Home Claims Helper

When making a claim on your Budget Direct home and/or contents policy, please follow these steps:

1. Take all reasonable steps to prevent or minimise further loss, damage or liability.
2. Report any theft (or attempted theft), malicious damage or vehicle impact to the police as soon as possible.

Lodge a claim, providing us with the full details of the incident and any relevant supporting documents.

If there is an emergency in your home that requires urgent attention, a ‘make safe ’ can be completed. This is to make sure that any risk to occupants or further damage to the property is removed and the site is secure. In most cases, a ‘make safe’ is a temporary measure and not a final repair.

If an ‘event’ is threatening the safety of your household members or is continuing to cause damage, we ask (where it is safe to do so) that you take reasonable action to prevent further damage and secure your home where possible.

If you appoint a tradesperson for an emergency repair then you can submit your expenses for review as part of your claim. Make sure that you document the repair and save invoices, receipts, and photographs taken at the time of the incident.

1. Document the Damage

   You can start cleaning up, but first take pictures or videos of damage to the property and possessions, and keep samples of damaged materials and fabrics as evidence for your claim (for carpet, around a square meter should be fine, if it is safe to keep).

2. Remove Water and Mud-Damaged Contents

   You are able to remove water or mud-damaged materials from your property that might pose a health risk, such as saturated carpets and soft furnishings (if the item is damaged and may be repairable or you are retaining destroyed items, store them somewhere where they do not pose a health risk).

3. Keep a Record of Items

   You should make a list of all the damaged items and provide as much information as you can. This could include a description of the item, brand, model, and serial number.

4. Purchase New Items

   If you have to purchase new items immediately to get you back on your feet, like a washing machine, fridge, or essential items then you’re able to do so. Please keep your receipts and if your Contents Insurance provides cover for these items and your claim for these items is accepted, we’ll provide you with a cash settlement for the covered items instead of replacing them.

5. Replacement of Non-Essential Items

   If the replacement is not urgent, please make a list with a short description of the item and details such as brand, where the item was purchased and receipts/ proof of purchase if possible. Photos of the damaged items and replacement quotes may also help with the replacement process.