The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) has scheduled a community information session in Ingham next week for policyholders impacted by recent severe weather and flooding across North Queensland.
The event will provide general guidance on the insurance claims process, avenues for lodging complaints, and other relevant topics to assist affected residents with their recovery efforts.
Representatives from the ICA, Financial Counselling Australia, Legal Aid, the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA), and the Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) will be available to provide information and respond to questions.
Topics covered will include:
In addition, insurer representatives will be at the venue from 10am to 4pm for one-on-one discussions with policyholders regarding their individual claims. Walk-ins will be accommodated throughout the day.
ICA director mitigation and extreme weather response Liam Walter explained that in-person sessions can help residents better understand their options and ensure they receive the necessary support during the recovery process.
“The ICA, our members, and representatives from supporting organisations are looking forward to the townhall and ensuring everyone receives the support they need,” he said.
The storms and flooding in North Queensland have resulted in widespread damage to homes, businesses, and public infrastructure. Insurers have so far received more than 7,600 claims, with total losses estimated to exceed $164 million across affected areas, including Townsville, Ingham, Innisfail, Mission Beach, and Cardwell.
Focusing on the recent extreme weather event, the ICA said insurers have received over 44,000 claims following ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred – with most relating to storm-driven water damage, localised flooding, and losses caused by power outages. Initial concerns regarding extensive wind damage claims have not materialised.
Claims are being processed across affected areas, including Coffs Harbour, Lismore, Ballina, and Tweed Heads in New South Wales, as well as Redlands, Hervey Bay, Logan, Brisbane, and the Gold Coast in Queensland. Insurers have deployed additional claims assessors and engaged contractors from outside the region to expedite the process.
ICA CEO Andrew Hall said insurers are prioritising claims to ensure customers receive the support they need as quickly as possible.
“I want to assure impacted communities that 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 said.
He added that the insurance industry will continue working with governments and response agencies to facilitate recovery efforts across affected communities.
NRMA Insurance has introduced a $500,000 support package to assist communities impacted by ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred, which includes:
“Many people across South East Queensland and Northern NSW have felt the effects of Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred. Many of these communities have sadly experienced multiple extreme weather events in recent years, and the compounding effects on physical recovery and mental health can be substantial,” said NRMA Insurance CEO Julie Batch.
As of March 13, Suncorp had received over 15,000 claims related to ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred, with the majority concerning property damage. Over 4,000 food spoilage claims have already been settled.
Suncorp chief executive consumer insurance Lisa Harrison confirmed that the company’s teams are on the ground, working to process claims, support customers, and facilitate emergency repairs as quickly as possible.
“The safety of the community, our customers, and our people has been our top priority, and we are now well and truly moving into the recovery phase, although we understand some customers are still without power, which is incredibly difficult,” she said.
Suncorp’s mobile support teams and disaster response hubs are operating in multiple locations, providing face-to-face assistance, processing claims, and arranging emergency accommodation where required.
