General Insurance Industry Working Hard in Lead-Up to Christmas Period

26 November 2008

“The general insurance industry is continuing to work on processing claims received from the recent storms in Queensland. Extra resources have been moved in from interstate and New Zealand to assist in the recovery process,” CEO of the Insurance Council, Ms Kerrie Kelly said.

As of today, the general insurance industry has received approximately 30,000 claims representing an insurable value of $295m.

Damaged properties are being assessed and repaired in a prioritised manner, with the most severely impacted families and individuals being attended to first. As a preliminary assessment, insurers have identified 256 homes that are currently unable to be occupied, and 1300 homes that are able to be occupied, but may require occupants to be accommodated elsewhere once repairs commence.

“The paramount objectives of the general insurance industry are for repairs to damaged properties to be completed quickly, to a high standard and in a safe manner,” said Ms Kelly.

“To facilitate a speedy recovery process, the general insurance industry is working with the Queensland Master Builders Association to supplement the availability and supply of builders and trades,” said Ms Kelly.

“Due to the extent of the severe weather and the geographic spread of the damage, repairs and reconstruction to all properties may in some cases take time, with up to 12 months for some properties. Despite the industry’s best efforts, there may also be delays experienced as suppliers and trades shut down over the Christmas and New Year period,” said Ms Kelly.

The Insurance Council is also warning consumers who have experienced damage to be vigilant regarding criminals presenting themselves as tradespeople or insurance company representatives.

The Insurance Council strongly recommends that if householders are approached by anyone requesting cash payment in relation to their insurance claim, they should first contact their insurer to confirm whether the request for cash is authorised. Importantly, consumers who may have been subjected to criminal activity should immediately contact Qld Police.

Please click here for a PDF copy of this media release.

Media enquiries: Sean Sampson 02 9253 5161 0421 482 884