18 February 2008 - Apia is ready to help its Mackay customers
Leading national insurer Apia is urging its affected policyholders to lodge claims arising from last Friday’s severe storm as soon as possible.
Apia is operating its 24 hour telephone line, 13 50 50, on which customers can lodge claims directly over the phone with no paperwork to complete.
"The sooner customers call Apia to lodge their claims, the sooner we can assess the damage and arrange repairs," said David Atchison, Queensland Regional Manager.
"We understand the devastating impact this storm has had on local people. Our focus is on getting lives back to normal as quickly as possible, however we know that with more inclement weather forecast and the current shortage of builders and trades people the recovery process may take some time."
"Nevertheless, our customers should rest assured that we are here for the long haul. Currently Apia assessors are on the ground assessing damage to our customers’ cars and homes and we are bringing in extra assessing staff and builders to handle the high number of policyholders who need our assistance," said Mr Atchison.
The Mackay region was inundated with rainfall, in excess of 620 millimetres over a ten-hour period on Friday, resulting in local flooding and loss of electricity to thousands of homes.
"Apia has been notified of many home claims in Mackay and the surrounding region," said Mr Atchison.
"The majority of damage has been caused by storm water run off, with only some minimal flooding reported. Irrespective, Apia offers its customers cover for both storm water damage and flood, so customers can feel secure in the knowledge their insurance policy will provide protection against both these events."
For those Apia policyholders who have been affected by the Mackay storm, please call Apia on the 24 hour telephone number, 13 50 50, for immediate claims service.
"Due to the widespread storm damage and the number of calls for assistance being received by Apia we ask that customers please be patient. Every customer is important to us and it is our absolute priority to provide support and understanding to each and every one," said Mr Atchison.
For those customers affected by the storm, Apia offers the following advice:
- The priority is your personal safety, do not attempt any temporary repairs or clean up that may place you in harms way
- Call 13 50 50 as soon as possible
- Emergency funding to help with living expenses, is available for those whose homes are uninhabitable, please contact Apia on 13 50 50
- If you are able, lift and remove any wet carpets from the house
- Itemise your damaged contents before they’re thrown away to ensure your claim settlement is as speedy as possible
- Any small claims will be settled immediately over the phone, please contact Apia on 13 50 50
Apia is a specialist insurer for people over 50 who are not working full time. It provides a full range of home and contents insurance, car insurance, caravan insurance, motorhome insurance and boat insurance and has a network of 44 branches across Australia, serving almost 700,000 customers.
Media information:
Kate McGrath, Apia Public Relations Manager, ph 03 8520 5328
Grant Smith, Hill and Knowlton, ph 02 9268 0242 or 0421 559 610
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