Insurance Australia Group (IAG) and its brands – NRMA Insurance, CGU, WFI, and ROLLiN’ – have issued precautionary guidance to policyholders as an East Coast Low weather system moves south along the Australian coastline.
The system has already produced significant rainfall across parts of Queensland and is expected to intensify as it approaches New South Wales and Victoria.
As of Monday morning, southeast Queensland had recorded between 50 and 100 millimetres of rainfall in 24 hours. Weather models indicate further widespread rainfall, strong winds, and potential flooding in eastern regions over the next several days.
Kathryn Turner, senior analyst, weather risk at IAG, said coastal regions should prepare for more severe conditions.
“Residents and communities along the coast from Queensland, through New South Wales, and down to the Victorian border may experience heavy to intense rainfall and damaging winds,” she said. “Large surf, flash flooding and damage to trees and powerlines are also probable over the next 48 to 72 hours as the extreme weather system moves through.”
In response to the weather outlook, IAG has activated its 24/7 Major Event Command Centre, coordinating efforts between claims departments, loss assessors, and partner builders.
NRMA Insurance’s mobile response units are on standby for deployment to high-impact zones.
Luke Gallagher, executive general manager, claims at NRMA Insurance, urged customers to use available time before conditions worsen to take simple protective steps.
“Preparedness is our best defence. While it is still safe to do so, now is the time to take simple steps around your home that can help to minimise potential damage,” he said.
He also advised checking on vulnerable neighbours and preparing for the possibility of travel disruption or power loss.
“Secure any loose items or debris around your backyard or property, check elderly or vulnerable neighbours are safe and prepared, delay or reconsider travel and if possible, [and] move your vehicle undercover or away from trees or powerlines,” Gallagher said.
Policyholders have been reminded to assemble emergency kits with essentials including water, food, medications, chargers, and battery-powered lights.
Additional advice includes clearing gutters, tying down loose items, and sealing known leaks with waterproof materials.
The event has added urgency to calls for coordinated disaster risk mitigation across Australia.
Speaking at the Australian Financial Review Insurance Forum on June 24, IAG CEO Nick Hawkins warned of the compounding impact of natural disasters on communities and the insurance system.
“Since 2015, the frequency of extreme weather events such as floods, storms, and bushfires in Australia has doubled. A trend bringing significant challenges to people and communities – both physically and psychologically – as well as threats to critical infrastructure,” he said.
He outlined several policy recommendations supported by the insurance industry, including:
IAG is advising customers impacted by storm or flood events to prioritise safety and document damage before beginning clean-up.
Items affected by floodwaters should be recorded, and claims should be submitted as soon as practical.
Customers can access claims services through the following channels:
Additional preparedness resources are available on the NRMA Insurance website.
