Westpac General Insurance has launched an online tool allowing home and contents customers to make claims via their computers, tablets and smartphones.

It follows customer feedback suggesting the use of mobile devices would be helpful after natural disasters or crises.

“During high-claim periods such as extreme weather events or when customers are in unexpected situations, they will be able to make an online claim at any time, day or night,” Westpac General Insurance Head Jim Glossat said.

Customers will receive SMS messages once claims are received and will be contacted by a claims officer as soon as possible, and within 48 hours.

The online claim process is also available for St George, BankSA and Bank of Melbourne customers.

National Insurance Brokers Association CEO Dallas Booth says companies are seeking ways to improve claims handling, particularly following natural disasters.

“It is no surprise that across the industry everyone is trying to find ways to process transactions in the most efficient way possible,” he told insuranceNEWS.com.au.

“The main thing is that the claim is received, assessed, resolved and paid as quickly as possible in the interests of the client.”