TIO has urged Top Ender residents and businesses to check their
insurance policies if they have suffered a loss as a result of today’s major
power outage.
General Manager Insurance Michael Hoare said some losses may be
covered by insurance policies depending on the type and level of cover they
have.
Types of losses that could occur include food spoilage, damage to electrical equipment and business interruption.
“Whether people are covered depends very much on the type of
insurance policy they have and the level of cover,” Michael said.
“The best way to check is to read through your insurance policy,
contact your insurer or check with yourbroker.”
Michael said customers should check equipment as power is restored
to ensure they are still operating properly, particularly air-conditioners,
pool pumps and electrical appliances.
Specific advice for householders
TIO policy holders with Premium cover can claim for spoilt food up
to a value of $1000. Policy holders should do the following:
- Make a list of the food
- Take a photo if possible
- Provide approximate prices.
TIO policy holders with Essentials cover only are not covered for
spoilt food.
TIO Policy holders may also be covered for electrical equipment
and appliances if they have sustained damage as a result of the outage.
Customers are urged to check the equipment and contact TIO.
Specific advice for businesses
Businesses may be able to claim for a number of losses including
spoilt food, equipment damage andbusiness interruption. The extent to which
they can claim will depend on the type and level of cover they have taken out.
They should contact their broker or TIO directly to check.
Michael said TIO had received nine calls from customers checking their insurance coverage with one enquiring about a claim for spoilt food.
TIO’s call centre was able to operate throughout the outage using backup generators. Darwin and Palmerston branches were impacted along with most of the ATM network. Palmerston branch has now reopened and the ATM at the TIO office in Mitchell street and at Palmerston are both available.
