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

HESTA Announces Significant Insurance Fee Reductions and Enhanced Member Protections
HESTA Announces Significant Insurance Fee Reductions and Enhanced Member Protections
26 May 2026: Paige Estritori
HESTA, a prominent Australian superannuation fund, has unveiled a series of changes aimed at providing more accessible and affordable insurance coverage for its members. Effective from 1 July 2026, these adjustments include an average 12% reduction in insurance fees across all cover types, encompassing death, total and permanent disablement (TPD), and income protection cover. - read more
Acenda Life Introduces Significant Updates to Income Protection Policies
Acenda Life Introduces Significant Updates to Income Protection Policies
26 May 2026: Paige Estritori
Acenda Life has recently implemented a series of updates to its Retail Life Insurance portfolio, effective from 11 April 2026. These changes are designed to provide greater flexibility and accessibility for Australians seeking income protection insurance, addressing common concerns about policy limitations and entry age restrictions. - read more
AFCA Backs Insurer in Income Protection Offset Case
AFCA Backs Insurer in Income Protection Offset Case
26 May 2026: Paige Estritori
The Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) has recently ruled in favour of Nippon Life Insurance in a dispute concerning income protection (IP) offsets, confirming an overpayment of nearly $18,000 and supporting the insurer's decision to suspend benefits during the reconciliation of compulsory third party (CTP) income. - read more
Australian Tattooists Struggle with Soaring Insurance Premiums
Australian Tattooists Struggle with Soaring Insurance Premiums
26 May 2026: Paige Estritori
The Australian tattoo industry is currently grappling with prohibitively high insurance premiums, a situation largely attributed to a lack of competition within the insurance market. The Australian Tattooists Guild has highlighted that the dominance of a single broker and underwriter has resulted in a near-monopoly, leaving tattoo businesses with few alternatives for affordable coverage. - read more
Escalating Insurance Premiums Threaten Australian Small Businesses
Escalating Insurance Premiums Threaten Australian Small Businesses
26 May 2026: Paige Estritori
Australian small businesses, including beauty salons, are confronting a significant challenge: rapidly increasing insurance premiums that threaten their operational viability. A recent federal parliamentary inquiry has shed light on the severe impact these escalating costs are having on the small business sector. - 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
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
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
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
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
Proximate Cause:
The primary cause of loss in an insurance claim, which sets in motion a chain of events leading to the damage or injury.

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.