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.

In a recent development, Queensland MP David Lee has raised concerns about how insurance companies are addressing claims following the devastating floods caused by Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred.

Businesses in Hervey Bay, a region heavily impacted by the floods, report facing significant hurdles in having their damage claims recognized.

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
Source: Paige Estritori

Please Note: If this information affects you, seek advice from a licensed professional.

Share this news item:

Insurance News

Inattention and Speed Identified as Key Factors in Australian Truck Crashes

06 Nov 2025: Paige Estritori

The National Truck Accident Research Centre (NTARC) has released its 2025 Major Incident Investigation Report, shedding light on the primary human factors contributing to significant truck crashes across Australia. The findings emphasise the critical roles of inattention, distraction, and inappropriate speed in these incidents, underscoring the necessity for targeted safety interventions within the transport industry. - read more

QBE and Sure Insurance Forge New Home Cover Partnership

06 Nov 2025: Paige Estritori

QBE Australia Pacific has recently entered into a strategic partnership with Sure Insurance, aiming to bolster its broker-distributed householders cover. This collaboration signifies a concerted effort to provide more comprehensive and accessible home insurance solutions tailored to the diverse needs of Australian homeowners. - read more

Blue Zebra Enhances Insurance Offerings with New Underwriting Partnerships

06 Nov 2025: Paige Estritori

Underwriting agency Blue Zebra has recently announced the establishment of new capacity arrangements for its home building and contents, landlord, and small to medium-sized enterprise (SME) package products. This strategic move is set to enhance the agency's ability to offer comprehensive and competitive insurance solutions tailored to the evolving needs of Australian homeowners and business operators. - read more

AIG Australia Penalised for Claims Handling Failures

06 Nov 2025: Paige Estritori

The Insurance Code Governance Committee has imposed a $30,000 penalty on AIG Australia for breaching its obligations related to claims handling. The insurer failed to inform customers about delays in processing their claims and neglected to advise them of their right to escalate complaints to the ombudsman. This regulatory action underscores the critical importance of transparency and communication in the insurance claims process. - read more

Climate Change Impacting Home Insurance Costs, IAG Reports

05 Nov 2025: Paige Estritori

Insurance Australia Group (IAG), a leading insurer in Australia, has highlighted the significant impact of climate change on the cost of home insurance. The company reports that the increasing frequency and severity of weather events are contributing to rising premiums for homeowners. - read more

Click for more Insurance News

Caravan Insurance Articles

Why Eco-Friendly Caravanning is the Future of Travel

Caravanning has seen a rise in popularity across Australia, with many discovering the joys of hitting the open road and exploring the vast landscapes that the country has to offer. From coastal trips to inland adventures, caravanning provides the flexibility and freedom that many travelers are seeking. - read more

The Hidden Factors That Influence Your Caravan Insurance Costs

Caravan insurance is a vital safeguard that protects your valuable investment from unforeseen incidents, whether at home or on the road. Understanding the dynamics of caravan insurance pricing is crucial for any caravan owner in Australia looking to get the most value from their policy while ensuring adequate coverage. - read more

Why You Should Use a Specialist Caravan Insurance Broker Instead of Going Direct

Caravan insurance is an important investment for anyone who owns a caravan. It provides financial protection against loss, damage, or theft of your caravan. While it's possible to purchase caravan insurance directly from an insurer, in this article, we explore why you should use a specialist caravan insurance broker instead of going direct - and how to choose the right one for your needs. - read more

Mastering Weight Distribution for a Smooth, Safe Caravan Journey

When embarking on journeys with a caravan in tow, understanding the concept of weight distribution is critical. This refers to how the weight of your load is spread both within the caravan and between the caravan and the towing vehicle. Ensuring this weight is evenly distributed is not just a matter of organization; it's a fundamental aspect of safe and smooth travel. - read more

Practical Security Measures Every Caravan Owner Should Implement Now

In recent years, we've seen a troubling rise in caravan thefts nationwide, which has undoubtedly caused concern within our vibrant community. It's clear that the adage 'better safe than sorry' has never been more applicable to caravan ownership. - read more

Knowledgebase

Insurance Claim:
Notification to an insurance company requesting payment of an amount due under the terms of the policy.

This website is owned and operated by Clark Family Pty Ltd (ACN 010 281 008) as Trustee for the Clark Family Trust (ABN 35 957 893 714), 43 Larch Street Tallebudgera QLD 4228. Clark Family Pty Ltd is an Authorised Representative (AR 1298860) of Unique Group Broker Services Pty Ltd (AFSL 509434) for financial product referrals and an Authorised Credit Representative (ACR 401491) of Saccasan Pty Ltd (ACL 386297). Check our licensing details on the ASIC registers: Clark Family Pty Ltd ACR, Clark Family Pty Ltd AR, Saccasan Pty Ltd, Unique Group Broker Services.

IMPORTANT: We do not provide financial product advice or credit assistance. We act solely as an introducer and refer enquiries to licensed third-party intermediaries, insurers, and lenders - with whom you can then deal directly. We may receive a fee or commission from these third parties in consideration for the referral. Before any action is taken to obtain a product or service referred to by this website, advice should be obtained (from either the third party to whom we refer you or from another qualified intermediary) as to the appropriateness of obtaining those products having regard to your objectives, financial situation and needs. Whilst we have our own process for validating the legitimacy of our referral partners, you should always verify the credentials of your financial adviser before proceeding with recommendations that they may present. Visit the ASIC website for further information.