The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) has declared a catastrophe for the devastating fires that affected the area around the northern NSW community of Rappville and Busby Flat and Drake.
The bushfire catastrophe declaration, the second in five weeks for properties damaged and destroyed in northern NSW, meant claims from the affected areas would be given priority by insurers.
“Insurers are standing by to help customers in this region, with assessors mobilising to examine properties once it’s safe to do so,” said Rob Whelan, ICA CEO. “The NSW Rural Fire Service is still determining the extent of property damage, and it may take several weeks before insurers are able to quantify the extent of insured losses. The ICA is aware police are investigating whether the Rappville fire was the result of arson and reassure property owners that this will not have an impact on their insurance claims. Primary producers are reminded that they may euthanise critically injured animals without having been visited by an assessor. They should ensure they have appropriate records for any insurance claim.”
Under the catastrophe declaration, the ICA has activated its disaster hotline, 1800 734 621, to assist policyholders with their insurance concerns, mobilised Insurance Council disaster recovery specialists to support affected property owners and local community groups, and established an industry taskforce to identify and address issues that arise.
