300x164 Sgua Logo found on top of the website
Menu
close
300x164 Sgua Logo found on top of the website
Menu
close
Submit a Claim

Bushfire

Bushfire
Emergency Contacts

Emergency Contacts

  • State Emergency Services 132 500
  • Police, fire or ambulance 000

Bushfires can leave a lasting impact — emotionally, physically, and financially. If your property has been affected, we’re here to help you take the next steps toward recovery.

Start with what matters most: your safety. Once it’s safe to return, this hub will guide you through everything from assessing damage to filing an insurance claim. We’ve included key resources to help you navigate common bushfire-related issues. We know this can be a stressful and uncertain time. That’s why we’re committed to providing clear information, fast support, and practical tools to help you restore your property — and your peace of mind — as quickly as possible.

Lodge a Claim

Coverage & Excesses

For more information on coverage and excesses, please refer to your Product Disclosure Statement (PDS).
View PDS

Checklist of what to do

Checklist of what to do if your property has been impacted
Download

Submit a claim online

The quickest and easiest way to submit a claim is online. We’ve streamlined the process to ensure you can get the help you need as fast as possible. Simply visit our claims portal and follow the easy steps to submit your details.
  • Quick & Convenient

    Quick & Convenient

    Submitting your claim online is the fastest way to get started on the road to recovery.
  • 24/7 Availability

    24/7 Availability

    You can submit your claim anytime, day or night, from the comfort of your home.
  • Direct Assistance

    Direct Assistance

    Our claims team will begin processing your request as soon as it's received, ensuring timely support.

We're here to support you

Our team understand how overwhelming it can be to deal with the aftermath of a natural disaster. Rest assured, we are committed to supporting you every step of the way as you begin to recover. Our team is ready to assist you with your property insurance claim.

Feel free to call us 1300 307 072.

FAQs

Bushfire

    • What do I do before a bushfire?

    Clear Vegetation and Debris
    Remove dry leaves, twigs, and any flammable materials around your home, including gutters, decks, and pathways. Trim trees and shrubs to create defensible space to reduce the spread of fire.

    Tip: Use a rake to clear leaves from gutters and maintain a buffer zone around your property.
    Prepare Fire-Resistant Barriers
    Create firebreaks or barriers with non-flammable materials like gravel or concrete around your home to slow the spread of fire.

    Tip: Check with local authorities for firebreak guidelines in your area.
    Secure Your Roof and Windows
    Ensure your roof is in good condition and all windows are tightly sealed to prevent embers from entering. Consider installing mesh over vents to keep embers out.

    Tip: Close all windows and doors when a bushfire is imminent.
    Create an Emergency Plan and Kit
    Prepare an emergency plan, ensuring everyone in your household knows the evacuation routes and key contacts. Have an emergency kit with essentials like water, food, medications, a first-aid kit, a flashlight, and important documents.

    Tip: Don’t forget to include pet supplies like food, water, and leashes.
    Stay Informed
    Monitor local news and bushfire warnings via the Bureau of Meteorology, your local emergency services, or the Fire Service.

    Tip: Set up emergency alerts on your phone to get real-time warnings.

    • What should I do during the bushfire?

    Stay Indoors and Stay Away from Windows
    If you are indoors, stay inside and away from windows, as embers can shatter glass and spread the fire.

    Tip: Move to the safest part of your home, ideally an interior room with no windows.
    Avoid Driving
    If you’re on the road and a bushfire is approaching, avoid driving through smoke or flames. Find a safe location to stop and stay in your car, keeping your seatbelt on.

    Tip: If driving becomes dangerous, stop at a service station or any open building to shelter.
    Don’t Use Water Tanks
    If you have water tanks, avoid using them for firefighting efforts unless absolutely necessary, as these can become contaminated by ash and debris.

    Tip: Conserve water for drinking and personal use, especially if the water supply becomes contaminated.

    • What should I do after a bushfire?

    Inspect Your Property for Damage
    Carefully check your property for any signs of fire damage, including scorched trees, singed fencing, and any structural damage.
    Document Damaged Items
    Take photos or videos of all damage, including buildings and personal property, and note the details like brand, model, and serial numbers.
    Stay Clear of Dangerous Areas
    Avoid areas that are still smoldering, and stay away from damaged structures that may pose a collapse risk. Be cautious around fallen trees, power lines, and hot spots. Tip: Keep away from ash pits or areas with active fire remnants.
    Dispose of Hazardous Materials
    Safely discard any hazardous materials that were damaged in the fire, such as chemicals, gas bottles, or food that could have been contaminated by smoke.
    Do Not Reconnect Electricity
    If the property was exposed to the fire, have a qualified electrician inspect the premises before reconnecting any electricity to prevent hazards.
    Mitigate Further Damage
    Take reasonable steps to prevent further damage to your property, such as covering holes or broken windows. Keep receipts of any emergency work done as part of your claim.
    Don’t Throw Away Salvageable Items
    Avoid throwing away items that can be repaired or restored. Many items can be salvaged or refurbished after a bushfire.

General

    • How do I lodge a claim?

    Submit Your Claim
    Complete our easy online claim form, and we’ll arrange temporary repairs to prevent further damage.
    Document Your Damaged Items
    While you begin cleaning up and we finalize the details, take photos and note the model numbers of any items you’re claiming for.
    Assess the Damage
    We’ll work with you to evaluate the extent of the damage and create a list of necessary repairs. As work progresses, we’ll update the list if additional repairs are identified.
    Prepare for Repairs
    Once the repair list is finalized, our builder will confirm the start date, and we’ll keep you informed every step of the way.

    • What are the expected turnaround times on my claim?

    During catastrophe events we see increases in enquiries & new claim lodgments, as well as a greater need to appoint assessor and builders. As such, our turnaround times may be slightly longer than usual.
Menu
close
Menu
close

SGUA is a brand name of The Proplab Group Pty Ltd trading as St George Underwriting Agency, an Australian Financial Services Licensee (AFSL) authorised to deal in general insurance products.

Policies are issued by Certain Underwriters at Lloyd’s and distributed by The Proplab Group Pty Ltd trading as St George Underwriting Agency (ABN 59 009 357 582, AFSL No 236663).

General advice provided on this website does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Please read the relevant Product Disclosure Statement, Financial Services Guide and Target Market Determination available from us to consider whether our product is right for you. Benefits are subject to terms and conditions, including excesses, limits, and exclusions of your policy.

© 2025 SGUA - St George Underwriting Agency | Insurance Website by Wolf IQ

arrow-left