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

Share this news item:

Insurance News

Australian Life Insurers Achieve Significant Underwriting Gains in Q4 2025
Australian Life Insurers Achieve Significant Underwriting Gains in Q4 2025
23 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori
The Australian life insurance sector has reported a substantial underwriting gain of $279 million for the December quarter of 2025, a significant improvement from the $36 million recorded in the same period the previous year. This data, released by the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA), highlights a notable turnaround in the industry's financial performance. - read more
Record Profits for Australian General Insurers in 2024
Record Profits for Australian General Insurers in 2024
23 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori
Australia's general insurance industry has reported an unprecedented after-tax profit of $6.1 billion for the year 2024, marking a significant milestone in the sector's financial performance. This figure is three times higher than the five-year average of $2 billion, according to KPMG's General Insurance Insights report. - read more
IAG Achieves 33% Increase in Insurance Profit Amid Lower Claims
IAG Achieves 33% Increase in Insurance Profit Amid Lower Claims
23 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori
Insurance Australia Group (IAG), the country's largest insurer, has reported a 33% increase in its full-year insurance profit, reaching A$606 million for the 12 months ending June 2025. This significant growth is attributed to a combination of reduced claims expenses and strategic premium adjustments. - read more
Adore Beauty's Nationwide Expansion: Nine New Stores Opened
Adore Beauty's Nationwide Expansion: Nine New Stores Opened
23 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori
Adore Beauty, a prominent name in Australia's online beauty retail sector, has significantly expanded its physical presence by opening nine new stores across the country. This strategic move marks a substantial shift from its digital-only model, aiming to provide customers with a more immersive shopping experience. - read more
Introducing 'Bad Beauty Experience Insurance' for Client Protection
Introducing 'Bad Beauty Experience Insurance' for Client Protection
23 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori
In a groundbreaking move, Botched Babes has unveiled 'Bad Beauty Experience Insurance,' a novel product designed to compensate clients for unsatisfactory beauty services. This initiative addresses a longstanding gap in the market, offering financial recourse to individuals dissatisfied with their beauty treatments. - read more


Business Insurance Articles

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
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
5 Tips for Reducing Your Liability Insurance Premiums in Australia
5 Tips for Reducing Your Liability Insurance Premiums in Australia
Liability insurance is a crucial form of protection that offers coverage against claims resulting from injuries and damage to people or property. Within the bustling landscape of Australian businesses, possessing this form of insurance is key to financial security and continuity. It acts as a safety net, ensuring businesses can manage risks without bearing the full brunt of potentially costly legal claims. - read more
Understanding the Key Factors Influencing Your Liability Insurance Premiums
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
Decoding Public Liability Insurance: Is It a Must-Have for Your Australian Startup?
Decoding Public Liability Insurance: Is It a Must-Have for Your Australian Startup?
Public liability insurance is an integral safety net designed to protect businesses from the financial risks associated with lawsuits or claims. It provides coverage when a business is found legally responsible for personal injury to a third party or damage to their property. This form of insurance can significantly reduce the burden of legal fees, compensation claims, and other associated costs that may arise from unforeseen incidents. - read more


Start Here !
Your free liability insurance quote comparison starts here!
Cover Amount:
Postcode:

All quotes are provided free and without obligation by a Specialist from our National Broker referral panel. See our Privacy Statement for more details.


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