Insurance Australia Group (IAG) has announced it has received approximately 2,500 claims following the recent floods that swept across New South Wales’ Mid North Coast and Hunter regions. The claims, lodged as of 9 am Tuesday, are primarily for property damage resulting from heavy rain, strong winds, and floodwaters.
The company confirmed its emergency response teams have been active since last Friday in some of the hardest-hit communities.
“As part of our 24/7 Major Event Response, our teams have been on the ground since last Friday in some of the worst affected areas of the Mid North Coast,” said IAG managing director and CEO Nick Hawkins.
According to Hawkins, IAG staff have been visiting customers’ properties to ensure their safety and provide direct assistance with claims. Support measures include emergency financial aid, temporary accommodation, and coordination of urgent repairs.
“We have extra claims consultants ready to support customers, and our assessors and partner builders are conducting emergency make-safe repairs and assisting customers with their claims,” Hawkins said. “Further resources are ready to be mobilised if required.”
IAG’s NRMA Insurance Help Response Vehicles are currently stationed at Bunnings locations in Taree and Kempsey, serving as mobile claims centres offering in-person support. Additionally, staff are assisting at Recovery Centres across the region and at NRMA Insurance branches.
Looking beyond immediate relief, IAG is also focusing on future resilience in flood-prone areas. “We know in many high-risk areas we need to build back better,” Hawkins said. “Our assessors are working with customers on resilience measures as part of the repair and rebuilding process, such as using waterproof materials, raising power points and moving hot water tanks and air conditioning units to a higher level.”
The insurer said it is too early to determine the full cost of the current flooding event. However, it noted that as of May 15, net natural perils costs to the end of April 2025 were estimated at approximately $900 million – roughly $250 million below the group’s year-to-date expectations.
To manage exposure to such events, IAG maintains a comprehensive reinsurance program, which includes:
“Floods have a devastating impact on communities and our thoughts are with all those who have been affected,” Hawkins said. “Our priority is supporting our customers and helping them recover from these devastating floods.”
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