Some of the damage done by ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred to Byron Bay, NSW. Photo: Climate Council
More than 44,000 claims have been lodged in the wake of ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred, the Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) says.
While the vast majority of claims came from Queensland, fears of wind damage proved to be unfounded, the ICA says.
Its figures show 41,466 home, motor and commercial claims came from Queensland.
Of that, the biggest claims were for home insurance with 38,000 out of 41,940 claims coming from Qld.
ICA CEO Andrew Hall says the devastation wasn’t as significant as predicted.
“… insurers are working hard to assess claims and get people back on their feet as soon as possible. It’s the reason insurance exists.”
He says they are continuing to deal with government and response agencies at all levels.
Agents are on the ground in Coffs Harbour, Lismore, Ballina and Tweed Heads (NSW) as well as across Redlands, Hervey Bay, Logan, Brisbane and Gold Coast (Qld).
The ICA says claims made by policyholders across NSW and Queensland are being prioritised and interstate builders sourced.
DISASTER CHASERS
The council is reminding residents about the presence of ‘disaster chasers’ operating in affected communities.
Disaster chasers are those who offer to work removing trees and debris for upfront cash payments but often leave work poorly done or incomplete.
The ICA says they can often pressure homeowners to sign a contract on the spot for future repair work and may promise their insurer will pay.
The council says insurers will only pay for approved work that is covered by a policy.
INGHAM MEETING
Meanwhile, the ICA will host a rescheduled community briefing in Ingham next week for policyholders affected by flooding last month.
The meeting will be held on Thursday, March 20, from 5pm at Hinchinbrook Shire Hall on Lannercost Street.
Representatives from the ICA, Legal Aid, Financial Counselling Australia, Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) and the Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) will attend to discuss the floods and available support.
Insurer reps will be present at the hall from 10am-4pm to speak one-on-one with policyholders; walk-ins will be accepted.
ICA Director Mitigation and Extreme Weather Response Liam Walter says more than 7600 claims worth more than $164 million have been received from across Townsville, Ingham, Innisfail, Mission Beach and Cardwell.
Registrations for the evening session is essential; book via the ICA website.
