Insurers are responding to a significant volume of claims after severe thunderstorms swept through Southeast Queensland, causing widespread property and vehicle damage.
Over the weekend, large hail, strong winds, and heavy rain led to thousands of claims being lodged with major insurers.
IAG, which operates brands such as NRMA Insurance, CGU, WFI, ROLLiN’, and RACQ Insurance, reported receiving more than 3,000 claims as of Oct. 28.
Suncorp’s figures reached nearly 4,000 claims, with a notable split between home and motor losses.
The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) has declared the event a Significant Event, initiating its catastrophe response protocols.
The ICA is now collecting and analysing claims data and working with government agencies to assess the impact and coordinate support for affected communities.
Both IAG and Suncorp have mobilised teams to assist policyholders. IAG has dispatched property assessors and builders to conduct urgent repairs, while specialist repairers are contacting customers with hail-damaged vehicles.
“Our team of property assessors and partner builders are on the ground conducting make-safe repairs and assisting customers with recovery," said Luke Gallagher, IAG executive general manager claims. "Likewise, our specialist hail repairers are contacting customers to begin repairs for hail-damaged vehicles.”
Suncorp has activated its Disaster Management Centre, using geospatial mapping and artificial intelligence to triage claims and direct resources to the hardest-hit areas.
The company’s Mobile Disaster Response Hub has been set up in impacted suburbs, allowing customers to meet with staff and lodge claims in person.
“The hail and wind damage was destructive, so we are working quickly and aiming to reach as many customers as soon as possible," said Cath Stewart, Suncorp acting executive general manager home claims customers. "Our team is on the ground right now inspecting damage and working with our builders to secure roofs and windows to prevent further damage while repairs are planned.”
Insurers are urging policyholders to submit claims promptly and prioritise safety during clean-up.
Customers are advised to document all damage with photos and detailed lists, keep receipts where available, and remove items that could pose further risks.
“If you have been impacted or suspect damage, please contact us as soon as possible online, over the phone or at your local insurance branch so we can immediately help you with your claim," Gallagher said. "When cleaning up your property, safety should remain the number one priority.”
Suncorp has reminded customers that it is not necessary to wait for an assessor to begin safe clean-up activities.
Policyholders are encouraged to ventilate their homes, remove and photograph wet contents, and exercise caution due to potential hazards such as broken glass and unstable structures.
Weather forecasts indicate further severe storms may develop in Southeast Queensland and northern New South Wales in the coming days.
“A renewed period of severe thunderstorm activity is expected to develop across southeast Queensland and northeast New South Wales from Thursday, with conditions most active over the weekend,” said Suncorp severe weather meteorologist Andrew Bufalino.
The ICA has warned that the event could be escalated to an Insurance Catastrophe if claim volumes or complexity increase, or if the affected area expands.
“Insurers understand the impact these extreme weather events have and will be moving quickly to ensure communities receive the assistance they need,” said Andrew Hall, ICA CEO.
The ICA is also advising residents to be cautious of unsolicited repair offers, sometimes known as “disaster chasers,” and to consult their insurer before agreeing to any work.
As the storm season progresses, insurers are encouraging homeowners to review their policies, prepare for further severe weather, and take preventative measures such as clearing gutters and securing loose items to reduce risk and support recovery efforts.
