Commercial Property Insurance Online :: News
SHARE

Share this news item!

Insurers Under Scrutiny for Response to Alfred Flood Claims

Insurers Under Scrutiny for Response to Alfred Flood Claims

Insurers Under Scrutiny for Response to Alfred Flood Claims?w=400

The information on this website is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Consider seeking personal advice from a licensed adviser before acting on any information.

In a recent development, Queensland MP David Lee has raised concerns about how insurance companies are addressing claims following the devastating floods caused by Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred.
Businesses in Hervey Bay, a region heavily impacted by the floods, report facing significant hurdles in having their damage claims recognized.

Speaking before an upcoming Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) meeting set to address policyholder issues, Mr. Lee highlighted widespread dissatisfaction among flood-affected businesses regarding their insurance claims. According to him, while some insurers have been proactive, others are rapidly dismissing any responsibility for flood-induced damage.

Mr. Lee shared insights based on data from the state's business disaster recovery initiative. He noted a growing trend where business owners are struggling with insurance complications as they strive to recover from the calamity that hit in March. He criticized certain insurers for demanding exhaustive hydrology reports from already distressed clients and called for more efficient resolutions to these pressing claims.

Emphasizing his point, he recounted the ordeal of a local butcher whose shop faced significant damage estimated at more than $300,000. Despite having paid insurance premiums for nearly two decades, the business owner now finds himself in dire financial straits, having to cover employee wages from his depleting savings, without any incoming revenue.

According to the ICA, insurers have processed over 100,000 claims amounting to nearly $1 billion due to Alfred's impact. Hervey Bay, particularly, suffered severe consequences, leading the ICA to label the incident a catastrophe. They plan to hold a meeting in Hervey Bay on May 15 to address ongoing concerns.

Liam Walter, ICA's director of mitigation and extreme weather response, emphasized the importance of direct engagement in Hervey Bay. The council aims to ensure comprehensive support and resolution for those affected, with expectations that assessments and discussions around rebuilding are well underway by now.

Published:Monday, 5th May 2025
Author: Paige Estritori

Please Note: We do not endorse any specific products or companies. Some content is sourced from third parties, including press releases, and may not be independently verified for accuracy or completeness.

Share this news item:

Rate this article

Sign in with Google to rate

0 Comments

No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts.

Insurance News

Why climate disclosure rules should prompt a cover check
Why climate disclosure rules should prompt a cover check
01 Sep 2026: Paige Estritori
Australia’s mandatory climate-related financial disclosure regime is moving from policy discussion into practical reporting, and consultants who support sustainability, governance, risk, data, finance or transformation projects should pay close attention. The rules initially apply to larger entities, but their impact is likely to spread through procurement, due diligence and supply chain expectations. - read more
Why Slower Building Approvals Can Become an Insurance Issue
Why Slower Building Approvals Can Become an Insurance Issue
01 Sep 2026: Paige Estritori
Australia’s latest building approvals commentary has again highlighted a difficult reality for the construction sector: the national housing task is ambitious, but the project pipeline remains uneven. Industry groups have pointed to approvals volatility, planning delays and capacity constraints as continuing barriers to lifting housing supply at the pace governments want. - read more
Why NSW Levy Reform Matters for Personal Trainers
Why NSW Levy Reform Matters for Personal Trainers
01 Sep 2026: Paige Estritori
NSW’s move to redesign the way emergency services are funded has put business insurance affordability back in focus. For personal trainers, bootcamp operators and small studio owners, the issue is more practical than political: when statutory charges are added to premiums, cover can become harder to maintain at the level a growing fitness business actually needs. - read more
Cyclone Reinsurance Pool Puts Cover Affordability Back in Focus
Cyclone Reinsurance Pool Puts Cover Affordability Back in Focus
01 Sep 2026: Paige Estritori
The latest monitoring of Australia’s cyclone reinsurance pool has again highlighted a key reality for households and small businesses in cyclone-exposed regions: government-backed premium relief can help, but it does not remove the need to check whether cover is suitable, affordable and realistically sized for the risk. - read more
What Fresh Claims Data Says About the Value of Life Insurance
What Fresh Claims Data Says About the Value of Life Insurance
01 Sep 2026: Paige Estritori
Fresh industry claims data has put a timely spotlight on the role life insurance continues to play for Australian families, workers and business owners. While premiums and affordability often dominate the conversation, the latest sector snapshot is a reminder that life cover is ultimately tested at claim time, when a death, serious illness, disability or extended inability to work can quickly become a financial shock. - read more
Click for more Insurance News


Commercial Property Insurance Articles

Is Commercial Property Insurance Mandatory? What Every Landlord Should Know
Is Commercial Property Insurance Mandatory? What Every Landlord Should Know
Commercial property insurance is a type of coverage designed to protect property landlords and investors from various risks. It typically encompasses buildings, equipment, and other assets associated with commercial spaces. Understanding this insurance is crucial for anyone involved in property leasing or investment, as it can safeguard against significant financial loss. - read more
How commercial property insurance sums insured and replacement costs work
How commercial property insurance sums insured and replacement costs work
Commercial property sums insured should reflect the likely cost to reinstate or replace insured property, not simply its market value. This guide explains replacement cost, reinstatement value, underinsurance risk and average clauses for Australian commercial property owners. - read more
What Factors Affect Commercial Property Insurance Premiums?
What Factors Affect Commercial Property Insurance Premiums?
Commercial property insurance is designed to protect businesses and landlords against losses to their buildings and other related assets. This type of insurance covers various incidents, such as fire, theft, and damage from natural disasters. It's essential for safeguarding not just the physical property but also the livelihood associated with the business operations conducted within that space. - read more
Commercial lease insurance responsibilities for landlords and tenants
Commercial lease insurance responsibilities for landlords and tenants
In a leased commercial property, insurance responsibility is usually divided between the landlord, the tenant and sometimes a strata or owners corporation. The lease, property ownership structure and policy wording determine who must insure the building, fit-out, contents, glass, liability risks and income-related losses. - read more
Understanding Commercial Property Insurance for Multiple Locations: What Landlords Need to Know
Understanding Commercial Property Insurance for Multiple Locations: What Landlords Need to Know
When it comes to owning commercial properties in Australia, understanding the ins and outs of insurance is crucial. Commercial property insurance serves as a safety net, protecting your valuable assets against unforeseen events. It's designed to cover the buildings themselves, as well as any equipment, inventory, and even loss of income due to disruptions. - read more

Knowledgebase
Replacement Cost:
The amount it would cost to replace or rebuild an insured asset with one of similar kind and quality, without depreciation.

Quick Links: | Commercial Property Insurance Australia | Business Property Insurance | Commercial Building Insurance | Commercial Real Estate Insurance | Commercial Property Coverage | Business Premises Insurance | Industrial Property Insurance | Retail Property Insurance | Office Building Insurance | Warehouse Insurance | Commercial Landlord Insurance
This website is owned and operated by Clark Family Pty Ltd (ACN 010 281 008) as Trustee for the Clark Family Trust (ABN 35 957 893 714), 43 Larch Street Tallebudgera QLD 4228. Clark Family Pty Ltd is an Authorised Representative (AR 1298860) of Unique Group Broker Services Pty Ltd (AFSL 509434) for financial product referrals and an Authorised Credit Representative (ACR 401491) of Saccasan Pty Ltd (ACL 386297). Check our licensing details on the ASIC registers: Clark Family Pty Ltd ACR, Clark Family Pty Ltd AR, Saccasan Pty Ltd, Unique Group Broker Services.
IMPORTANT: We act solely as an introducer and refer enquiries to licensed third-party brokers, insurers, and lenders. We do not provide financial product advice or credit assistance. We may receive a fee or commission from these third parties in consideration for the referral. Before any action is taken to obtain a product or service referred to by this website, advice should be obtained (from either the third party to whom we refer you or from another qualified intermediary) as to the appropriateness of obtaining those products having regard to your objectives, financial situation and needs. Whilst we have our own process for validating the legitimacy of our referral partners, you should independently verify the credentials and licensing of any adviser or provider you engage. Visit the ASIC website for further information.