Steps to make a Claim
1. If you have a claim, select one of the following forms:
2. Fill in the required information and provide photographic evidence where possible
3. Send the Claim Lodgement to your Broker or email us at claims@if.net.au
What happens when you lodge a claim?
After you have lodge a claim, the process can vary depending on the type of claim you've made. Here's a general outline of what typically happens:
1. Claim Lodgement & Initial Review
Once your claim is lodged, our Claims Team will conduct an initial review. At this stage we will consider:
- The type of loss (e.g. hail, fire, straying livestock etc)
- The insured event (such as storm, lightening etc)
- Dates, time and location of the event
- Policy coverage, conditions and applicable excesses
If we need additional information at this stage such as photographs, third party contact details or farm maps, we will get in touch with your broker who will request this information from you.
2. On Farm Assessment
If we determine under your policy conditions that a claim may be triggered, an agronomical qualified assessor will be appointed. The assessor will
- Carry out an onfarm inspection of the damaged crops
- Estimate potential yield loss and
- Review patterns such as livestock movement or overspray damage
Please note that the Assessors may need to visit your Farm on more than once occasion depending on the circumstances and size of your claim.
3. Post Farm Assessment
Following the assessors survey of your damaged crops, the Loss Adjusters will request a copy of your harvest data so they can calculate your claim. Once the claim calculation is agreed by you, the Adjusters will send us a copy of their findings. The claim calculation created by the Loss Adjuster will include any applicable excesses.
4. Claim assessment findings & Decision
When we receive the assessor’s findings, we will then determine the claim outcome. This may result in:
- Approval of the claim
- Partial acceptance
- A request for further information
- Declinature of the claim (with reasons provided)
5. Settlement Offer & Payment
Where a settlement is offered, we will:
- Ask you to confirm acceptance of the settlement
- Request bank details to issue payment
Once accepted by you, settlement funds will be paid directly into your nominated account.
6. Appeals & Dispute Resolution
If your claim is declined or you disagree with the decision, you have the right to request a review. This may involve:
- Submitting additional information or expert reports
- An internal review by the Claims Manager
- Access to external dispute resolution if required
Further details on the appeals process and resolution can be found in the following link See our Complaints Handling and Dispute Resolution
Throughout the claims process, it's important to communicate promptly with assessors, your claims team and your broker. Our Claims Team will also keep you and your broker informed.
Our Loss Adjusters
Loss adjusters provide valuable expertise and assistance during challenging times. Their professional knowledge and experience enable them to assess damages accurately, expedite the claims process, and ensure fair outcomes for all parties involved. By facilitating clear communication between insurers, growers, brokers and other stakeholders, loss adjusters help streamline the resolution process and contribute to restoring peace of mind for those affected by loss or adversity, ultimately they help farmers and their businesses alike recover and rebuild with confidence.
Our Trusted Loss Adjusters are
Agri Business Consulting Group
We utilise the services of Agri Business Consulting Group They are an independent provider of specialist loss adjustment, loss/risk management and consulting services. The Group’s operations cover both domestic and international projects, working in conjunction with Insurers, Industry Organisations, Corporate Enterprises, Governments and International Agencies.
The Group’s involvement in agriculture extends back to 1977 and since then, has included a broad range of Insurance Schemes covering broadacre, horticulture, viticulture, silviculture, floriculture, aquaculture and livestock and has also been actively involved in many of the major agricultural Products and Public Liability claims in Australia over the last decade, involving crops, equipment, chemicals, fertilisers, agronomy and farming systems.
In terms of crop insurance, Agri Business Consulting Group follow established methods of loss measurement involving the grower at all stages to ensure that the claim process is totally transparent. Their prime objective is to achieve fair, reasonable and equitable outcomes for both Insurers and Growers.
Visit the Agri Business Consulting Group website
Agricultural Risk Consulting Group
ARC Natural Risk is a member of ARC Group. The ARC Natural Risk team have been involved in the assessment of agricultural claims since 1985. The group undertakes extensive work throughout all areas of Australia and New Zealand. The group has also undertaken work in North America and Asia.
The ARC Natural Risk team are highly experienced in both agriculture and in handling agricultural insurance claims. We understand the factors that are important to the Individual Grower, Investor, Management Company, Insurer and Broker alike. This insight enables anticipation and resolution of potential issues before they become major concerns.
The proven protocols in place, a consistent approach and an accurate time efficient determination of loss according to the Insurers policy guidelines facilitates an optimal outcome for all parties involved. Early identification and implementation of an effective claim handling strategy ensures that even complex claims are dealt with in the most time efficient manner possible.
The ARC Natural Risk teams are located throughout Australia, for further details visit our website at www.arcgroup.net.au
Claims Fraud
Did you know that insurance fraud imposes additional costs on honest policyholders? Insurance premiums are calculated on risk. So fraud is really a cost to our local community and to every policyholder.
While we focus on paying claims, as a responsible community insurer we also manage levels of risk to control premium costs and to protect honest policyholders. The majority of claims are legitimate, a small number are suspicious and are referred through to investigators for further analysis.
The good news is that community perceptions are changing. People who do the right thing don't want to subsidise fraudulent claimants. We're encouraging the community to help prevent insurance fraud.
You can help. How to report insurance fraud
Email
Email us at claims@if.net.au
Online (anonymous)
National Insurance Fraud Website
Phone (anonymous)
(08) 8372 4020
Mail
Fraud Manager
7/154 Fullarton Road
Rose Park, 5067