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A month after the town of Tathra was ravaged by the March 18 bushfire, insurers have made “strong progress” with the clean-up of damaged or destroyed homes, with up to 20 properties cleared since teams moved in last week, the Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) has announced.
“Contractors engaged by insurers have made rapid progress,” ICA CEO Rob Whelan said. “Insurers are acting in the best interests of their customers. They are pressing ahead with clearing insured properties destroyed by the bushfire. Repairs have started on some damaged homes in the area too.”
An insurance forum was also held to guide bushfire-impacted policyholders through the claims and clean-up process and give them the opportunity to talk to ICA representatives or their insurer.
The forum, attended by members of the ICA disaster recovery team, insurance company representatives, and Legal Aid solicitors, was held to “reduce the chance of misinformation and misunderstandings, and provide clear, concise guidance that helps reduce stress and worry,” the peak insurance body said.
So far, claims lodged due to both the Tathra and Victorian bushfires number 1,050, amounting to $45m.
