Insurance Claims Surge Following Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred
The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) has reported that insurers have received over 44,000 claims due to the aftermath of ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred. Just a day prior, the ICA had noted that more than 34,000 claims had been filed across Southeast Queensland and Northern New South Wales, marking a significant increase from 22,000 claims reported the previous day. As individuals continue to evaluate the damage to their homes and businesses, the numbers are expected to climb further.
Out of the total 44,795 claims now lodged, a majority of 41,466 originate from Queensland, while 3,329 stem from New South Wales. The claims are predominantly related to Home insurance, numbering 40,940, while 1,972 are associated with Motor insurance, and the remaining 1,883 pertain to Commercial coverage.
The ICA has indicated that while there are regional variations in the types of claims, initial concerns about extensive wind damage claims have not materialized. Instead, there have been localized flood claims, with a more widespread number of claims associated with storm-induced water damage and food spoilage due to power outages.
Andrew Hall, CEO of the Insurance Council of Australia, stated, “Although the destruction caused by ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred wasn’t as severe as initially feared, we recognize that the recovery journey will be lengthy for many. I want to reassure the affected communities that insurers are diligently working to expedite claim assessments and help individuals rebuild their lives swiftly. This is the essence of insurance.”
He further emphasized, “We are in ongoing dialogue with various levels of government and response agencies, and this collaboration will continue throughout the region’s recovery process.”
