Case Study: Third-Party Damage to a Strata Carport : Why "No Claim" Was Still the Right Outcome
Not every insurance enquiry ends in a claim - and that's not always a bad thing. A recent matter handled by our team shows how the right advice at the right time can save a strata scheme time, cost, and hassle, even when no claim is ultimately lodged.
The situation
A committee member from a residential strata scheme in Rhodes, NSW, contacted us after noticing that a brick pier supporting a carport roof had been struck by an unknown vehicle. The impact had left the roof beam without adequate support, raising an immediate question familiar to many committees: was this something the strata insurance policy would cover?
Our approach
The enquiry was referred to Kitlee Nguyen on our team, who reviewed the details of the damage. Kitlee assessed the incident as likely third-party damage - the kind of scenario that can typically be lodged as a claim under a strata insurance policy. He talked the committee through what that process would look like in practice, including that the insurer would generally appoint an assessor to inspect the damage and confirm the extent of the claim before anything progressed further.
Weighing up the options
With a clear picture of the claims process and what it would involve, the owners turned their minds to the practical side of things - the time, cost, and process associated with lodging a claim versus arranging repairs directly. After considering their options, they found they were able to repair the damage privately and decided not to proceed with a formal claim.
Outcome
No claim was lodged. The repair was completed privately, and the matter was resolved quickly and with the committee having a clear understanding of their options throughout. The client expressed appreciation for the guidance provided along the way.
Why this matters
Good broking isn't just about processing claims - it's about giving clients the information they need to make the right call for their circumstances, whether that means lodging a claim or not. Sometimes the most valuable thing we can do is help a committee understand what a claim would involve, so they can make a confident, informed decision either way.
Details in this case study have been de-identified to protect our client's privacy. It is provided for general information purposes only and does not constitute personal financial product advice. Cover and claims outcomes depend on individual policy wording and circumstances - speak with your broker about your own situation.
Talk to us: If your strata scheme has experienced property damage and you're unsure whether it's worth a claim, get in touch with Ferguson Brown Insurance Brokers for advice tailored to your policy.
