Liability Insurance Australia :: News

Share this news item!

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
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

Broker Held Accountable for Uncommunicated Policy Exclusions Leading to Claim Denial

10 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori

In a recent decision by the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA), a broker has been found liable for failing to adequately inform a client about critical exclusions in a truck insurance policy, resulting in the denial of a damage claim. This case underscores the paramount importance of clear communication between brokers and clients, especially concerning policy terms that can significantly impact coverage. - read more

Understanding the Impact of Seasonal Risks on Truck Insurance in Australia

10 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori

Seasonal changes in Australia bring about varying weather patterns and traffic conditions, significantly impacting the trucking industry. These fluctuations not only affect operational efficiency but also have profound implications for insurance coverage and premiums. Understanding these seasonal risks is crucial for truck owners and operators to ensure adequate protection and cost management. - read more

Navigating Insurance Requirements for Food Truck Operators in Australia

10 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori

Operating a food truck in Australia presents unique challenges, particularly when it comes to securing appropriate insurance coverage. Unlike traditional brick-and-mortar establishments, food trucks combine elements of a business, vehicle, and commercial kitchen, necessitating a tailored approach to insurance. - read more

Zurich Australia's New Income Protection for Women's Health

09 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori

Zurich Australia has unveiled a pioneering income protection benefit tailored specifically for women's health conditions, including menopause and endometriosis. This initiative addresses the significant impact these conditions have on women's professional lives and financial stability. - read more

APRA's Renewed Efforts to Reform Income Protection Insurance

09 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori

The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has announced the resumption of its reforms targeting individual disability income insurance (IDII), commonly known as income protection insurance. This initiative aims to address the financial challenges that have plagued the industry, with insurers reporting losses exceeding $3.4 billion over the past five years. - read more

Click for more Insurance News

Business Insurance Articles

Common Myths About Public Liability Insurance Debunked

Today, we're diving into the world of public liability insurance, a crucial topic for anyone running a small business or working as a self-employed professional in Australia. - read more

Understanding the Key Factors Influencing Your Liability Insurance Premiums

Liability insurance is a form of coverage that protects businesses against claims resulting from injuries and damage to people or property. It provides crucial peace of mind, ensuring that your business is shielded from potentially devastating financial losses due to lawsuits or claims against it. - read more

Proven Strategies for Slashing Your Business Liability Insurance Costs

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on public liability insurance, an essential safeguard for businesses across Australia. Navigating the complexities of liability insurance can be a daunting task for many business owners, but it’s a critical component of your business protection plan. If incidents such as accidents or property damage occur, liability insurance is the barrier that stands between your business and financial calamity. - read more

Why Every Business Needs Public Liability Insurance

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on public liability insurance. If you run a business, you've probably heard this term thrown around quite often. But what exactly is public liability insurance? - read more

Key Benefits of Comparing Public Liability Insurance Rates for Australian Businesses

As an Australian business owner, you face numerous financial risks daily. Accidents can happen at any time, whether it's a slip and fall on your premises or damage caused by your products or services. These incidents can lead to costly legal actions that may put significant strain on your business finances. - read more

Start Here !

Knowledgebase

Claim Adjuster:
An insurance professional who investigates and evaluates insurance claims to determine the amount the insurance company should pay.

This website is owned and operated by Clark Family Pty Ltd (as Trustee for the Clark Family Trust) 43 Larch Street Tallebudgera QLD 4228, A.C.N. 010281008, authorised Financial Services Representative of Unique Group Broker Services Pty Ltd, Australian Financial Services License 509434. Visit the ASIC website for additional licensing information.

IMPORTANT: We are neither authorised nor licensed to provide finance or financial products and we do not offer any form of credit or other financial advice. All product enquiries and requests for financial and/or other advice on this website are referred to 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 vaidating 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.