Insurers have received 1,386 claims linked to the bushfires that are still burning across Victoria with early indications suggesting nearly a third of property claims are total losses. “These bushfires remain an active emergency for some parts of Victoria, so community safety remains a priority,” said Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) deputy CEO Kylie Macfarlane in a media release. The ICA expects the road to recovery for impacted communities to be a long one.
The almost 1,400 claims span property, commercial, motor and business interruption. The early estimates that about 30% of the current property claims are for total losses underline the severity of the damage.
Several insurers and ICA representatives have now established a presence at the Castlemaine Recovery Centre to help affected residents and businesses navigate the claims process and understand their cover. Insurers are also monitoring access to other impacted communities and intend to mobilise additional teams across the state as soon as conditions are deemed safe.
Macfarlane urged policyholders not to delay lodging a claim, even if they have not yet been able to fully assess the damage.
“While claims continue to be lodged, I would encourage any policyholders who’ve been impacted to get in touch with their insurer to lodge a claim, even if they haven’t returned home and don’t yet know the full extent of the damage,” she said.
The ICA is reminded residents that safety must remain the first priority. Those who were ordered to evacuate should only return to their homes when emergency services confirm it is safe to do so.
Homeowners who find their properties are unsafe are advised to notify local authorities and check with their insurers about potential cover for temporary accommodation.
The ICA is also encouraging customers to:
Further information on what policyholders should do, and how to navigate the claims process, is available on the ICA website.
