As floodwaters subside and the full extent of the catastrophic floods become clearer, RACT Insurance CEO Trent Sayers said he expects to see claim numbers double as residents are able to return to their homes.

To date, the number of claims RACT Insurance has received is fast approaching 500 with the estimated damage bill around $1.5 million.

Mr Sayers said local call centre and on- ground assessing resources have been bolstered in order to deal with the event.

“We have mobilised numerous extra staff to assist those affected,” said Mr Sayers.

“We are also in the process of setting up the RACT Insurance Mobile Service Centre at the Latrobe Memorial Hall to assist residents being to rebuild, repair or replace homes, car and personal effects.

“The Mobile Service Centre provides a direct line to our Claims Management Centre to help people begin making a claim. RACT Insurance will also have staff available to assist with members’ queries.”

“Latrobe was one of the hardest hit areas and already RACT Insurance has received approximately 30 claims in the Latrobe area, with the damage estimated to be in the hundreds of thousands.

“At this stage it is difficult to gauge an accurate extent of the damage both in Latrobe, and across the state.

“As the floodwaters subside and people regain access to their homes, I would expect to see an increase in the volume of claims we receive, probably double what we have received to date.

“I would not be surprised if the total damage for RACT Insurance customers reached over $3 million.”

Mr Sayers said he was concerned by some recent comments in the media regarding insurance companies taking advantage of flood victims, suggesting customers may not be covered for the flood damage to their homes.

“RACT Insurance includes standard cover for flood as a result of the overflowing of a natural
water course, such as a river, creek or body of water such as a lake or dam, in all our general
insurance policies,” he said.

“On top of our standard flood coverage, RACT Insurance customers will be able to access
temporary accommodation services if required along with a 25 per cent safety net ensuring you
have enough sum insured coverage to help get back on your feet.”

RACT Insurance recommends all Tasmanians affected by the floods take the following steps as
they return to their properties:

 Return to your property only when emergency services declare it safe to do so
 Only enter your property when you are satisfied you are not at risk
 Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to check what your policy includes
or excludes, and seek guidance on the claims process
 You can start cleaning up but speak to your insurer before authorising repairs
 Emergency repairs should be undertaken only in the first instance to make the property
safe
 Take pictures or videos of damage to the property and possessions as evidence for your
claim
 Keep samples of materials and fabrics to show the assessor
 Make an inventory of damaged or destroyed items, including noting brands, models and
serial numbers of white goods and electrical items
 Remove and discard any water or mud-damaged goods that pose a health risk, such as
saturated carpets and soft furnishings
 Store damaged or destroyed items somewhere safe.
RACT Insurance CEO Trent Sayers