The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) and insurers are continuing their efforts to assist policyholders impacted by recent extreme weather events in Queensland by providing in-person claims consultations.
These consultations will take place in both Far North and South-East Queensland in the coming weeks to help resolve outstanding insurance claims and provide recovery support.
Residents in Far North Queensland affected by ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper will have an opportunity to meet with insurers.
The storm, which occurred nearly a year ago, resulted in over 10,000 claims worth a total of $384 million.
Schedule: Tuesday, Nov. 26, 10am to 5pm.
Venue: Brothers League Club Cairns, 99 to 107 Anderson Street, Manunda.
Schedule: Wednesday, Nov. 27, 10am to 4pm.
Venue: Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple Resort and Spa, Mitre Street, Port Douglas.
In South-East Queensland, consultations will focus on recovery from the severe storms that struck during the Christmas and New Year period last year.
The storms triggered over 100,000 claims, with total insured losses exceeding $1.4 billion.
Schedule: Tuesday, Dec. 3, 9am to 4pm.
Venue: Jimboomba Community and District Hall, Johanna Street & Honora Street.
Schedule: Wednesday, Dec. 4, 9am to 4pm.
Venue: Coomera Community Space, 133 Finnegan Way.
Schedule: Thursday, Dec. 5, 8am to 2:45pm.
Venue: Vonda Youngman Centre, 2-4 Knoll Road, Tamborine Mountain.
Policyholders are encouraged to schedule appointments for the sessions via the ICA website.
The consultations aim to provide a forum for claimants to discuss their claims directly with insurers and resolve any ongoing issues.
Andrew Hall, CEO of the ICA, highlighted the role of these consultations in supporting recovery efforts and ensuring readiness for future weather events.
“The consultations we host allow customers to progress claims through face-to-face engagement, and we look forward to continuing this commitment to regions impacted by extreme weather,” he said.
The 2024 State of the Climate report, released by CSIRO and the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM), has warned that Australia’s insurance industry is likely to face greater challenges.
The biennial report identified continued warming, more frequent extreme weather events, and rising sea levels as key factors likely to impact risk assessment, pricing, and coverage strategies for insurers.
With another disaster season approaching, the ICA emphasised that ensuring recovery and preparedness remains a top priority for insurers and communities alike.
“It is important that we continue to provide households and businesses the support they need to move forward, particularly as we enter the next disaster season,” Hall said.
