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
Sources

Please Note: If this information affects you, seek advice from a licensed professional.

Share this news item:

Insurance News

Clear

ICA Advocates for Overhaul of Civil Liability Laws Amid Rising Insurance Premiums

20 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori

The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) has recently released a white paper highlighting the urgent need for reforms to state and territory civil liability laws, which have remained largely unchanged for nearly 25 years. These outdated laws are contributing to significant increases in public liability insurance premiums, affecting a wide range of businesses across the nation. - read more

Severe Hailstorms Lead to Sharp Decline in Insurance Industry Profits

20 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori

The Australian insurance industry has experienced a notable decline in profits during the December quarter, primarily due to severe hailstorms that occurred in October and November. According to data from the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA), the general insurance sector reported a net profit of $132 million for the quarter, bringing the annual total to approximately $5.8 billion. This marks a decrease from the $6.8 billion profit recorded in 2024. - read more

NSW Court Decision Escalates Liability Risks for Construction Industry

20 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori

A recent landmark ruling in New South Wales has significantly altered the liability landscape for the construction industry. The court's decision removes the ability for developers and builders to rely on proportionate liability defences under the Design and Building Practitioners Act 2020 (DBP Act), thereby increasing their exposure to claims related to building defects. - read more

Café's Underinsurance Dispute After Storm Closure

20 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori

In August 2024, a café and catering business faced significant challenges after a storm forced its closure. The establishment remained shut until January 2025, during which time the insurer, Suncorp, accepted the claim and completed necessary repairs. The insurer compensated the business with $280,570 for a year's gross profit loss and an additional $26,863 for increased operational costs. - read more

Undisclosed Religious Meetings Lead to Denied Insurance Claim

20 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori

In December 2025, a landlord faced a denied insurance claim after failing to disclose that the upper floor of their building was used for weekly religious meetings. Initially insured as a restaurant, the premises' change in use was not communicated to the insurer, AIG. Following a theft claim in 2023 amounting to $99,295, AIG declined coverage, citing non-disclosure of the building's actual use. - read more

Click for more Insurance News