Spike in Claims from Cyclone Alfred
The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) has reported a significant surge in claims following the aftermath of ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred, with figures escalating by over 50% in just 24 hours. The number of claims now exceeds 34,000 across southeast Queensland and northern New South Wales.
Initially, the ICA noted that more than 22,000 claims had been lodged, anticipating further increases as affected individuals continued to evaluate the damage to their properties and businesses. Presently, the total has reached 34,248 claims, with 31,830 originating from Queensland and 2,418 from New South Wales.
The claims are categorized as follows: 31,241 for Home, 1,631 for Motor, and 1,376 for Commercial sectors.
Insurance Sector’s Response
In response to the crisis, the ICA, alongside insurers, reinsurers, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), and other governmental bodies, convened to discuss the insurance sector’s support for those impacted by the cyclone.
During this meeting, it was revealed that insurers proactively reached out to more than a quarter of a million customers in the affected regions, providing them with safety advice, preparedness tips, and guidance on expediting claim lodgment.
Andrew Hall, CEO of the Insurance Council of Australia, commented on the collaborative efforts, stating, “As part of the recovery process from ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred, insurers and reinsurers gathered today with NEMA and other government agencies to share insights from the field. This continuous dialogue with our governmental partners is essential to ensure resources are allocated effectively to areas most in need.”
He further added, “Insurers have already disbursed nearly $2.4 million through about 6,000 small emergency cash payments to assist affected customers in managing immediate needs such as food and temporary accommodation. The number of claims is rising significantly each day, with over 34,000 claims now filed, predominantly from Queensland.”
