Tips & FAQ
Q: Why has the Siemsen Group been appointed to inspect the damages for my insurance claim when someone else has already been to look at them?
Sometimes an insurer will assign its own estimator or builder to report and quote on the damages. If a Siemsen Group estimator attends after this, it might be to provide a second quote or to provide a quote on any damages that were sighted. This is to ensure a thorough service.
Q: If I’ve had an estimator attend my property, how long will it be until repairs can start?
Once a Siemsen Group estimator has compiled their report and submitted it to your insurer, we will carry out repairs as soon as the insurer approves the quote. If approved, you will receive a letter to review and sign. Return this to the Siemsen Group (with any applicable excess payment) and your repairs will commence.
Q: What happens if I only want to get part of the works done? I am considering renovating and feel that it isn’t necessary to repair.
This is a discussion you’ll need to have with your insurer as they authorise the works we carry out. If your insurer agrees to allow you not to have certain works done, then they may arrange a cash settlement for you.
Q: Why can’t the Siemsen Group tell me how much it costs to carry out the repairs for my insurance claim?
As the Siemsen Group is bound by contract with your insurance company, we are unable to discuss costs with you as a customer. Any discussions regarding the cost of works will need to be between yourself and your insurance company.
Q: If I feel my property is unsafe, can the Siemsen Group make it safe?
If there is a risk or hazard, we will make the property safe providing your insurance company has provided authorisation directly to us.
Q: Can I upgrade or change the colour of any materials that are used to carry out repairs?
Yes. However, as insurance cover is to restore your property to how it was prior to the damage, you will be responsible for any difference in cost.
Q: What is the BSA Schedule for Minor Works Contract and do I need to do anything with it?
The BSA Schedule for Minor Works Contract is a document we (and other builders in QLD) are required to fill out to ensure the works we carry out are insured. This is so that in the event we are unable to complete your repairs, insurance is in place to ensure your repairs will be carried out at no expense to you. All you need to do is to read the document, sign and date the last page of the document and return all the pages to us.
Q: On my client acceptance of the Scope of Works it has written “No allowance for any unforseen damages”. What does this mean?
This is a clause to advise that everything sighted upon initial inspection by a Siemsen Group estimator has been quoted on and listed in the scope of works you have been sent. If there are further damages that have been missed upon initial inspection (or further damages are found during works relating to the event that has caused the initial damages) then those works are to be quoted separately when or if they arise.
Q: What if I have already paid my excess?
If you have already paid your excess (whether it be to a glazier or carpet repairer or it has been deducted from a cash settlement payment issued to you by your insurance company) the Siemsen Group requires confirmation from your insurer. If we don’t receive confirmation prior to your advice, we will contact your Insurer to confirm this information.