classified as vermin in WA, and the claim was covered in full.  The client’s home is also now fully possum proof! 

The client was thrilled with the outcome and we look forward to being of service in the future.

This true story clearly demonstrates the value of engaging an insurance broker for your insurance needs – we are your claims advocate and will always have your back.

Call Westralian Insurance today on (08) 9302 1338, or visit www.westralianinsurance.com.au