Westpac General Insurance has launched a new website feature that enables its home and contents customers to make claims online.

Customers can now lodge a claim via traditional methods or on a computer, tablet or smart-phone.

Feedback from customers has indicated that they would find the ability to use a mobile device particularly helpful during a natural disaster or crisis situation. Once the claim is lodged customers receive an instant SMS notification and will be contacted by a claims officer as soon as possible and within 48 hours.

Westpac’s head of general insurance Jim Glossat said the new online process was designed as an alternate and convenient way for customers to make a claim 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

“Claim time is often stressful and we are always looking for ways to make it as easy as possible for our customers,” said Glossat.

“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,” Glossat added.

The form is also available for St.George, BankSA and Bank of Melbourne customers.