Before & after natural disasters and weather events

We know extreme weather and natural disasters can be devastating for our customers and communities, which is why we’re here to support before, during and after catastrophic events.

Current events

We’re working hard to support our customers impacted by recent extreme weather across Australia. Find out how we’re responding, including what to do if you’re affected and need to claim on our alerts page. Or follow us on Facebook and Twitter for updates.

For the latest weather updates listen to your local radio station or visit the Bureau of Meteorology’s website, Twitter or Facebook. You can also find more information and support using the government and emergency services sources at the bottom of this page.

QBE weather alerts

Making a claim after an event

If you need to claim after an extreme weather event or natural disaster, please contact us as soon as you’re safe and able to do so. This will speed up the claims process so we can get you back on your feet sooner. If you don’t know your policy details, simply provide your name and address and we’ll find it for you.

If you’re insured directly with QBE, please call us on 133 QBE (133 723) and press 3 for Claims.

If you purchased your policy from an intermediary or your financial institution, please contact them directly.

Following an event:

• Always follow the advice and direction of emergency services representatives – for general help, call the SES on 132 500 and in an emergency dial 000;
• Contact us straight away if you’re in urgent need of ‘make safe’ repairs, temporary accommodation or emergency cash payments;
• Take photographs of any damage before cleaning up, to help support your claim;
• Discard damaged goods that may pose a health risk;
• Be cautious around electrical items and power lines that may have been affected;
• Never drive a vehicle you believe may be unsafe, particularly if its windscreen is smashed, indicators are damaged, or it has been waterlogged;
• Never attempt to drive through flood-affected areas;
• Be careful around trees and buildings which may become unstable;
• Be aware of scammers offering assistance with claims or repairs – contact us first to ensure any works are authorised and completed by a reputable company that guarantees its work.

Read more about making an extreme weather insurance claim or what to do after a flood, cyclone, storm or bushfire.

Extra help if you’re experiencing vulnerability

If you’re a QBE customer in need of extra care following a natural disaster or weather event, we have a range of support measures and resources available to support you. Find out more about how we can help customers experiencing vulnerability.

Insurance protection before future events

One of the most critical parts of extreme weather preparation is considering insurance protection and the role it may play in getting you back to normal if your home, business or assets are damaged or destroyed after an event. It’s especially important to think about if you are in an area prone to bushfire, severe storms or cyclones.

If you have insurance, make sure you have a clear understanding of exactly how and when you’re covered to make sure your levels of cover are right for you.

Read more about how to make sure you have enough cover in our home owners and business guides to avoiding underinsurance and get help estimating costs to rebuild your home and replace your contents using these calculators.

Local government and emergency services

Bureau of Meteorology: Website, Twitter, Facebook