Insurance companies in Australia are working to assist policyholders impacted by ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred, which caused significant damage across southeast Queensland and northern New South Wales.
Insurers have deployed response teams to assess claims, arrange emergency repairs, and provide financial assistance to affected customers.
Insurance Australia Group (IAG), which operates NRMA Insurance, CGU, WFI, and ROLLiN’, has sent disaster response specialists to support policyholders affected by the storm.
As of March 18, the company had received around 7,890 claims across its brands, with most related to property damage from severe winds, fallen trees, and water entering homes.
A significant portion of claims – roughly one-third – are for food spoilage, with IAG providing immediate financial relief for those affected.
Luke Gallagher, executive general manager claims at NRMA Insurance, said assessors and repair teams were deployed as soon as conditions allowed.
“As soon as there was a gap in the weather when the storm hit on Saturday 8 March, our assessors and partner repairers have been supporting thousands of impacted customers in South East Queensland and Northern New South Wales. This included arranging emergency make-safe repairs to prevent further wind and water damage to properties, temporary accommodation, and emergency financial support,” he said.
He added that IAG is using Make-Safe tarping to secure homes. These tarps are designed to withstand high winds and prevent further water ingress.
The insurer has set up 10 claims assistance locations in Queensland and New South Wales, including three pop-up hubs, to provide in-person support for affected policyholders.
Meanwhile, Bupa has announced a premium relief initiative for policyholders impacted by ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred, allowing eligible customers to have their health insurance premiums waived for up to three months while maintaining coverage.
The relief package is available to policyholders in southern Queensland and northern New South Wales who have qualified for the Federal Government Disaster Recovery Payment.
Bupa health insurance managing director Kate Williams said the initiative is intended to ease financial pressure for those recovering from the cyclone’s impact.
“We understand the emotional and financial toll the flooding, power outages, and storm damage has had on our customers. We hope this financial assistance will alleviate some of the pressure and let them focus on getting back on their feet,” she said.
Bupa has also simplified the application process and is offering access to online mental health programs through This Way Up, which provides resources for managing stress and anxiety.
Customers who were Bupa members as of March 4 and can provide evidence of receiving the government’s disaster recovery payment are eligible. Those facing financial hardship who do not meet these criteria may still apply for other support measures, such as policy suspension. Applications for the program are open until July 4.
All Bupa health insurance stores affected by the cyclone have resumed normal operations as of March 17.
The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) has reported that insurers have received approximately 63,600 claims linked to ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred, with an additional 10,000 lodged over the weekend. The majority of claims relate to wind damage, water ingress, and food spoilage.
Insurers continue to operate in affected areas, providing assistance and processing claims. The ICA has also issued a warning to policyholders to be cautious of unlicensed contractors or individuals offering rapid repair services. Customers are advised to contact their insurers directly if they suspect fraudulent activity.
To support rebuilding efforts, the ICA has launched an Expression of Interest (EOI) initiative for interstate tradespeople willing to assist with recovery operations. Those interested in participating can apply via the ICA’s website.
