RACQ today urged affected policyholders to lodge claims arising from the weekend's gstorms as soon as possible.
"RACQ is operating its 24-hour hotline, 13 72 02, for customers to lodge claims directly over the phone with no forms to fill out," RACQ Executive Manager Insurance Communications Mike Sopinski said.
"RACQ Insurance has already received more than 200 households claims and more than 150 motor claims, with many more expected over the next few days.
"The sooner customers lodge their claims, the sooner we can arrange for the assessment of storm damaged property.
"At this stage RACQ has received claims relating to both home and car damage'' Mr Sopinski said.
"We are seeing damage to homes from falling tree branches, hail, and wind damage from flying debris. We are also being notified of water entering homes through roofs as a result of clogged gutters and downpipes and damage to sheds and out buildings.
"It's far too early to put an estimate on the value of claims as the extent of damage to property is still developing and we expect to receive additional customer claims over the next few days.
"As soon as possible after customers lodge a claim with us, RACQ assessing staff will be on the ground to assess damage to cars and homes, so that we can commence the repair process."
"RACQ policyholders with damage to their car or home should phone RACQ on our 24-hour telephone number 13 72 02 for immediate claims service.
"Due to the widespread storm damage and the number of calls for assistance we anticipate, we ask that customers please be patient when calling RACQ," he said.
19.11.12
COMMENT: Given their woeful performance after the 2011 flood, RACQ Insurance is obviously trying to build some credibility with their apparent "consumer friendly" approach to building and vehicle damage claims.
Prudent consumers should never forget how thousands of ordinary Brisbane and Ipswich policy holders were denied payouts by RACQ Insurance in the aftermath of the devastating flood of 11 January 2011.
Their actions should never be forgotten and current RACQ Insurance policy holders should seriously consider cancelling their policies and people shopping for insurance should simply avoid RACQ Insurance in protest at the company's actions.
RACQ's insult to the people of Goodna in particular will be embedded in people's minds for many decades to come.
