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

Northern Strata Schemes Face Fresh Scrutiny on Cyclone Cover
Northern Strata Schemes Face Fresh Scrutiny on Cyclone Cover
25 Jul 2026: Paige Estritori
A fresh review of Australia’s cyclone reinsurance pool has put northern strata insurance affordability back in focus, particularly for apartment buildings and mixed-use schemes exposed to cyclone, flood and storm surge risk. The pool was designed to improve insurer capacity and ease premium pressure in cyclone-prone regions, but the latest discussion suggests that outcomes are still uneven for complex strata properties. - read more
Why Insurance Tax Reform Is Back in Focus for Small Operators
Why Insurance Tax Reform Is Back in Focus for Small Operators
25 Jul 2026: Paige Estritori
A renewed industry push to reduce or remove state-based insurance taxes has put affordability back in the spotlight for Australian small businesses. For domestic and home service operators, the issue is practical rather than political: when premiums rise, it becomes harder to maintain the cover needed to work safely in clients’ homes, meet contract requirements and protect tools, vehicles and income. - read more
What Rising Insurance Complaints Mean for Freelancers
What Rising Insurance Complaints Mean for Freelancers
25 Jul 2026: Paige Estritori
Australia’s financial complaints landscape is sending a clear message to insurance customers: the moment to understand a policy is before something goes wrong. Recent Australian Financial Complaints Authority data shows complaint volumes remain historically high across financial services, with insurance disputes continuing to form a significant part of the workload. - read more
What the Next Phase of the Insurance Code Review Means for Trainers
What the Next Phase of the Insurance Code Review Means for Trainers
25 Jul 2026: Paige Estritori
The public consultation period for the redrafted General Insurance Code of Practice has now passed, moving Australia’s insurance sector into the next stage of review and refinement. For personal trainers, fitness instructors and small studio operators, this is not a technical issue reserved for insurers. It is a practical reminder that the way claims are handled can be just as important as the cover purchased in the first place. - read more
Advice Access Reforms Put Life Cover Decisions in Focus
Advice Access Reforms Put Life Cover Decisions in Focus
25 Jul 2026: Paige Estritori
The latest stage in Australia’s financial advice reform agenda has put a practical question back in front of the life insurance sector: how can people get timely, affordable help before they buy, change or cancel cover? The reforms are intended to make simpler forms of guidance easier to provide, while keeping consumer protections in place for decisions that can affect a family’s financial resilience for decades. - read more
Click for more Insurance News


Commercial Property Insurance Articles

The Essential Checklist for Property Investors: Filing a Claim with Confidence
The Essential Checklist for Property Investors: Filing a Claim with Confidence
As a property investor, having the right commercial property insurance is vital. It protects your investment against unexpected events, ensuring that your assets are safeguarded. Commercial property insurance covers a range of risks that can lead to significant financial losses, from natural disasters to theft. Understanding the nuances of this insurance is essential for making informed decisions that impact your bottom line. - 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
Natural Disasters and Your Commercial Property: Is Your Insurance Adequate?
Natural Disasters and Your Commercial Property: Is Your Insurance Adequate?
Australia is known for its diverse landscapes, but one of the harsher realities it faces is the increasing frequency of natural disasters. From bushfires in the outback to devastating floods in urban areas, these events can have severe implications for commercial properties. Business owners must navigate the challenges of not only protecting their assets but also ensuring the continuity of their operations. - read more
What does Commercial Property Insurance cover?
What does Commercial Property Insurance cover?
Commercial property insurance is vital for anyone who owns or operates a business that involves a physical location. This type of insurance protects your business premises, equipment, and any inventory within the space. Whether you're a landlord, a small business owner, or a property investor, having a solid understanding of commercial property insurance is essential. It not only safeguards your physical assets but also provides peace of mind for your financial investment. - read more
Is Commercial Property Insurance mandatory?
Is Commercial Property Insurance mandatory?
Commercial property insurance is a type of coverage that protects businesses and their assets from various risks. This insurance safeguards physical properties, including buildings, equipment, inventory, and other essential assets. By having commercial property insurance, businesses can mitigate losses that may occur due to unexpected events. - read more

Knowledgebase
Copayment:
A fixed amount you pay for a covered healthcare service, usually when you receive the service.

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.