The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) and insurers will activate an Insurance Hub in Taree next week to assist local customers affected by severe storms and flooding that has been impacting the wider region since Saturday 17 May.
ICA representatives present at the Hub will be able to provide general insurance guidance to property and business owners who have lodged or intend to lodge a claim, while insurers will be able to assist customers directly with their claim.
Representatives from the ICA, Suncorp, IAG, Hollard, Allianz, QBE, Auto & General and Youi will be represented at the Insurance Hub.
Details of the Hub are:
- Location: Taree Leagues Sports Club, 43 Cowper St, Taree NSW 2430
- Dates: Tuesday 27 May to Friday 13 June
- Opening hours: 10am to 5pm. No bookings required, walk-ins welcome.
Insurers have to date received more than 2,700 claims from the event with more expected to be lodged over the weekend. Tomorrow's count will also include a tally of claims lodged across the broader region impacted by this weather event, including greater Sydney.
LGA |
Home |
Motor |
Commercial |
Total |
Mid-Coast |
457 |
205 |
60 |
722 |
Central Coast |
396 |
42 |
12 |
450 |
Newcastle |
336 |
45 |
20 |
401 |
Lake Macquarie |
338 |
39 |
7 |
384 |
Port Macquarie-Hastings |
200 |
58 |
8 |
266 |
Port Stephens |
142 |
18 |
4 |
164 |
Northern Beaches |
108 |
10 |
2 |
120 |
Coffs Harbour |
91 |
20 |
3 |
114 |
Cessnock |
67 |
8 |
6 |
81 |
Maitland |
32 |
6 |
5 |
43 |
Grand Total |
2,167 |
451 |
127 |
2,745 |
With flood waters receding, the ICA's advice for those beginning the clean-up process is:
- If water has entered the home, have a qualified electrician inspect the property before turning the electricity back on.
- Take photos, videos and notes of the damage. This will all be used to help with your claim.
- Throw away any items that cannot be repaired, particularly if they pose a health risk.
- Lodge your claim as soon as you can, even if the full extent of the damage isn't yet known.
- Don't authorise any building or repair works with anyone other than your direct insurer.
Quotes attributable to ICA CEO Andrew Hall:
We acknowledge that for many community members, this event is far from over with flood waters only just beginning to recede in some areas.
Insurers are committed to prioritising the recovery of those impacted by these devastating floods. We're sending crews into these areas to meet face-to-face with customers and start helping residents get back on their feet.
Relief hubs provide an opportunity for impacted locals to understand more about the claims process, as well as meet with a representative of their insurer to discuss their claim.
A list of FAQs can be found in the PDF this release.
