Household 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
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
Source: Paige Estritori

Share this news item:

Insurance News

Insurers Under Scrutiny for Response to Alfred Flood Claims Insurers Under Scrutiny for Response to Alfred Flood Claims
05 May 2025: Paige Estritori

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. - read more
AFCA Rules Against Engine Theft Coverage in Motor Policy Dispute AFCA Rules Against Engine Theft Coverage in Motor Policy Dispute
04 May 2025: Paige Estritori

An applicant's attempt to claim insurance coverage after the theft of an engine designated for his 1993 Nissan Skyline has been denied. Despite holding a comprehensive motor policy with IAG, the insured's claim was rejected after multiple engines were stolen in a brazen ram-raid at his vehicle repairer's workshop in November 2023, prompting an appeal to the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA). - read more
ACCC Strengthens Position Against Broker Commissions ACCC Strengthens Position Against Broker Commissions
02 May 2025: Paige Estritori

In a recent submission to the professional code of practice review, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has reiterated its position against broker commissions. Echoing findings from its 2020 Northern Australia Insurance Inquiry, the ACCC advocates for extending the ban on conflicted remuneration to include brokers. - read more
Partial Settlement Reached in Homeowner's 'Slow Leak' Insurance Dispute Partial Settlement Reached in Homeowner's 'Slow Leak' Insurance Dispute
01 May 2025: Paige Estritori

A recent ruling by the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) has determined that Auto & General Services must cover a portion of a homeowner's insurance claim related to long-term water damage caused by a leaking pipe. The decision comes after a protracted dispute regarding the coverage of damages arising from a leak that reportedly developed over 12 months, spanning both before and during the insurance policy period. - read more
AFCA Supports Insurer's Decision in Ex-Spouse Death Dispute AFCA Supports Insurer's Decision in Ex-Spouse Death Dispute
30 Apr 2025: Paige Estritori

In an intriguing case involving travel insurance and familial ties, a woman's claim for travel costs upon the death of her ex-husband has been rejected. While she returned abruptly from her vacation to support her family, Nib Travel Services (Australia) deemed her claim outside of coverage parameters. - read more


Household Insurance Articles

How Much Should You Budget for Insurance in Australia? How Much Should You Budget for Insurance in Australia?
Welcome to the comprehensive guide on navigating the diverse world of insurance in Australia. Whether you're safeguarding your personal assets or protecting your business interests, insurance plays a pivotal role in financial security. In this introductory section, we'll explore why budgeting for insurance is crucial for Australians, delve into the various types of insurance available, and illustrate how insurance should integrate into your broader financial planning strategy. - read more
5 Essential Insurance Policies for Your Home-Based Business 5 Essential Insurance Policies for Your Home-Based Business
If you're running a business from your home, you may think that your homeowner's insurance policy has you covered. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Homeowner's insurance policies are not typically designed to cover business-related losses, leaving you vulnerable to significant financial risks if something goes wrong. - read more
Essential Tips to Find the Right Home and Contents Insurance for Your Family Essential Tips to Find the Right Home and Contents Insurance for Your Family
In the face of unpredictable climate patterns and wild weather, safeguarding your home becomes a top priority, especially in a country like Australia. Choosing the right home and contents insurance is essential in providing a financial safety net against the forces of nature. With this in mind, the importance of insurance cannot be overstated, acting as a crucial buffer to protect your property and belongings. - read more
5 Essential Tips to Understand Your Home Insurance Policy in Australia 5 Essential Tips to Understand Your Home Insurance Policy in Australia
Choosing the right home insurance policy is akin to laying a safety net beneath your most valuable investment. With the Australian climate presenting a unique set of challenges, from bushfires to flooding, ensuring you have comprehensive cover isn't just a luxury—it's a necessity. The right policy serves as an armor, protecting your sanctuary against the unexpected onslaughts of nature and misfortune. - read more
The Most Common Mistakes in Household Insurance Claims and How to Prevent Them The Most Common Mistakes in Household Insurance Claims and How to Prevent Them
Household insurance is a crucial safety net for both homeowners and renters in Australia, offering protection against a range of potential damages and losses. Navigating the insurance claims process, however, can often be challenging and fraught with pitfalls. - read more
How to ensure your home renovation is covered by your insurance policy How to ensure your home renovation is covered by your insurance policy
Renovating your home can be an exciting time, but it can also be a stressful one. There are so many things to consider and plan for, including financing the renovations, choosing the right contractor, and selecting the materials to be used. One aspect that often gets overlooked during planning is the impact that renovations can have on your insurance coverage. - read more
Household Insurance for Australian Renters: What You Should Consider Household Insurance for Australian Renters: What You Should Consider
Household insurance is a type of coverage that protects you against financial losses from events such as theft, fire, or natural disasters. It typically includes two main components: building insurance, which covers the structure of the home, and contents insurance, which covers personal belongings within the home. - read more
The Most Common Mistakes in Household Insurance Claims and How to Prevent Them The Most Common Mistakes in Household Insurance Claims and How to Prevent Them
Household insurance is a crucial safety net for both homeowners and renters in Australia, offering protection against a range of potential damages and losses. Navigating the insurance claims process, however, can often be challenging and fraught with pitfalls. - read more
The Beginner's Checklist for Comparing Home Insurance Quotes Online The Beginner's Checklist for Comparing Home Insurance Quotes Online
Home insurance serves as a critical safety net for homeowners, providing peace of mind and financial protection from unexpected events. In Australia, where Mother Nature’s whims can often result in extreme weather conditions, securing a robust home insurance policy isn't just wise—it's practically a necessity for safeguarding one of life's biggest investments. - read more
5 Essential Insurance Policies for Your Home-Based Business 5 Essential Insurance Policies for Your Home-Based Business
If you're running a business from your home, you may think that your homeowner's insurance policy has you covered. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Homeowner's insurance policies are not typically designed to cover business-related losses, leaving you vulnerable to significant financial risks if something goes wrong. - read more


Your free Household insurance quote comparison starts here!
First Name:
Postcode:

All quotes are provided free (via our secure server) and without obligation. We respect your privacy.

Knowledgebase
Claim:
A formal request made by the policyholder to the insurance company for payment of a loss covered by the insurance policy.