Insurance professionals in Queensland are urging vigilance among policyholders after a wave of unsolicited approaches to storm-affected homeowners.
The warning comes in the aftermath of a significant hailstorm that recently struck Ipswich and other communities, with reports emerging of individuals and businesses offering to inspect and repair storm damage, often without prior invitation.
Geoff Wilson, a retiree in Ipswich, described how he was approached by three men offering to inspect his roof for hail damage.
“So, who’s going to do that for me now? These guys are doing it; I haven’t signed anything, and it’s obligation free,” Wilson said, as reported by ABC.
He explained that the men showed him photographs of his roof and claimed to act as intermediaries with insurers, promising to represent him if repairs were required.
Wilson was also told that declining to use their preferred builder could result in a penalty, which led him to reconsider.
Another local, Michael Byrnes, recounted being told that hail had damaged his rooftop solar hot water system, despite the system operating for more than 30 years without issue.
“He said to me, ‘Oh don’t worry about that; we’ll get you a new one through insurance,’” Byrnes said, noting that similar tactics had been used in the aftermath of the 2011 floods.
The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) has responded by advising residents and business owners in storm-affected regions, including Gympie and Maryborough, to be alert to the activities of so-called “disaster chasers.”
These operators typically offer services such as debris removal or repairs, often request upfront cash payments, and may not complete the work as promised.
“We’re aware that opportunistic individuals can emerge in the aftermath of extreme weather events, seeking to exploit effected residents for their own benefit. We strongly encourage community members to remain vigilant, and if anyone suspects they have been contacted by these opportunists, immediately report them to the appropriate authorities,” said Kylie Macfarlane, ICA deputy CEO and COO.
Macfarlane also encouraged those impacted by recent weather events to contact their insurer directly to make claims or seek advice.
Insurers are reminding customers that legitimate tradespeople or builders working on behalf of an insurer will not request payment from the policyholder and will always be identified in advance.
Policyholders are advised to:
Cath Stewart, Suncorp acting executive general manager home claims customers, said homeowners should be cautious of third-party businesses that may approach them after major weather events.
“It is important for households and businesses affected by the recent weather to be cautious of individuals or companies offering clean-up or debris removal services, roof inspections and repairs, or if they are asking to sign a contract to manage the claim. These businesses typically charge fees, which can lead to additional costs,” Stewart said.
Stewart also noted that third-party claims representatives may use various methods to solicit business, including door-knocking and social media advertising, and that fees for such services are not covered by insurance policies.
