Media release

October, 4 2014

For immediate release

Check your insurance policy before storm, cyclone and bushfire season

AS storm, cyclone and bushfire season approaches, Legal Aid Queensland is encouraging Queenslanders to check their insurance policies to make sure they are adequately covered if disaster strikes.

Legal Aid Queensland chief executive officer Anthony Reilly said checking your insurance policy now and better understanding your legal rights, could save heartache and financial stress down the track.

“Legal Aid Queensland has helped hundreds of Queenslanders with their insurance claims following natural disasters, including the 2011 floods,” Mr Reilly said.

“Our lawyers have found that if people had checked their policies each year before the extreme summer weather kicked in, they could have avoided some of the problems they faced when making a claim.”

Mr Reilly said people who are insured should check their policies and ask themselves:

·  Am I up to date with my payments?

·  Do I know where my policy is?

·  Does my policy really cover what I think it covers?

·  What can’t I claim for under the policy?

·  Are there maximum amounts or limits I can claim?

“If you can’t answer these questions then you need to call your insurer and double check. Take notes of the call including the date, time, who you spoke to, what you asked and what they told you,” Mr Reilly said.

“Make sure your payments are up to date, that your policy hasn’t lapsed and that you are covered for all scenarios that may affect homes in your area - be it flood, storm, cyclone or fire.”

Mr Reilly said people affected by natural disasters often had a range of legal issues to deal with such as property or car damage, insurance, tenancy issues, debt, employment, and access to electricity and other essential services damaged by floods, cyclones or bushfires.

“If people have been affected by a natural disaster, they can call Legal Aid Queensland on 1300 65 11 88 for the cost of a local call from a landline in Australia to get free legal information and advice, or to be referred to another organisation who can assist with your problem,” he said.

Legal Aid Queensland also offers free factsheets and online publications to help people affected by natural disasters, available on the Flood and Cyclone Legal Help website www.floodlegalhelp.qld.gov.au or the Legal Aid Queensland website www.legalaid.qld.gov.au

Media contact:

Amanda Catania or Miranda Greer on (07) 3238 3004