Insurers to hold town hall in Ingham

The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) will host a community information session in Ingham next week to assist insurance customers affected by recent severe weather and flooding in the region.

Scheduled for March 6, the town hall-style meeting will take place at Hinchinbrook Shire Hall from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm. According to a news release, the session will provide policyholders with guidance on the insurance claims process, available support services, and key insurance-related information to aid in recovery efforts.

Representatives from the ICA, Legal Aid, and Financial Counselling Australia will be present to address concerns and discuss key topics, including:

• The impact of the North Queensland floods and an overview of the event
• Steps in the claims process and necessary actions for insurance customers
• Available support services for affected residents
• Common insurance terms and their meanings
• Any additional questions from attendees

Following the Q&A session, policyholders will have the opportunity to meet one-on-one with their insurers to discuss individual claims.

The recent floods in North Queensland have caused significant devastation, with at least two confirmed fatalities and hundreds of residents displaced from their homes. According to a report from World Socialist Web Site, the Herbert River in Ingham peaked at 14.89 metres, close to record levels, and major infrastructure damage has left thousands without power.

Liam Walter, ICA director of mitigation and extreme weather response, acknowledged the widespread damage caused by the storms and flooding, noting that insurers have received over 7,000 claims from Townsville, Ingham, Innisfail, Mission Beach, and Cardwell.

“While insurers are already assisting impacted customers in their recovery, we understand that having the opportunity to hear from representatives in person and ask questions can be invaluable in understanding the claims process and helping people get back on their feet,” Walter said.

The ICA and participating organisations encourage affected residents to attend the session to ensure they receive the support and information they need. Interested individuals are encouraged to register for the event on the ICA website.

Have you or someone you know been affected by the floods? Share your experiences in the comments below.