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April 2026 NSW severe storms. Over 14,781 claims lodged, AU$176M+ insured losses. Your insurance rights, the storm-vs-flood dispute explained, and strata claim guide.
Many policyholders are being told: “Your claim was from flooding, not storm. Flooding is excluded. We won't pay.”
Water that originates from overflowing waterways, drains, or stormwater systems — outside your home.
Water that entered through storm-created openings: hail-damaged roof, broken windows, wind-damaged fascia.
If your roof has hail damage and water entered through it — that is storm damage. Challenge any “flood not storm” denial in writing.
Do not enter areas with electrical hazards, loose structural elements, or visible safety risks. Turn off power at the switchboard if electrical systems are wet. Call NSW SES (1-800-110-325) for emergency assistance or property assessment.
Photo or video: damaged roof, broken windows, hail dents, water entry, damaged contents. Write down when the storm hit and when you discovered the damage. List all damaged items with approximate values. Save all timestamps. Do not discard damaged items until your insurer inspects.
Board broken windows. Tarp damaged roofs. Remove debris from gutters. Keep all invoices — these are claimable costs.
Contact your insurer within 24 hours. Have your policy number ready. Provide the date, suburb (Liverpool or Fairfield), and date (14–15 April 2026). Ask for a claim reference number and the name of your claims assessor. If renting, also notify your landlord.
Service NSW Disaster Relief: servicensw.gov.au or 13 77 88. Liverpool City Council and Fairfield City Council also offer grants and rate relief — contact them directly.
Challenge this immediately. If your home was damaged by hail or wind, and water entered through those damaged areas, that is storm damage — not flood damage. Flood damage means water originating from overflowing waterways or stormwater systems. Request written evidence from your insurer showing exactly where the water originated at your specific property. If they cannot provide specific evidence, their denial is likely incorrect. Escalate to AFCA.
Lodge a separate claim immediately with your landlord's insurer (if renting) or directly with the body corporate's insurer. Even if the body corporate is slow or refuses to claim, you have the right to claim for damage to your apartment. Provide photos of water entry, damaged contents, and structural damage to your unit. Request that your insurer subrogate from the building's insurer if common property failure caused the damage.
You have the right to an independent assessment. Hire an IICRC-certified restoration company or loss assessor to provide a detailed damage report. This becomes your counter-claim. Submit it to the insurer in writing. If they refuse to increase the payout, escalate to AFCA — it's free and binding on your insurer.
No. If your roof was damaged by the storm and water slowly seeped in over weeks, that water damage is caused by the storm and is covered. The exclusion for "gradual seepage" applies to pre-existing leaks — not water entering through storm-damaged areas. Provide photos and a timeline showing the damage originated from the April storm.
If you own the apartment: you claim for damage to your contents and internal structures. The body corporate claims for common property (roof, exterior). If you rent: your landlord claims for building/structure; you claim for your personal contents. For common property damage affecting your apartment (e.g., roof leak into your unit), the body corporate should claim, and you can pursue a separate claim against their insurer.
Not necessarily. Flood damage is water from overflowing waterways or drains. Storm damage is water that entered through storm-created openings (broken windows, hail-damaged roof). If hail damaged your roof and rain entered through it, that is storm damage, not flood. Request written proof showing where the water originated. If they cannot pinpoint stormwater overflow at your property, their denial is likely incorrect. Challenge it and escalate to AFCA.
Service NSW provides disaster relief grants, temporary accommodation assistance, and hardship support. Visit servicensw.gov.au or call 13 77 88. Liverpool City Council and Fairfield City Council also offer rate relief, temporary housing, and grants for essential repairs. Contact your council directly.
NRPG connects Liverpool and Fairfield policyholders with IICRC-certified storm damage specialists and disputes claim underpayment on your behalf. No upfront fees.
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Last updated: 13 April 2026. Not legal advice. IICRC standards: S700:2025, S500:2025. Insurance Council of Australia claims data as of 13 April 2026.