As the bushfire and flood season approaches and living costs soar, Legal Aid NSW is urging homeowners to check their insurance policies.
The Australian Bureau of Statistics says home and car insurance costs have risen by 16 per cent in the past year, and that’s prompted a warning from a free legal service for people affected by disasters.
Legal Aid NSW’s Disaster Response Legal Service (DRLS) says many of its clients were under-insured or not covered for damage due to:
• the rising cost of premiums and rebuilding a home;
• insurance policy exclusions for example, flood cover and in some cases, elements of bushfire damage.
Disaster Response Legal Service senior lawyer Liz Lehmann, said: “We urge people to check their policies. If you’re unsure about what you’re covered for and what this means for you, seek advice and call the DRLS on 1800 801 529.