Water damage can leave you organising several things at once: access to the property, restoration and an insurance claim. This checklist helps you prepare for those conversations. Your insurer decides what your policy covers.
Contact your insurer early
Report the damage as soon as practical, even if you do not yet know its full extent. Ask about your excess, what information is needed and whether temporary accommodation is available if the property is unliveable. Keep your claim reference and contact notes together. See Moneysmart’s home insurance claim guide.
Document damage without putting yourself at risk
Only take photographs where it is safe to do so. Capture affected rooms and belongings before cleanup, and start a list of damaged items. After storm flooding, follow emergency-service directions and have affected electrical systems checked before switching them on. Ask your insurer about damaged items before disposal; do not keep hazardous items merely as evidence. The Insurance Council’s storm recovery guidance explains these precautions.
Confirm approval before committing to work
Speak to your insurer before authorising building work, including emergency repairs, and ask for written permission. Unauthorised work may not be covered. Ask who is arranging restoration, what has been approved and who will pay each invoice. Keep quotes, approvals and receipts with your claim records.
Review the proposed scope
Read the written scope and raise missing items with your insurer. If further damage is uncovered, the scope may need review. The Insurance Council’s claims process guide explains how assessment, scope and repairs fit together.
Speak directly with Reztor’s restoration team
Reztor carries out its restoration work with its own internal team and does not subcontract that work. Separately arranged building repairs or specialist trades are distinct from our restoration scope. When you contact Reztor, share the property location, affected areas, access arrangements and any insurer instructions. You can also read our questions to ask a restoration contractor.
Reviewed 29 September 2026.