HAUSE FIELD GUIDE · REVIEWED 25 OCTOBER 2026
Ask the insurer early
Coverage depends on the policy, cause and circumstances. Before approving non-emergency work, ask your insurer or broker about notification, assessment and authorisation requirements. Record the claim reference, adjuster contact and any instructions in writing. This guide does not decide coverage or interpret your contract.
Build an incident timeline
Record when the issue was discovered, what was already known and who was contacted. Keep observations separate from conclusions about cause. Save relevant correspondence and existing reports. Do not enter an unsafe area or delay emergency assistance to create a photographic record.
Keep decisions traceable
For each proposed action, note who approved it, its scope and the associated estimate or variation. Record decisions about retained and discarded contents before disposal where practicable. Keep personal details and sensitive images in an appropriately controlled channel rather than an initial web enquiry.
Separate the financial questions
Confirm the deductible, applicable limits, temporary accommodation questions and any approval requirements directly with the insurer. Ask the provider who will be invoiced and when payment is due. Insurer involvement does not automatically mean a contractor’s entire invoice is covered. Keep copies of final invoices, reports and completion documents together.
The project questions are HAUSE planning prompts. Refer to the responsible authority and qualified provider for requirements that apply to your situation.