More than 9,000 insurance claims have been lodged following the impact of ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred in southeast Queensland and New South Wales, the Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) reported today.
The number is a significant jump from the figure released over the weekend, when only around 3,000 claims were lodged by Sunday.
Queensland accounts for the majority of claims, with 8,328 lodged as of midday today, while New South Wales has recorded 898. The breakdown includes 8,566 home claims, 528 motor claims, and 132 commercial claims.
The ICA declared an Insurance Catastrophe for the affected regions on Sunday, triggering an escalated response from insurers. Under this declaration, insurers are prioritising claims, triaging cases to assist the worst-affected policyholders first, and mobilising disaster response specialists. ICA representatives are also working with local agencies as soon as emergency services permit.
Andrew Hall, CEO of the ICA, noted that the full extent of the damage is not yet clear. “This remains an active event and it will take some time to gain a clearer picture of the damage,” he said. He also urged policyholders to initiate the claims process promptly.
“Insurers expect a large number of claims will be lodged in coming days as property owners begin returning to homes and businesses. We encourage policyholders to contact their insurer as soon as practically possible even if they have not been able to return to their home.”
Cyclone Alfred made landfall on Saturday morning, leaving over 300,000 homes and businesses without power and triggering severe flooding. Insurers anticipate a significant rise in claims in the coming weeks as more property owners assess the damage.
