Brisbane Insurance Repair Guide

WHAT HAPPENS DURING AN
INSURANCE REPAIR ASSESSMENT

Understanding what to expect during an insurance assessment can take a lot of the stress out of the process, particularly if it's your first time making a claim.

Quick Overview

An assessment is simply the process of properly documenting the damage so your insurer can authorise a fair repair. It's a normal, expected part of any claim, not something to be anxious about.

An assessor or repairer inspects the damage and documents what's needed
A detailed quote is prepared and submitted to your insurer
Your insurer reviews and authorises the quote before repair work begins
Most assessments can happen at the repairer's workshop or on site, depending on the damage

Knowing what's coming at each stage makes the whole process feel a lot more straightforward.

Step 1: The Initial Inspection

Once your claim is lodged, the damage needs to be properly inspected: either by your insurer's assessor, your chosen repairer, or both. This involves a close look at the visible damage, but a good assessment also checks for anything that might not be obvious at first glance, like underlying cracking, softness, or structural concerns that weren't immediately visible.

What Gets Assessed

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Step 2: Documentation and Photos

The assessment typically includes detailed photos of the damage from multiple angles, along with written notes describing the extent and likely cause of the damage. This documentation forms the basis of the repair quote and gives your insurer a clear picture of what's actually involved.

Step 3: The Repair Quote

Based on the assessment, a detailed quote is put together, outlining the scope of work, materials required, and the cost to repair the damage properly. This is submitted to your insurer for review.

Step 4: Insurer Review and Authorisation

Your insurer reviews the quote against the damage and your policy terms. This step can take anywhere from a day to a couple of weeks depending on the insurer and complexity of the claim. Once authorised, you'll generally be notified and the repair can be scheduled.

Step 5: Repair Work Begins

With authorisation in place, the repair work goes ahead. Your repairer will keep you updated on timing, and any unexpected findings once the work starts, sometimes additional damage becomes apparent once a repair is underway, are generally communicated back to the insurer for approval before proceeding.

What If Additional Damage Is Found Mid-Repair?

It's not unusual for a repairer to find additional damage once they've started work, particularly with fibreglass, where surface damage can sometimes hide more extensive issues underneath. A good repairer will document this clearly with photos and communicate it to your insurer for approval before continuing, rather than just proceeding without authorisation.

What You Can Do to Help the Process Move Smoothly

Provide clear, detailed photos as early as possible
Respond promptly to any requests for information from your insurer or repairer
Keep records of all communication, including dates and reference numbers
Ask your repairer to explain anything in the quote you're unsure about

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does an insurance repair assessment take?
The initial inspection itself is often quick, but the full process, from quote submission to insurer authorisation, can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks depending on the insurer.
Do I need to be present for the assessment?
It depends on where the assessment takes place: if it's at a workshop you may not need to be there, while an on-site assessment may benefit from you being available to answer questions.
What happens if more damage is found once repairs start?
A good repairer will document any additional damage and seek approval from your insurer before proceeding with extra work, rather than just continuing without authorisation.
Can I ask questions about the quote before it's submitted?
Yes, it's reasonable to ask your repairer to walk you through what's included in the quote and why, particularly if anything is unclear.

Let's Discuss Your Repair

If you need fibreglass repairs in Brisbane or South-East Queensland, get in touch with us today. We're happy to discuss your repair and provide advice on the best solution.

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Disclaimer: This information is general guidance only and is not financial, legal or insurance advice. Policy terms, exclusions and claim outcomes vary by insurer and individual circumstances. Always refer to your specific Product Disclosure Statement (PDS), or speak with your insurer or a licensed adviser, for advice relevant to your situation. LBM Fibreglass accepts no liability for any action taken in reliance on this general information.