Insurers Under Scrutiny for Response to Alfred Flood Claims

1

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.

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
Source: Paige Estritori

Please Note: If this information affects you, seek advice from a licensed professional.

Share this news item:

Insurance News

Clear

Strengthening Agricultural Insurance: Rural Affinity and Munich Re's Renewed Partnership

10 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori

Rural Affinity has renewed its partnership with Munich Re Specialty - Global Markets under a new five-year agreement, continuing a collaboration that began in 2006. This renewed alliance aims to support Rural Affinity's efforts to expand its agricultural insurance offerings across Australia and introduce new products leveraging technology and innovation. - read more

AFCA Mandates Insurer Payout for Engine Overheating Incident

10 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori

The Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) has recently ruled in favour of a truck owner whose insurance claim was initially denied following an engine overheating incident. This decision underscores the complexities surrounding insurance claims related to driver negligence and mechanical failures. - read more

AFCA Supports Insurer in Truck Theft Claim Denial

10 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori

The Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) has recently upheld an insurer's decision to deny a truck theft claim, citing misrepresentation of the insured's insurance history. This ruling highlights the critical importance of accurate disclosure when obtaining insurance coverage. - read more

AFCA Sides with Freight Company in Dangerous Goods Disclosure Case

10 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori

The Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) has recently ruled in favour of a freight company in a dispute over the disclosure of transporting dangerous goods. This decision provides valuable insights into the obligations of transport companies regarding insurance disclosures. - read more

Australian Insurers Falling Behind in Risk Preparedness

10 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori

Recent findings from PwC's Insurance Banana Skins Survey highlight a concerning trend: Australian insurers are trailing their global counterparts in risk preparedness. The survey, which gathered insights from 698 insurance executives across 42 territories, indicates that Australian insurers scored 6.6% lower on the Preparedness Index compared to the global average. - read more

Click for more Insurance News