How to claim for accidental damage

Accidental damage is irksome, someone or something has damaged your property and it needs to be made right.  Don’t worry, that’s what you’ve got home and contents insurance for and we’re here to help.

IMPORTANT: If your house is unsecured, unsafe or vulnerable to more damage, get a professional to make the house safe and we can work through the costs together later.

If you think your claim will be under $5,000, here’s what you need to do:

1. Take photos of the damage.
2. Get a quote to repair any damage.
3. Log in your dashboard on the initio website and click on ‘Make a Claim’.  Fill in the form and attach your photos and quotes.
4. We’ll email or call you within one business day.

If the damage is severe, we might need an assessor’s opinion, here’s what you need to do:

1. Log in to your dashboard on the initio website and click on ‘Make a Claim’.  Fill in the form and attach any photos you’ve taken.
2. We’ll email or call you within one business day.

FAQ’s:

• Can I use my own repairer or do initio have approved repairers that I must use?

You can use any repairer you like, as long as their costs are reasonable and you’re happy with the standard of work, then we’re happy.

• Who will pay my excess: me, or the person who damaged my house?

This is case-by-case.  If a tenant caused the damage accidentally, then we cannot hold them responsible.  However, if a neighbour accidentally drives through your fence, then we’ll probably be able to get the money back from their insurance company and your excess will be reimbursed to you.

“All claims are different and they are assessed on their own merits and facts. The above does not imply a guaranteed approach to all such claims”

A stranger accidentally reversed their car into this garage door, damaging not only the door, but block work too. Initio worked with the property manager and repairer to get the door replaced and brickwork repaired efficiently and with as little fuss as possible to the tenants. Best of all, Initio recovered the costs from the driver and refunded the excess to the insured.