Affected by flood? Here's what to do
If your home or car have been affected by flooding, and you have an AAMI Insurance policy that provides cover for flood1, you can make a claim online in minutes to help you get the support you need. If you’re not sure whether your policy covers flood events, refer to the PDS or check the relevant policy documents in your AAMI My Account.
In addition to this, there are a few things you can do to stay safe and minimise damage.
If your home has been affected by flooding:
1. Make sure everyone's safe.
It may seem obvious, but the obvious things can get missed at stressful times. Make sure you and your loved ones are getting support, practically, medically and emotionally.
2. Don’t go inside until the water has gone down.
The water should be below the floor level of your property, so you can check for any damage – and uninvited guests, like snakes. Always follow the advice of emergency services, and if you’ve evacuated, don’t return home until the authorities let you know it’s safe to do so.
3. When it's safe and if possible to do so, take photos and/or videos of your home and the stuff inside.
These can help you establish the type and extent of damage when lodging your claim.
4. If possible, keep samples of materials and fabrics.
Show these to your assessor as part of your claim — for carpet, around a square metre should be fine — unless of course there's a risk in doing so.
5. Make a list of damaged items.
If possible, include a detailed description, with info such as brand, model and serial number.
If you need to purchase new items immediately – like a fridge or washing machine – you’re able to do so. We’ll obtain like-for-like quotes based off your original model, and can provide you with a cash settlement instead of a replacement item.
6. Store damaged or destroyed items somewhere safe.
If possible and safe to do so. Try not to throw away stuff that could be salvaged or repaired.
7. Chat to us before authorising any building work.
If you’re not sure what would be considered “building work”, feel free to contact us – our claims consultants are here to help, chat online now.
If emergency work is required to make the home safe, you’re able to do so, just be sure to take photos and/or videos and provide invoices or a clear report of what’s been done.
If your car has been affected by flooding:
1. Don’t attempt to get your car until the water goes down.
Once the water level has gone down, you can check for damage. Always follow any advice from emergency services and the police.
2. Don’t drive your car if flood water has risen above the lower level of the doors.
You don’t want to end up stuck! Your car will need to be towed away and assessed.
3. Clean and dry your car as well as you can.
This will reduce the risk of mould damage.
4. Take photos of any damaged personal property in the car.
This can include things like phones, clothing and more. If possible, include a detailed description such as value, brand, or make.
5. Lodge an insurance claim.
Photos and supporting documents like receipts can help, but you can start the process without them if you can't get to them or they're water damaged.
Read more:
- Home insurance excess explained
- Are outdoor living areas covered by home insurance?
- Is my home covered while unoccupied?
1 Limits and exclusions apply. No storm or flood cover for Home Insurance policies within the first 72 hours of your policy. Very limited exceptions apply. Actions or movements of the sea and storm surge are not covered (unless the storm surge damage occurs at the same time as damage caused by storm). Other exclusions apply.
Insurance is issued by AAI Limited ABN 48 005 297 807 AFSL 230859 (AAI) trading as AAMI. Read the relevant Product Disclosure Statement before buying this insurance.
This advice has been prepared without taking into account your particular objectives, financial situations or needs, so you should consider whether it is appropriate for you before acting on it.
Related links