Storms, fires, floods. Property losses can happen quickly and suddenly. In those moments, the actions you take early can make a big difference to both recovery time and claim outcomes.
But where should you start?
This checklist will guide you through what to do during – and after – a property loss, so you can put your claim on the strongest footing.
1. Notify early
As soon as you become aware of a loss, you need to notify your claims team.
Send an email to newclaims@jlta.com.au with the key details you have at the time, including:
- What has occurred
- When it happened
- The suspected or known damage
- Any immediate response actions (e.g. emergency plan activated, make safe underway)
- A preliminary estimate of the damage, if available
You don’t need all the answers, but early notification ensures support can begin straight away.
We’ll then register and assign your claim to a dedicated claims consultant, who will begin the claim assessment process.
2. Protect your assets
Your next priority is to prevent further damage.
Take reasonable steps to make the site safe and stabilise the situation. This might include:
- Supporting damaged structures
- Tarping exposed roofs
- Isolating unsafe areas
These early actions can reduce the impact of the loss – and ultimately, the cost of the claim.
3. Document the ‘make safe’
While response efforts are underway, start documenting everything.
This step is critical. The more detail you capture now, the smoother your claims process will be later. Focus on:
- Listing all damaged assets and confirming asset numbers
- Taking clear photos of the damage
- Creating work orders or ledger numbers for any preliminary costs incurred
- Keeping all invoices and receipts
- Recording what work was done to make the site safe
You should also capture key details such as:
- What assets were affected
- The type and extent of damage
- Whether there is any business interruption
- Estimated costs
- Staff time spent on response and clean-up (with timesheets)
4. Submit your claim form
Once you’ve gathered the initial information, head to the Statewide Mutual Member Centre to download and complete the property claim form.
Send the form along with your supporting documentation to your allocated claims consultant.
5. Plan the recovery
After lodging your claim, the focus shifts to restoring your asset to its pre-loss condition.
Your JLT claims team will work alongside you – with any appointed loss adjuster – to assess the damage and determine coverage.
You can then work with your claims consultant to engage service providers to carry out the repairs.
For larger or more complex losses, this process can take time. Clear and complete documentation will prevent delays and support a fair outcome.
6. Continue to evidence your claim
The information you collect during the initial response is just the start.
From the moment the loss occurs – and throughout the life of the claim – continue to retain evidence of all costs related to the damage. This helps ensure your claim is assessed efficiently and settled fairly.
Depending on the nature of the loss, this evidence may include:
- Invoices and receipts
- Expert reports (e.g. engineers, hydrologists, quantity surveyors)
- Scope of works and tender documents
- Purchase orders and quotations
- Staff timesheets
- Contracts, leases and service agreements
- Financial records (e.g. profit and loss statements)
- Asset registers and maintenance records
- Inspection reports
- Photos or CCTV footage (pre- and post-loss)
- Emergency services reports
This list is not exhaustive. But the principle is simple: if a cost forms part of your claim, it should be supported by clear evidence.
We’re here to support you at every stage of the claims process. If you have any questions or need guidance, please reach out to your Claims Consultant.