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.

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

Clear

Bali Theft Warnings Highlight a Bigger Travel Insurance Question

14 Jul 2026: Paige Estritori

Recent reports of phone and jewellery snatch-thefts in popular Bali tourist areas have put personal belongings back in the travel insurance spotlight. For Australians heading to Indonesia, the issue is not simply whether a stolen phone can be claimed. It is whether the policy they choose properly matches the risks they are most likely to face while away. - read more

New Small Business Insurance Education Push Highlights Underinsurance Risk

14 Jul 2026: Paige Estritori

A new alliance between the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Zest Insurance is putting small business underinsurance back in the spotlight, with education, practical tools and risk resources to be delivered through the Chamber’s THRIVE program. - read more

Why a Food Delivery Theft Claim Matters for Restaurant Insurance

14 Jul 2026: Paige Estritori

A recent insurance dispute involving a food delivery business offers a practical warning for Australian restaurant and café operators: if a location is not listed on the policy schedule, the cover may not respond when something goes wrong. - read more

What a Renewed Flood Pool Debate Means for Strata Communities

14 Jul 2026: Paige Estritori

The question of whether Australia needs a dedicated flood reinsurance pool has returned to the insurance agenda, with fresh attention following severe July weather across southern and eastern Australia and the ongoing statutory review of the Cyclone Reinsurance Pool. For strata committees, the debate matters because flood remains one of the clearest pressure points in property insurance affordability, particularly for schemes with basement car parks, lifts, electrical infrastructure, waterfront exposure or poor drainage. - read more

Netstrata Proceedings Put Strata Insurance Disclosure Under Fresh Scrutiny

14 Jul 2026: Paige Estritori

NSW Fair Trading’s criminal proceedings against Netstrata have put strata insurance governance back in the spotlight, particularly for owners corporations trying to understand whether their premiums, commissions and service arrangements are being handled transparently. The action, reported on 9 July 2026, alleges the strata manager failed to adequately disclose or manage conflicts of interest and received undisclosed financial benefits. Netstrata has indicated the charges will be defended, so the matter remains before the courts rather than resolved. - read more

Click for more Insurance News