Storm damage insurance claims
A clearer path through your storm damage claim.
Roof damage, water entry, fallen trees and urgent repairs can quickly turn into inspections, reports and decisions. This guide explains what usually happens and how to stay organised from the first 48 hours through to repairs.
Practical education for Australian homeowners—built from more than 25 years of insurance and building experience.
Your practical storm guide
What this storm damage guide covers.
Use the page in order, or go directly to the part of the claim you are dealing with now.
Immediate priorities
What to do in the first 48 hours.
Your first actions should make the situation safer, preserve useful information and help the claim begin clearly.
Put safety first
Do not enter unsafe areas. Watch for electrical hazards, structural damage and fallen power lines.Limit further damage
Where safe, take reasonable temporary steps such as covering openings or securing broken windows.Photograph and film
Capture all visible damage before clean-up or temporary repairs begin.Contact your insurer
Lodge the claim, obtain your claim number and ask what will happen next.Start a claim record
Track calls, emails, inspections, documents, promises and important dates.Understanding the event
What counts as storm damage?
Storm claims can involve different forms of damage depending on the event and the terms of your policy.
- Wind damage to roofs, fences or structures
- Rainwater entering through damaged roofs or walls
- Damage from fallen trees or branches
- Hail damage to roofing and external surfaces
- Structural damage caused by severe weather
Assessment and information
How storm damage inspections work.
Inspections help establish the cause and extent of the damage. More than one person may attend, and each may have a different role.
Who might inspect?
- Loss adjuster
- Building estimator
- Roofing contractor
- Structural engineer
- Restoration contractor
What do they look for?
- The cause of damage
- Sudden damage versus pre-existing issues
- Wind and water-entry damage
- Structural impact
- Repair or restoration requirements
What should you keep?
- Appointment dates and attendees
- Photos and videos
- Reports and repair scopes
- Questions and answers
- Follow-up dates and commitments
What this means: An inspection gathers information. Ask what the person is attending to assess, what report they will prepare and when you should expect the next update.
Before repairs begin
Understand the repair scope.
After inspections, a builder will usually prepare a scope of works. This document becomes the basis for the repair work, so it deserves careful attention.
A repair scope typically includes
- Areas of the home to be repaired
- Materials, labour and quantities
- The proposed repair method
- Permits or engineering that may be required
Commonly overlooked
Four mistakes that can make a storm claim harder.
Claims vary, but these practical problems repeatedly create confusion, missing information or avoidable delays.
Not documenting the damage
Clean-up or temporary repairs can make it harder to show what happened if photos, video and notes were not captured first.Rushing through inspections
Ask what is being assessed and raise questions when the purpose or next step is unclear.Losing track of conversations
Multiple calls, reports and approvals are easier to manage when recorded in one place.Assuming every claim is the same
Policy terms, the cause of damage and the assessments required can change the pathway.Recognise your situation
Storm claim scenarios homeowners commonly face.
Open the scenario closest to your damage to understand what is usually considered during assessment.
Roof damage from strong winds
Strong winds can lift or damage roof sheets, tiles, skylights and flashing, allowing water to enter. Insurers commonly assess whether the damage resulted from a sudden storm event or whether a pre-existing issue contributed.Water entering through the roof
Water entry may be linked to storm damage, overflowing gutters or deteriorated building materials. The source and pathway of entry are usually considered during inspection.Impact from fallen trees or branches
Storms can bring trees or large branches onto homes, fences and outbuildings. The assessment usually considers the cause of the fall and the resulting damage.Hail damage to roofing and exteriors
Hail can damage roofing materials, gutters and external finishes. Some damage is not immediately obvious, making a detailed inspection important.Internal water damage after storms
Water entering a property can affect ceilings, walls and flooring. The claim assessment generally considers both the internal damage and the source of entry.Fence and external structure damage
Storms can damage fences, sheds and other structures. Whether and how they are covered depends on the policy and the circumstances of the damage.From approval to completion
Managing repairs to your home.
Once repairs are approved, the insurer may appoint a builder from its repair network. Clear records remain important throughout the work.
Confirm the scope
Read the proposed work, clarify questions and understand the contract before committing.Track progress
Keep records of work completed, conversations, variations and concerns as they arise.Review the outcome
Compare completed work with the agreed scope and retain contracts, warranties and final documents.Why can a claim become complicated?
- Additional structural damage or further assessment
- Questions about pre-existing damage or the cause
- Builder and contractor availability
- Material supply delays following a major event
Questions answered
Storm damage claim questions homeowners commonly ask.
General guidance based on how storm claims typically progress in Australia.
What should I do immediately after storm damage?
Prioritise safety. If safe, photograph or film the damage, take reasonable steps to limit further loss, keep receipts and contact your insurer for instructions.Does home insurance cover all storm damage?
Not necessarily. Cover depends on the cause, policy wording, exclusions, maintenance condition and any pre-existing damage. Ask the insurer to explain relevant policy terms and decisions in writing.What is a repair scope?
It describes the assessed repair work and may identify affected areas, materials, quantities, repair methods and allowances. Review it carefully before the repair process begins.How long does a storm damage claim take?
Timelines vary with the extent of damage, required reports, complexity, contractor availability and demand after a major event. Ask for the expected next steps and update dates.Will my insurer arrange temporary accommodation?
If your home is unsafe or unliveable, ask whether your policy includes temporary accommodation, what limits apply and whether approval is required before booking.Do I have to use the insurer’s builder?
Many insurers use preferred repairers. Whether another builder is available, and how that affects settlement, warranties and costs, depends on the policy and repair process. Ask for the options in writing.Need help staying organised?
Choose the right level of support for your storm claim.
Start with the guidance or organisation tool you need now. Choose the Complete Bundle when you want the full system in one place.
Storm Claim Guide
Step-by-step guidance specifically for a storm damage claim.
$79One-time payment
- Storm cover and policy concepts in plain English
- First 48 Hours priorities
- Inspections, assessments and reports
- Repair scopes and insurer-appointed builders
- Common storm-claim mistakes and delays
Best when you mainly need to understand the storm-claim process.
Complete Bundle
The complete guidance and organisation system for your claim.
$99One-time payment
- Storm Claim Guide
- Matching Storm Claim Journal
- 3 matching checklists: First 48 Hours, inspection and scope review
- Guidance across every claim stage
- Lifetime access to fortnightly educational Home Claims Q&A
Best when you want guidance, records and checklists working together.
Claim Journal
Track conversations, inspections, documents and decisions.
$39One-time payment
- Central damage and photo record
- Contact log for assessors and specialists
- Templates for quotes, approvals and variations
- Expense and payment tracking
- A clearer record if questions arise later
Best when organisation and record-keeping are the priority.