Australia’s major insurers are escalating their flood response efforts as extreme weather continues to disrupt communities across New South Wales’s Mid North Coast and Hunter regions.
The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) has declared the event a “Significant Event,” enabling insurers to implement early-stage catastrophe protocols, including real-time claims tracking and data coordination with the ICA.
Allianz Australia has initiated its disaster response strategy, with preparations in place to accommodate an expected rise in claims.
The insurer has indicated that its claims volumes remain modest but are likely to increase as policyholders assess damage.
Scott Cooper, national manager for disaster and recovery at Allianz, said the company’s teams are ready to support customers as conditions evolve.
“Allianz is well prepared to assist customers in the impacted regions. While claims have been modest so far, we expect numbers to increase over the coming days as the event unfolds,” he said.
Allianz’s support package includes:
Claims can be submitted via phone or online, and affected individuals can begin cleaning up immediately – provided they document all damage thoroughly through photos and inventories.
Motor claims may also be lodged with photographic evidence, eliminating the need for in-person assessments in most cases.
Suncorp Group – including its AAMI, GIO and Apia brands – has received over 300 claims so far.
The insurer has fully activated its disaster operations centre and is monitoring the weather system to determine the best times for field deployment.
Lisa Harrison, Suncorp’s CEO for consumer insurance, said the insurer is committed to swift action.
“We anticipate claims numbers to rise as the event unfolds, but our teams are ready to respond,” she said. “Our thoughts are with the community at this difficult time, and we encourage them to listen to emergency services.”
Suncorp is facilitating emergency repairs, temporary accommodation, and financial support for severely affected customers. Claims may be initiated online at any time, without requiring physical policy documents.
Insurance Australia Group (IAG) – which includes NRMA Insurance, CGU, and WFI – has received over 350 claims related to the weather event. The company has mobilised its major event response team to begin assessments and repairs as soon as safety permits.
NRMA Insurance’s executive general manager of claims, Luke Gallagher, highlighted the risks posed by rising floodwaters.
“The severe rainfall and rapidly rising floodwaters are very dangerous,” he said. “We urge everyone to make safety their priority and never drive through floodwaters.”
IAG is preparing for on-the-ground support and has contractors ready to conduct make-safe repairs and coordinate temporary housing for displaced policyholders.
The ICA’s designation of the floods as a “Significant Event” allows insurers to fast-track response protocols. If claims volumes grow or the area of impact expands, the classification may be upgraded to a catastrophe.
ICA CEO Andrew Hall said the organisation is closely monitoring developments.
“The unfolding weather situation along the New South Wales Mid North Coast and Hunter regions is already breaking records, with evacuation orders in place for many towns and more rain forecast for the coming days,” he said.
