The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) says insurers have now received more than 7,300 claims following recent flooding across the Mid North Coast and Hunter regions in New South Wales.
With roads open across the region and power now fully restored, claims are continuing to roll in and are being prioritised by insurers.
The ICA acknowledges that for some, the clean-up process is only just beginning. For those residents and business owners, the ICA has some tips:
- Document any damage as best you can. This includes taking photos and videos.
- Dispose of any items that can't be repaired. This is particularly important for soft material items.
- Don't authorise any work by anyone who isn't your insurer. 'Disaster chasers' may be about, looking to target vulnerable community members and capitalise on this event. If you're ever unsure, speak with your insurer directly.
- Visit our Insurance Hubs if you have any questions. Insurers are on the ground across the Mid North Coast in Taree, Port Macquarie, Kempsey and Maitland. The Insurance Hubs in Taree and Port Macquarie will remain open over the weekend.
Details of the Insurance Hubs can be found at the back of this release.
Quotes attributable to ICA CEO Andrew Hall:
We're hearing positive feedback from insurers on the ground at our Insurance Hubs that community members are finding it incredibly beneficial speaking to their insurer in-person and kick starting the claims process.
We know the clean-up process and road to recovery will be a long one for many. Insurers have already fast tracked some claims, issuing emergency payments and funds for temporary accommodation.
Insurer's presence will continue into the weekend, so I encourage those yet to make a claim to head down and speak with their insurer.
Future claims number updates will be posted to the ICA's social media accounts as they become available.
A list of FAQs can be found in the PDF of this release.
