If you've lost your home or business after a natural disaster, you don't have to go it alone. Follow these steps to start your recovery.
Recovering from a natural disaster will take time. There are a lot of financial decisions to think about straight away, and over the months ahead.
There's free support to help you make a recovery plan and navigate financial decisions to get your life back on track.
Financial counselling is free, independent and confidential. A financial counsellor can help you make a plan to manage your money and prioritise your bills and other payments. A financial counsellor can also talk to creditors on your behalf and negotiate affordable payment plans.
If you're a farmer or a grower a rural financial counsellor can help you plan for recovery, negotiate with creditors and access professional services.
The earlier you get help, the more options you'll have.
If you're a business owner or farmer, you may be facing financial difficulties due to loss of trade and cash flow problems.
For help recovering from a natural disaster:
I
f you've been impacted by floods:
Your insurer may offer to:
Cash settlements mean you have to manage the repair or rebuild process yourself, and you might be left out of pocket.
The National Debt Helpline and the Insurance Law Service explain what to expect during the claims process.
If you settle your claim within a month of the event, you have up to a year to get it reassessed if you're not happy. See the Insurance Code of Practice for more information.
Claiming insurance after a bushfire can be a daunting process. Take your time and do your research before making any big decisions.
Check with your insurer before making any repairs to your property. Your insurer may need to authorise repairs and tradespeople before they happen.
Find out what services you can get for free, before paying for things. The cost of clean up may be covered by your state or territory government.
Be careful of anyone who’s door knocking, calling you out of the blue, or leaving leaflets in your letterbox.
Watch out for anyone offering a today-only deal or saying they can get repairs done quicker or much cheaper than legitimate companies.
Don't be rushed into a decision and don't pay cash up front. Take the time you need to make good decisions you won't regret.
If you encounter a scammer, fake tradesperson or repairer, report it to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC).
If you're not satisfied with the insurance claims process or decision, dispute it with your insurer.
If you can't reach an agreement, contact the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) on 1800 337 444 to make a complaint and get free, independent dispute resolution.
For free legal advice and support, contact:
Email us at Robert Goodman Accountants at reception@rgoodman.com.au © Moneysmart. Brought to you by Robert Goodman Accountants.
Phone: 07 3289 1700
Email: reception@RGAaccounting.com.au
Office Location: 2/32 Main Street, Samford QLD 4520
Postal Address: PO Box 35, Samford QLD 4520
Liability Limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation.