Making a strata building insurance claim
Short answer
Make the area safe, photograph the damage, tell the insurer promptly and keep every invoice and report. Check the excess and who pays it under your by-laws before repairs start.
Steps for your committee
- Make safe and limit further damage.
- Photograph and record what happened.
- Notify the insurer and get a claim number.
- Keep quotes, invoices and assessor reports with the claim.
- Tell affected owners how the excess is handled.
Rules in your state
Details such as notice periods and voting thresholds are set by each state's legislation.
| State | Legislation | Disputes go to |
|---|---|---|
| NSW | Strata Schemes Management Act 2015 | NSW Fair Trading mediation, then NCAT |
| VIC | Owners Corporations Act 2006 | Internal grievance process, Consumer Affairs Victoria, then VCAT |
| QLD | Body Corporate and Community Management Act 1997 (and its regulation modules) | Office of the Commissioner for Body Corporate and Community Management |
| WA | Strata Titles Act 1985 | State Administrative Tribunal (SAT) |
| SA | Strata Titles Act 1988 / Community Titles Act 1996 | South Australian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (SACAT) |
| TAS | Strata Titles Act 1998 | Recorder of Titles / Magistrates Court |
| ACT | Unit Titles (Management) Act 2011 | ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal (ACAT) |
| NT | Unit Title Schemes Act 2009 | NT Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NTCAT) |
When to get professional advice
For disputed or large claims, consider an independent claims adviser.
Record claims and their documents under Insurance in Flex Strata.
Next steps
Related guides
Last reviewed 2026-10-08. General information only — not legal advice.