When a severe storm tears through your neighbourhood, the aftermath can feel overwhelming. Fallen trees, shattered roof tiles, flooded rooms — it is a lot to take in. But knowing the right steps to follow can make the difference between a swift recovery and months of unnecessary stress.
Prioritise Your Safety First
Before you inspect any damage, make sure everyone in your household is safe. If the storm is still active, stay indoors and away from windows. Victorian storms — particularly during the October to March hail season — can produce dangerous lightning, destructive wind gusts exceeding 100 km/h, and hailstones large enough to shatter skylights.
If your property has sustained structural damage — such as a collapsed wall, a tree through the roof, or visible sagging — do not enter the building. Call the Victorian State Emergency Service (SES) on 132 500 for emergency assistance. In a life-threatening situation, always call 000 first.
Document the Damage Thoroughly
Once it is safe to do so, document everything before you touch or move anything. Your insurer will need evidence of the damage as it occurred. Use your phone to take photos and videos of every affected area — exterior and interior.
- •Photograph damaged roof areas, gutters, and downpipes from ground level (do not climb onto a damaged roof).
- •Capture water ingress points, stained ceilings, and wet carpet or flooring.
- •Record any damage to fences, carports, sheds, and outdoor structures.
- •Note the date and approximate time the storm hit — this helps align with Bureau of Meteorology records.
- •Keep a written list of damaged or destroyed personal belongings, with approximate values where possible.
Make Temporary Repairs to Prevent Further Damage
Under most home insurance policies in Australia, you have a duty to take reasonable steps to prevent further damage. This does not mean full repairs — it means temporary, protective measures.
- •Cover broken windows with plastic sheeting or plywood.
- •Place tarps over exposed roof sections to prevent further water ingress.
- •Move furniture and valuables away from wet areas.
- •Mop up standing water where possible and set up fans to assist drying.
- •Turn off electricity to affected areas if water has entered near power points or switchboards — contact a licensed electrician if unsure.
Keep all receipts for temporary repair materials. Your insurer will typically reimburse these costs as part of the claim.
Contact Your Insurer Promptly
Lodge your claim as soon as possible. Most Australian insurers have 24/7 claims hotlines specifically for storm events. Under the Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) General Insurance Code of Practice, your insurer must acknowledge your claim within one business day and begin the assessment process.
When you call, have your policy number ready along with the photos and notes you have gathered. Be specific about what happened — "hail damaged the roof tiles and water entered through the ceiling in the main bedroom" is far more useful than "storm damage to the house".
Working with a Specialist Insurance Repairer
After your claim is lodged, your insurer will typically appoint a builder to assess and repair the damage. Specialist insurance repairers like Oxide Construct understand the claims process inside and out — from initial scope of works through to final sign-off.
A professional assessment will identify both the obvious damage and the hidden issues that homeowners often miss. Water that has penetrated through a damaged roof, for example, can travel along rafters and into wall cavities, causing problems that do not become visible for weeks. An experienced assessor will check for these secondary damage paths and ensure the full scope is captured in the claim.
What to Expect During the Repair Process
- •An assessor will visit your property to document the full extent of damage and prepare a detailed scope of works.
- •Your insurer will review and approve the scope, including any required make-safe works.
- •Repairs are scheduled, with emergency make-safe work prioritised to prevent further deterioration.
- •Throughout the process, you should receive regular updates on progress, timelines, and any variations.
- •A final inspection ensures all work meets Australian building standards before sign-off.
Dealing with storm damage is stressful, but you do not have to navigate it alone. Understanding your rights as a policyholder, documenting the damage properly, and working with experienced professionals will help you move from damage to restoration as smoothly as possible.
