Apia assessors move in to cyclone ravaged homes

Insurer’s mobile claims team on the ground providing emergency funds to customers

Apia’s cyclone recovery efforts are in full swing with its team of assessors and claims staff on the ground in Rockhampton and Yeppoon helping affected customers get back on their feet.

Apia spokeswoman, Angela Wilkinson, said: “Apia assessors have begun assessing damaged homes – a crucial step in the recovery process.”

“This means approving the claim, assessing the level of damage to the home, determining the required scope of works and allocating tradespeople to repair or rebuild the home.”

Ms Wilkinson said: “The goal is to ensure customers get back into their homes as quickly and as safely as possible. We do not want customers left stranded in temporary accommodation for any longer than absolutely necessary.”

“We have a registered panel of Queensland builders and suppliers who meet our strict quality standards for insurance work. This is complemented by a commitment to use further local panel repairers and suppliers where practical, and our policy for all repairers to seek to hire local tradespeople,” she said.

Ms Wilkinson said Apia was well prepared to handle the aftermath left from Tropical Cyclone Marcia.

“We understand that these are very challenging times for many residents so it’s vital that we use our scale and every possible resource to meet the needs of affected customers as quickly as possible.”

“In addition to assessors going out to customer homes, we also have two dedicated Customer Response Teams on the ground in the Rockhampton and Yeppoon Recovery Centres.

“These are fully self-sufficient mobile claims offices where customers can lodge their claims in person, access pre-paid debit cards with emergency funds and arrange temporary accommodation if required.”

“We have a long history of being there for Queensland residents when natural disasters strike. We were here when Cyclone Yasi hit in 2011, we are here in 2015 for Tropical Cyclone Marcia and we will continue to be here for our customers,” Ms Wilkinson said.

Apia customers can lodge claims in person with Customer Response Teams at the Rockhampton and Yeppoon Recovery Centres, over the phone 24 hours a day on 13 50 50 or online at www.apia.com.au.