Insurers Under Scrutiny for Response to Alfred Flood Claims

The information on this website is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Consider seeking personal advice from a licensed adviser before acting on any information.

Speaking before an upcoming Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) meeting set to address policyholder issues, Mr. Lee highlighted widespread dissatisfaction among flood-affected businesses regarding their insurance claims. According to him, while some insurers have been proactive, others are rapidly dismissing any responsibility for flood-induced damage.

Mr. Lee shared insights based on data from the state's business disaster recovery initiative. He noted a growing trend where business owners are struggling with insurance complications as they strive to recover from the calamity that hit in March. He criticized certain insurers for demanding exhaustive hydrology reports from already distressed clients and called for more efficient resolutions to these pressing claims.

Emphasizing his point, he recounted the ordeal of a local butcher whose shop faced significant damage estimated at more than $300,000. Despite having paid insurance premiums for nearly two decades, the business owner now finds himself in dire financial straits, having to cover employee wages from his depleting savings, without any incoming revenue.

According to the ICA, insurers have processed over 100,000 claims amounting to nearly $1 billion due to Alfred's impact. Hervey Bay, particularly, suffered severe consequences, leading the ICA to label the incident a catastrophe. They plan to hold a meeting in Hervey Bay on May 15 to address ongoing concerns.

Liam Walter, ICA's director of mitigation and extreme weather response, emphasized the importance of direct engagement in Hervey Bay. The council aims to ensure comprehensive support and resolution for those affected, with expectations that assessments and discussions around rebuilding are well underway by now.

Published:Monday, 5th May 2025
Author: Paige Estritori

Please Note: We do not endorse any specific products or companies. Some content is sourced from third parties, including press releases, and may not be independently verified for accuracy or completeness.

Share this news item:

Insurance News

Clear

Insurers Sound Alarm on AI-Driven Cyber Threats

23 May 2026: Paige Estritori

In the rapidly evolving digital landscape, Australian insurers are raising concerns that artificial intelligence (AI)-driven cyber threats are advancing at a pace that outstrips current market pricing models. This development poses significant challenges for the insurance industry, particularly for tradespeople and small business owners who rely on comprehensive coverage to safeguard their operations. - read more

Aviso WA Strengthens Presence with Wray Insurance Acquisition

23 May 2026: Paige Estritori

In a strategic move to bolster its service offerings, Aviso WA has announced the acquisition of Wray Insurance, a well-established insurance brokerage in Western Australia. This acquisition is set to enhance Aviso WA's capabilities and expand its client base, providing more comprehensive insurance solutions to tradespeople and small business owners in the region. - read more

Surge in Mental Health Claims Challenges Australia's Income Support System

23 May 2026: Paige Estritori

Recent data indicates a substantial increase in mental health-related claims, exerting considerable pressure on Australia's income support safety net. This trend underscores the urgent need for systemic reforms to address the growing demand for mental health support and the sustainability of income protection mechanisms. - read more

Australian Life Insurers Support Review of Life Insurance Code of Practice

23 May 2026: Paige Estritori

The Council of Australian Life Insurers (CALI) has announced an independent review of the Life Insurance Code of Practice, a move welcomed by industry stakeholders aiming to bolster consumer trust and protections. This review signifies a proactive step towards ensuring that the Code remains relevant and effective in addressing the evolving needs of policyholders. - read more

Australia Bans Use of Genetic Test Results in Life Insurance Underwriting

23 May 2026: Paige Estritori

The Australian Senate has recently passed groundbreaking legislation that prohibits life insurers from using genetic test results in their underwriting processes. This landmark decision aims to protect consumers from potential discrimination based on their genetic information and to ensure fairness in the assessment of life insurance policies. - read more

Click for more Insurance News