Horror year of bushfire claims sparks RACQ warning

RACQ spokesperson Lucinda Ross said the Club had seen a huge spike in bushfire claims, with last year’s figures up by 376 percent when compared to the previous year.

“We had a devastating spring and summer of 2019 with bushfires raging in parts of our state, and our record insurance claims are sadly a reflection of that,” Ms Ross said.

“After a dry winter in Queensland, it’s important every homeowner understands their bushfire risk and is prepared for the worst.”

Ms Ross said there were some critical things all homeowners should consider as bushfire season commenced.

“It’s vital you prepare an evacuation plan, just in case you need it. Sit down with your family and talk through what you would do in a bushfire, going through everything from your potential escape routes, to the important documents you might need and how accessible they are,” she said.

“It’s also important you look at your insurance coverage so you know you have the right protection for your property.

“Losing your home to a bushfire is a tragedy no homeowner wants to go through, so make sure you’ve accurately assessed the value of your home and contents insurance coverage so you can make a claim for bushfire damage if you need to. Calculate how much it would cost to rebuild your home or replace your contents.

“It’s also vital you check your smoke alarms are working properly and comply with Australian standards. They can mean the difference between life and death in a house fire, so make sure you and your family are protected by checking your smoke alarms at least twice a year.”