What Happens After You Lodge a Claim: A Step-by-Step Walkthrough
Lodging an insurance claim can feel overwhelming, especially when you're already dealing with the stress of a loss, accident, or damage. The good news? When you have an experienced insurance broker on your side, the process is far more straightforward than you might think.
At Remingtons Insurance Brokers, we've been guiding Australians through the claims process since 1982. Whether it's a business insurance claim, a motor vehicle incident, or a personal risk insurance matter, knowing exactly what happens after you lodge can make all the difference.
Here's your step-by-step walkthrough of what to expect.
Step 1: You Lodge Your Claim
The first step is notifying your broker or insurer as soon as possible after an incident. At Remingtons, you can lodge a claim directly through our website, or if you've had a car accident, use our dedicated motor claim page. You can also call us on 1300 137 175.
When lodging, you'll typically need to provide:
Date, time, and location of the incident
A description of what happened
Details of any third parties involved (if applicable)
Supporting documentation such as photos, receipts, or police reports
The more detail you provide upfront, the smoother the process will be.
Step 2: Your Claim Is Acknowledged and Assessed
Once your claim is lodged, the insurer will send you a formal acknowledgement, usually within a few business days. A claims assessor or loss adjuster may be assigned to your case depending on the complexity and value of the claim.
Their job is to verify the details of your claim against your policy and determine whether the loss is covered. This is where having a skilled insurance broker like Remingtons in your corner matters enormously. We advocate on your behalf, help compile documentation, and liaise with the insurer directly, so you're never left navigating complex insurance jargon alone.
Step 3: Assessment and Investigation
For larger or more complex claims such as business insurance claims involving significant property damage or business interruption, the insurer may appoint an independent assessor to conduct an on-site inspection or review.
This stage can include:
A physical inspection of the damaged property or vehicle
Review of financial records (for business interruption claims)
Verification of third-party information
Timelines here can vary depending on the nature of the claim and the insurer's processes. Your Remingtons broker will keep you updated throughout and push to move things along wherever possible.
Step 4: The Insurer Makes a Decision
After the assessment is complete, the insurer will make one of three decisions:
Accept the claim, and move toward settlement
Partially accept the claim, covering some but not all losses
Decline the claim, citing policy exclusions or insufficient evidence
If your claim is accepted, you'll receive a settlement offer. If it's declined or only partially accepted and you believe this is unjust, you have the right to dispute the decision, something your Remingtons broker can assist with.
Step 5: Settlement and Payment
Once a claim is accepted and the settlement amount is agreed upon, payment is arranged. Depending on your policy, this could mean:
A direct cash payment to you
Payment to a repairer or supplier on your behalf
Replacement of the item or property
Remingtons helps ensure that settlement terms are fair and that you receive what you're genuinely entitled to under your policy.
Why Having a Broker Makes All the Difference
Many Australians don't realise that going directly to an insurer means navigating the claims process entirely on your own. An insurance broker acts as your personal advocate someone who understands your policy inside and out, knows the right questions to ask, and fights to ensure your claim is handled fairly and efficiently.
With offices across Ballarat, Brisbane, Melbourne, Gold Coast, Geelong, Noosa, and Tasmania, Remingtons Insurance Brokers has been providing Australians with expert insurance guidance for over 40 years.
Ready to Talk?
Whether you're dealing with an active claim or want to make sure you're properly covered before something goes wrong, our experienced team is ready to help.
Call us on 1300 137 175 Visit remingtons.com.au Email: info@remingtons.com.au
Don't navigate the claims process alone, let Remingtons take the stress out of insurance.
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