Liability Insurance Australia :: News
SHARE

Share this news item!

Insurers Under Scrutiny for Response to Alfred Flood Claims

Insurers Under Scrutiny for Response to Alfred Flood Claims

Insurers Under Scrutiny for Response to Alfred Flood Claims?w=400

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

Medical Timing Decides Travel Insurance Claim Dispute
Medical Timing Decides Travel Insurance Claim Dispute
21 Jun 2026: Paige Estritori
A recent travel insurance dispute reported by Insurance News has put a spotlight on one of the most important parts of any cancellation claim: timing. The case involved a policyholder who argued that a doctor’s declaration that he could not travel overseas was the relevant claimable event, rather than the earlier appearance of illness. The policyholder was successful, reinforcing that the way a medical issue is documented can be just as important as the condition itself. - read more
Why the General Insurance Code Review Matters for Real Estate Agencies
Why the General Insurance Code Review Matters for Real Estate Agencies
21 Jun 2026: Paige Estritori
Australia’s general insurance sector appears to be moving closer to a major update to the General Insurance Code of Practice, with Financial Services Minister Daniel Mulino signalling that the long-running review should make visible progress soon. For real estate agencies, this is worth watching closely because the code influences how many insurers communicate, manage claims and resolve disputes. - read more
General Insurance Code Review Puts Service Standards in Focus
General Insurance Code Review Puts Service Standards in Focus
21 Jun 2026: Paige Estritori
Australia’s general insurance sector is edging closer to a significant reset of its customer service rulebook, with Financial Services Minister Daniel Mulino indicating he wants meaningful progress on the long-running review of the General Insurance Code of Practice. A draft of the revised code is expected to move towards consultation shortly, following a review process that began in November 2023 and produced more than 100 recommendations in late 2024. - read more
Victoria’s Strata Commission Debate Moves Into a New Phase
Victoria’s Strata Commission Debate Moves Into a New Phase
21 Jun 2026: Paige Estritori
Victoria’s strata reform agenda has taken another important turn, with consumer advocates continuing to push for a ban on insurance-related commissions paid to owners corporation managers after the state government chose to defer immediate action on the issue. - read more
Insurance Code Rewrite Could Lift Standards for Tradies
Insurance Code Rewrite Could Lift Standards for Tradies
21 Jun 2026: Paige Estritori
Australian tradies could soon see an important shift in how general insurers are expected to communicate, manage claims and resolve disputes, with the industry’s General Insurance Code of Practice moving closer to a major rewrite. - read more


Business Insurance Articles

The Smart Business Approach: How to Effectively Compare Public Liability Insurance Rates
The Smart Business Approach: How to Effectively Compare Public Liability Insurance Rates
Running a business comes with inherent financial risks. Whether you own a small café or a large construction company, unforeseen incidents can lead to significant financial losses. - read more
Key Benefits of Comparing Public Liability Insurance Rates for Australian Businesses
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
Reducing Your Risks: Public Liability Coverage Tips for Trade Professionals
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
The Importance of Public Liability Insurance in the Australian Labour Hire Industry
The Importance of Public Liability Insurance in the Australian Labour Hire Industry
The Australian labour hire industry has seen a significant rise in recent years, and with this growth, comes new and unique risks that companies in this industry must be prepared to navigate. One such risk is the potential for accidents or damages to occur in the workplace, which is where public liability insurance comes in. This article will explore the definition of public liability insurance and why it is so important for labour hire companies in Australia. - read more
The Cost of Safety: How Much Public Liability Insurance Does Your Australian Business Need?
The Cost of Safety: How Much Public Liability Insurance Does Your Australian Business Need?
As a business operating in Australia, understanding the ins and outs of public liability insurance is not just recommended, it's essential. This type of insurance serves as a safeguard, protecting your business against the financial repercussions of lawsuits and claims arising from third-party injuries or property damage due to your business operations. In a world where one unintended mishap can lead to costly legal battles, public liability insurance stands as your first line of defense. - read more


Start Here !

Start here!

Cover Amount:
Postcode:
All quotes are provided obligation-free by a participating broker from our national referral partner network. We respect your Privacy.

Knowledgebase
Insurance Underwriter:
An insurance company, a financial institution that sells insurance.