The upcoming week will witness the Insurance Council of Australia (ICA), alongside various insurance providers, conducting a series of engagements with communities in Far North Queensland (FNQ).
This initiative is a follow-up to assist those impacted by the destruction caused by Tropical Cyclone Jasper.
Since the cyclone and subsequent floods struck on Dec. 10, both the ICA and insurers have been actively involved in the region, aiding policyholders and participating in recovery efforts in collaboration with government entities and support groups.
To this point, insurers have received over 9,300 claims, with a breakdown showing around 53% for property damage, 13% for vehicles, and another 13% concerning commercial entities.
According to the ICA, insurance losses from Tropical Cyclone Jasper and the Christmas and New Year storms have surged to $1.2 billion.
These new sessions are slated for Cairns, Innisfail, and Port Douglas from March 12-14, building on the foundation laid by initial consultations and community gatherings that took place in January.
Designed as a part of the standardised response to declared catastrophes, these insurer-led sessions aim to provide an informative platform for policyholders. They offer insights into the claims handling process and afford individuals the opportunity for direct discussions about their claims with their insurers.
Event details are as follows:
Locations have been strategically chosen to facilitate easy access for affected policyholders, who are encouraged to book an appointment ahead of time through the ICA's booking portal.
ICA CEO Andrew Hall highlighted the ongoing recovery efforts from last year's severe weather events.
“We know that communities are still recovering from the impacts of the extreme weather at the end of last year,” he said. “The ICA and insurers remain committed to support impacted customers as they navigate this difficult time, with another round of on-the-ground consultations to provide information and assistance.
“Insurers continue to work alongside government stakeholders and agencies to deliver better outcomes for those in need.”
