Insurers Under Scrutiny for Response to Alfred Flood Claims

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
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:

Insurance News

Clear

Café's Underinsurance Leads to Reduced Payouts After Storm Damage

21 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori

In February 2026, a café and catering business faced significant financial challenges after a storm caused extensive damage, leading to a prolonged closure. The Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) ruled that the café's underinsurance resulted in reduced claim payouts, highlighting the critical need for businesses to ensure their insurance coverage accurately reflects their risk exposure. - read more

Arson Claim Approved for Restaurant Despite Director's Undisclosed Criminal Record

21 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori

In June 2025, the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) ruled in favor of a restaurant's arson claim, despite the director's failure to disclose his criminal history during the policy's inception. This decision highlights the complexities surrounding disclosure obligations and the importance of clear communication between insurers and policyholders. - read more

Undisclosed Religious Meetings Result in Denied Theft Claim for Landlord

21 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori

In December 2025, the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) upheld AIG's decision to deny a landlord's theft claim, citing the landlord's failure to disclose that the leased property was used for religious meetings. This case highlights the paramount importance of accurate disclosure regarding property use in insurance agreements. - read more

NSW Productivity Commissioner Calls for Immediate Ban on Strata Manager Commissions

21 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori

In a significant development for New South Wales' strata sector, Productivity Commissioner Peter Achterstraat has recommended the prompt prohibition of commissions received by strata managers. This move aims to safeguard the interests of apartment owners, especially as strata living becomes increasingly prevalent in Sydney. - read more

CHU's 2025 Report Shows Stability in Strata Insurance Premiums

21 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori

CHU, Australia's leading strata insurance underwriting agency, has released its 2025 State of the Strata Market report, providing a comprehensive analysis of the current state of the industry. The report indicates that strata insurance premiums have experienced a modest increase of 2.8%, rising from an average of $954 to $981 per lot annually in the year leading up to June 2025. This increment is notably lower than the 14% surge observed in house insurance premiums during the same period. - read more

Click for more Insurance News