Insurers Under Scrutiny for Response to Alfred Flood Claims
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.
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.
Victoria’s owners corporation sector has moved into a new stage of reform after the state government released its response to an expert review of the Owners Corporations Act 2006. While the review recommended stronger controls over payments and benefits linked to owners corporation managers, including commission-style arrangements, the government has stopped short of an immediate ban and will undertake further analysis before deciding how far the changes should go. - read more
Youi’s latest comments to the federal parliamentary inquiry into small business insurance have put a practical question back in front of Australian sole traders and small operators: is cheaper, simpler direct insurance always better, or does advice still matter when business risks become more complex? - read more
Australian small business owners are showing growing interest in tax audit insurance as the Australian Taxation Office increases compliance attention across several sectors, including professional services. For freelancers, consultants and sole traders, the trend is a timely reminder that tax administration is not just a bookkeeping task; it is a business risk that can create real financial pressure if an enquiry lands at the wrong time. - read more
Australia’s commercial insurance market has moved into a more favourable phase for many business buyers in the first half of 2026, with industry reporting pointing to stronger insurer appetite, broader capacity and easing pressure across several key classes. For personal trainers, fitness instructors and small studio operators, the message is not that cover is suddenly simple or cheap. - read more
A fresh policy debate is emerging over how Australians are introduced to financial products, including life insurance. The Federal Government has been considering tighter controls on lead generation after concerns about poor conduct in parts of the financial services market, including the collapses of Shield and First Guardian. The life insurance sector is now warning that an overly broad crackdown could unintentionally make it harder for everyday households to find suitable cover. - read more
Public liability insurance is a crucial aspect of managing risk for businesses in Australia. This type of insurance covers costs associated with claims made against a business for property damage or personal injury caused during business operations. - read more
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
Welcome to our comprehensive guide on public liability insurance, an essential safeguard for businesses across Australia. Navigating the complexities of liability insurance can be a daunting task for many business owners, but it’s a critical component of your business protection plan. If incidents such as accidents or property damage occur, liability insurance is the barrier that stands between your business and financial calamity. - read more
Welcome to our comprehensive guide on public liability insurance. If you run a business, you've probably heard this term thrown around quite often. But what exactly is public liability insurance? - read more
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
Start Here !
Knowledgebase
Loss Ratio: The ratio of claims paid by an insurer to the premiums earned, used as a measure of profitability.
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts.