Insurers set up Taree hub to aid flood recovery

The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA), in partnership with several major insurers, will open an insurance hub in Taree to offer claims assistance to residents and businesses affected by recent storms and flooding across New South Wales.

The hub will operate from May 27 through June 13 at the Taree Leagues Sports Club.

Services will be available daily from 10am to 5pm, with walk-in access and no appointments required.

Participating insurers include:

• Allianz
• Auto & General
• Hollard
• IAG
• QBE
• Suncorp
• Youi

Representatives will be present to assist customers with active claims or those preparing to submit new ones. ICA staff will also be on-site to provide general advice on insurance processes.

Guidance on post-flood safety and claims process

As floodwaters subside in affected regions, the ICA has issued safety reminders and claims advice for policyholders beginning clean-ups. Recommendations include:

• Arrange for a licensed electrician to inspect properties before restoring electricity.
• Capture detailed images and notes of all property damage.
• Dispose of unsalvageable or hazardous items safely.
• Submit claims promptly, even if the full extent of damage is unclear.
• Avoid authorising any work until confirming coverage and approvals with the insurer.

Commenting on the insurance hub, ICA CEO Andrew Hall said: “We acknowledge that for many community members, this event is far from over with flood waters only just beginning to recede in some areas. Insurers are committed to prioritising the recovery of those impacted by these devastating floods.”

Surge in claims and scam incidents

As of May 26, insurers had logged more than 4,100 claims related to recent flooding across the Mid North Coast, Hunter, and Greater Sydney areas.

In addition to recovery logistics, insurance professionals are responding to reports of various scam activities.

The ICA has raised concerns about “disaster chasers” – unverified operators offering services in disaster-affected communities. These individuals often demand upfront payments and may not be affiliated with any licensed entity or insurer.

It advised that policyholders should confirm any contractor’s credentials and consult their insurer before agreeing to repairs. Insurers will not send contractors without prior notice, nor request direct payment from policyholders.

Residents who have already signed agreements with unauthorised providers are reminded of the 10-day cooling-off period available under Australian consumer law. Insurers may be able to assist in resolving these arrangements.

Other fraud attempts have included impersonation of banks, government agencies, and charitable organisations. Scammers have used unsolicited phone calls, text messages, and emails to request personal information or payments.

The Australian Charities and Not-for-Profits Commission (ACNC) has advised individuals to verify donation sources via its online registry. Banks and government entities have reiterated that they do not request sensitive information through unverified communication channels.