Legal and Insurance Support

Disaster Response Legal Service NSW can provide free legal help for people affected by natural disasters, including bushfires, storms or floods. They can help you with everyday legal problems including insurance claims and disputes, financial hardship, tenancy and Centrelink.

Insurance Tips

• Lodge insurance claims as early as possible
• Take photographs and videos of damage where safe to do so
• Keep records and receipts relating to damage and clean-up
• Carefully review your insurance policy wording.  If in doubt, get legal advice before speaking to claims assessors, who usually visit on site.
• Make sure that premiums have been paid in full, or are up to date, before lodging any claim because premium shortfalls may affect payment.
• Request written reasons if a claim is declined
• Your home insurance policy may cover the costs of your temporary accommodation if you can no longer live in your home. Check with your insurer as early as possible.

People affected by natural disasters can contact:

• • Disaster Response Legal Service NSW– 1800 801 529 – 9am–5pm Monday to Friday
  • Financial Rights Legal Centre (Previously Insurance Law Service)