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:

Rate this article

0 Comments

No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts.

Insurance News

Why load restraint is an insurance issue for truck operators

27 Aug 2026: Paige Estritori

Recent transport industry reporting has again drawn attention to load restraint, with regulators and enforcement agencies continuing to highlight the risks created by poorly secured freight. For Australian truck operators, the issue is broader than avoiding roadside penalties. A load that moves, spills or falls can quickly become a vehicle damage, cargo, public liability, injury and business interruption problem. - read more

What Builder Collapses Mean for Tradies on the Job

27 Aug 2026: Paige Estritori

Australia's construction sector continues to face pressure, with recent business reporting again pointing to elevated insolvency risk among builders and related operators. For tradespeople, that is not just a headline about another company's balance sheet. A builder collapse can quickly become a practical problem for subcontractors who have materials on site, tools locked in a compound, unpaid invoices, unfinished work and unclear responsibility for damaged or abandoned projects. - read more

New claims data sharpens focus on income protection details

27 Aug 2026: Paige Estritori

APRA's latest life insurance claims and disputes statistics have again put the practical side of personal cover in front of Australian workers. While headline numbers often focus on the overall performance of life insurers, the data is especially relevant for anyone relying on income protection insurance or salary continuance cover to keep household cash flow steady after illness or injury. - read more

Why defect checks matter for truck insurance

27 Aug 2026: Paige Estritori

Recent heavy vehicle industry reporting has again highlighted roadside compliance activity, with enforcement attention on mechanical condition, fatigue records, load restraint and day-to-day maintenance evidence. For truck operators, the message is broader than avoiding an infringement. A defect notice, preventable breakdown or poorly documented maintenance program can also shape how an insurer views risk when cover is renewed or when a claim is assessed. - read more

Insurance Tax Debate Puts Farm Premiums Back in Focus

26 Aug 2026: Paige Estritori

Renewed industry pressure to reduce insurance taxes has put affordability back in the spotlight for rural and regional Australia. The latest debate centres on the extra costs added to insurance through state-based duties, levies and other charges, which can make already expensive cover harder to maintain for households and businesses exposed to flood, bushfire, storm and cyclone risk. - 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

Insurance Essentials: Protecting Your Small Business with Public Liability Coverage

Running a small business in Australia comes with its own set of challenges and risks. One crucial aspect that should never be overlooked is insurance, particularly public liability insurance. The reason is simple: it offers essential protection against claims of property damage or personal injury caused by your business operations. - read more

Understanding The Costs: How Much Does Public Liability Insurance Typically Cost?

Public liability insurance is a crucial form of protection for both businesses and individuals, safeguarding them against potential claims for personal injury or property damage that occur as a result of their operations or services. In an increasingly litigious society, having this coverage can mean the difference between staying afloat financially and facing business closure due to unexpected claims. - read more

Reducing Your Risks: Public Liability Coverage Tips for Trade Professionals

For tradesmen and trade professionals, venturing into the world of business comes with its set of challenges and risks. Among the myriad of precautions to consider, one critical safeguard stands out for its ability to protect both the tradesperson and their clients: Public Liability Insurance. This form of coverage is not just a safety net; it is a cornerstone of a responsible business practice within the trade industry. - read more

Professional Indemnity Insurance in Australia: What It Covers and Who It Is For

Professional indemnity insurance can help protect Australian professionals, consultants and service-based businesses against claims arising from alleged mistakes, negligence or breaches of professional duty. This guide explains what it commonly covers, how it differs from public liability insurance, and which professionals often consider it. - read more

Start Here !

Knowledgebase

Proximate Cause:
The primary cause of loss in an insurance claim, which sets in motion a chain of events leading to the damage or injury.

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.

Insurers Under Scrutiny for Response to Alfred Flood Claims

Insurers Under Scrutiny for Response to Alfred Flood Claims

Share this news item:

Start here!