Flood claims reach 126,000 as insurers fast-track support

Insurers have received 126,511 claims related to the NSW and Queensland flood catastrophe, up 7.2% from yesterday.

The estimated cost of claims has now reached $1.89 billion, Insurance Council data shows, and Suncorp Group CEO Steve Johnston says the devastation is some of the worst he’s witnessed.

Suncorp has received 32,000 claims and has established a dedicated flood response and recovery team, bringing together resources from across the Group’s Australian and New Zealand operations.

“We recognise the scale of this flooding emergency, and the devastating impact it has had on so many people and communities, many of whom are facing a long road to recovery,” Mr Johnston said.

“Over the last 24 hours I’ve spent time with our teams and customers in Lismore and Northern Rivers. In my 17 years at Suncorp it’s some of the most widespread devastation I have witnessed.

“Our dedicated flood response and recovery team is co-ordinating from our Brisbane headquarters, using aerial imagery, real-time data and on the ground insights to help understand impacts to our customers and direct our support to where it is needed.

“We are focused on lodging claims, speaking to customers in impacted areas, arranging emergency payments and temporary accommodation.”

Suncorp earlier this week announced a $1 million support package to help the long-term recovery efforts of flood-impacted communities.

IAG-owned NRMA Insurance has also announced a $1 million package through resilience partnerships with GIVIT, Australian Red Cross and Lifeline.

NRMA Insurance Group Executive Julie Batch attended the Lismore Recovery Centre yesterday speaking with customers and the NRMA Insurance major event claims team.

“It’s devastating to see people suffering from these tragic storms and floods,” she said.

“While our priority right now is helping people through their immediate recovery, NRMA Insurance has a long history of working with our partners and communities year-round to build resilience against disasters and extreme weather.

“We’ve been proud partners of NSW SES, GIVIT, Australian Red Cross and Lifeline for many years, working with them to help communities through their immediate and longer-term recovery after disasters.

“We’re fast-tracking additional support to our partners now to meet the urgent need we’re seeing in communities.”

NRMA Insurance has received more than 18,000 claims for damage to homes, property and vehicles but says the full impact will not be known for several weeks.

RACQ says it has received 11,500 claims, and flood-affected members can talk face-to-face with claims teams on the ground.

“Moreton Bay and northern Brisbane suburbs were hardest hit, with almost 4000 property and motor vehicle claims received in those communities alone, while 1692 claims have been lodged by members across Ipswich, Logan and Beaudesert,” General Manager Claims Trent Sayers said.

“We expect claims will continue to flow through as people assess the damage and we want to be there for our members to support them through this difficult time.

“Our Mobile Member Centre is open at the Redcliffe Showgrounds via Scarborough Road from 8.30am to 5pm daily, including the weekend, with staff on hand to discuss the claims process and assist with enquiries.

“We have also deployed a second RACQ mobile centre to the State Recovery Centre at 112 Brisbane Terrace in Goodna, which has claims staff available from 8.30am to 5pm.”