If you’re dealing with a flood affected business, it’s a relief to know help is available.
Help for a flood affected business with insurance
Firstly, it’s essential that you contact your Clear Insurance adviser or insurer as soon as possible to commence your claim.
There are steps you should take to assist the process, which include:
- capturing footage and photos of the damage
- gathering evidence of ownership where you can
- write a list of all the damaged property and stock, including quantities
- document the clean-up process
While this can be challenging at such a fraught time, it will assist your adviser and insurer in moving your claim forward.
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Help for an insured and uninsured flood affected business
It’s a relief to know insured and uninsured business owners can access a range of services for financial and emotional support.
Help for flood affected businesses in Queensland includes:
Small Business Disaster Hub
The small business disaster hub offers resources, including a natural disaster checklist to help your business respond and recover. The resources include advice on a range of topics such as:
- help with insurance and tips for cleaning up.
- re-establishing your premises and business records
- assessing your finances
- managing and paying staff
- communicating with key people
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Financial Assistance
It’s good to know there are government grants available to eligible businesses. They include:
- Personal Hardship Financial Assistance
- Emergency Hardship Assistance Grants
- Essential Household Contents Grant
- Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment
- Disaster Recovery Allowance (Australian Government)
Legal Aid Queensland
For legal assistance you can contact the Legal Aid Natural Disaster Legal Helpline on 1300 527 700. The service provides help and advice on the legal issues you may face due to severe weather or flood damage to your property.
Mental health support
There is a range of mental health and wellbeing resources for business owners. They include tips, advice and support.
Beyond Blue offers a free, confidential mental health coaching support program for small business owners and sole traders called NewAccess for Small Business Owners.
Small business financial counsellors
Small businesses suffering from hardship can contact the Small Business Financial Counselling Program.
Southern Queensland – www.rfcssq.org.au or call 1300 732 777
North Queensland – www.rfcsnq.com.au or call 07 4652 5669
Queensland Tourism Business Financial Counselling Service
Tourism operators can access free financial counselling support at the Queensland Tourism Business Financial Counselling Service.
Natural Disaster Business Survey
The Department of Employment, Small Business and Training survey will build a picture of the help businesses need to recover. It focuses on South-East Queensland, Maryborough, the Fraser Coast and Toowoomba.
Queensland Small Business Commissioner
Small businesses can access support from the Office of the Queensland Small Business Commissioner. The service helps with advocacy and dispute resolution through mediation.
Fair Work Australia
Fair Work Australia has resources to help business owners understand employee entitlements during natural disasters.
Need advice on your flood affected business?
Clear Insurance is ready to help. We can provide support to all existing and new clients and guide you through the flood claims and risk assessment process.
Contact us today if you need assistance or would like to explore the risks facing your business.
General Advice Warning: This advice is general and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. You should consider whether the advice is appropriate for you and your personal circumstances. Before you make any decision about whether to acquire a certain product, you should obtain and read the relevant product disclosure statement.
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