Julie’s journey: Finding support from Apia when it mattered most

Apia customer Julie enjoyed a long, fast-paced career in journalism, media and communications in Australia and around the world. 

Now semi-retired, Julie has since settled into the idyllic beachside lifestyle offered by Bribie Island and stepped into a part-time role managing the Bribie Island Community Arts Centre. 

“Bribie is a great place to live at this phase of life. The creativity that's here at the centre, the friendliness and the sense of sharing and inclusivity is just wonderful," Julie said. 

"People come here to create and to learn, and to just be together. It’s very different to my newsroom career, and I pinch myself that I'm here."

Apia offers genuine support when customers need it most  

Part of Suncorp, Apia provides various insurance options such as car, home, landlord, and health insurance, specifically tailored for customers over 50.   

The Apia team is committed to delivering value and genuine care throughout every interaction, prioritising customers and understanding the unique stage of life they are in. 

“Bribie has a high proportion of people who've retired but who don't necessarily have family here. And so, we have a beautiful formation of friendships and a strong sense of community,” Julie said. 

Bribie Island is located in the beautiful Moreton Bay region and is connected to the mainland by a bridge. 

Like many coastal areas, Bribie Island can experience flooding, particularly in low-lying areas during heavy rainfall when combined with king tides or storm surges. 

Julie and her husband live in an apartment complex not far from the beach. 

One summer, during heavy rainfall and high tide, the basement floor of their complex started to flood. 

When the complex’s water pump malfunctioned, water inundated residents’ cars. 

“It was a perfect storm,” Julie said. 

“There was a lot of rain. It was February, so it was a wet month, but there was also a high tide. 

"We live in an apartment block that's on the Pumicestone Passage waterfront and the garage is at basement level.  

“On that day, the pumps failed. Everything went wrong at once and so consequently the water backed up into the garage. 

“We thought we moved the car out just in time, but the water damage was done; it wouldn’t start the next day.” 

Julie rang her insurer Apia, who quickly organised to have her car assessed, which confirmed water damage through the electrics. Julie’s car was a write-off. 

“The experience was initially unsettling, as losing a major asset like a car can be quite daunting. 

"But thankfully the assessing and claims process with Apia was smooth. We weren't kept waiting, wondering what was going to happen.

“We were promptly communicated with; we were very pleased with how responsive Apia was. 

“With an insurance claim, you always think it will be big and complicated and sure to have some roadblocks. 

"But my experience with Apia was very smooth. I imagine they would have been managing many claims during that time of extreme weather too.” 

Julie’s positive experience with Apia has led her to recommend the insurer to friends and family 

Julie first learned about Apia through recommendations from friends. 

After making her own enquiries with their customer team via the phone and online, she chose to proceed with them. 

“I find these days you do so much online and you get ‘danced around’ a lot. But I found Apia very accessible, calm and helpful. 

“Every question I asked was answered without any hesitation. 

“I found them very empathetic. They obviously understand what you've lost can be a challenging experience, and they were sensitive and caring throughout every conversation.” 

Every customer’s situation is unique, and Apia is committed to caring about everyone's story.