GIO Reassures Customers: You Are Covered For Flood

Australia, Commonwealth of -- Free-Press-Release.com-- Feb 3, 2012 -- With heavy rain continuing and flood warnings in force, insurer GIO is reassuring customers in Northern NSW they are covered for flood and urging everyone to put safety first .

GIO spokesperson Duncan Bone said flood was the most destructive disaster Australians faced on a regular basis, costing an average $400 million a year.

“Flood is one of the most dangerous natural events, both in terms of the potential risk to life and damage to homes and possessions,” he said.

“GIO home and contents customers can trust they are covered for flood whether it comes from the sky or from a river.” GIO home and contents insurance has included automatic storm and flood cover as a standard since 2008.

“GIO has people on standby on the phones, and ready to get onto the ground as soon as it’s safe to help our customers get back on their feet,” Mr Bone said.

For those with advanced warning, there are also a number of preventative steps people can take to protect some of their contents from damage.

“Sandbags can help prevent water getting into the home but usually only where the flooding is not severe,” Mr Bone said.

“If people have time, they can also stack furniture and TVs on top of tables and the kitchen bench and move lighter items such as stereos and laptops to higher ground.

“If an evacuation order has been issued, residents should aim to grab a few key items – such as forms of personal identification, a mobile phone and charger, medical records and important legal documents, including those from your bank or insurer.”

Other precious items to consider rescuing include small personal items with a lot of sentimental value, as well as hard drives, cameras, photos and jewellery.

“If you do experience any damage call your insurer once you’re safe and sound, and get the claims process started as soon as possible,” Mr Bone said.

GIO can be reached 24-hours a day on 13 14 46.

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GIO Insurance
Duncan Bone
02 8122 0277
http://www.gio.com.au/home-insurance