The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) has declared a “significant event” for the flood-impacted regions of Victoria, New South Wales (NSW), and Northern Tasmania.
The declaration activates the ICA's processes to assess and monitor the impact of the unfolding weather event on insurance claims. Additionally:
“This is still a large-scale unfolding event across three states and with more extreme weather expected later this week, so we are encouraging everyone to remain vigilant and listen to any emergency warnings,” said ICA CEO Andrew Hall.
As some people have started the clean-up process, the ICA reminds customers they are not required to keep destroyed property, including carpets and furnishings. Instead, customers must take photos, note any identifying information, and keep material samples.
Hall said the ICA and its members prioritise community safety. Therefore, flood-affected customers must listen to emergency services, evacuate if told to do so, and refuse to return to their property until emergency services agree it is safe.
He added: “If you have been impacted by the floods, contact your insurance company as soon as possible, either by phone or online, to lodge a claim and seek guidance on the claims process.
“Claim numbers are steady at the moment but may continue to climb as this event unfolds, and we are actively monitoring the situation. Insurers have significantly increased their claims team resources as the entire La Niña event has continued across the year.”
The ICA had been urging its customers to prepare for flood since early October following the State Emergency Service's warning that some towns could remain isolated for days due to continuous heavy downpour.
