Support teams at Suncorp have been placed on high alert to assist policyholders facing severe weather threats nationwide.
The major insurer, whose brands include AAMI, Apia, Shannons, and Vero, has activated response teams for intense rainfall in North Queensland and bushfires in Victoria.
Suncorp acting executive general manager for home claims customers Cath Stewart confirmed the insurer is monitoring weather conditions across Australia from its Brisbane Disaster Management Centre.
"We are keeping a close eye on the unfolding extreme weather situation and have our five Mobile Disaster Response Hubs, customer support teams, assessors and builders ready to deploy," Stewart said.
She noted that North Queensland had already endured significant rainfall in recent weeks, raising concerns about compounding impacts.
The insurer is also bracing for activity in Victoria, where insurers are already facing the worst bushfire threat since Black Summer.
"Customers in high-risk areas in Queensland are being sent SMS messages with advice and helpful links to resources," Stewart said.
In Victoria, the team will proactively call impacted customers once it is safe for them to return home.
Mobile Disaster Response Hubs are prepared to deploy to both states to assist customers face-to-face.
Stewart added that the Townsville regional office will be utilized to provide greater insights and communication.
Stewart emphasized that community safety remains the priority during these active weather events.
"Right now, our immediate focus is safety, and we urge everyone to follow the advice of emergency services and stay informed through official warnings and advice," Stewart said.
This aligns with recent industry-wide calls where insurers warned Australians to reassess cover amid fire threats.
She reminded customers that claims can be lodged online for all brands at any time.
Suncorp severe weather meteorologist Andrew Bufalino provided a forecast for the coming days.
"A tropical low off the Cooktown coast is forecast to move southwest and cross the tropical coast over the weekend, producing heavy to intense rainfall across eastern and central parts of Queensland," Bufalino said.
He urged communities to stay up to date with the latest forecasts and warnings.
Bufalino also warned of volatile fire weather conditions across South East Australia.
"These are likely to be some of the worst conditions seen in years, particularly across Victoria," Bufalino said.
On Sunday, another major insurer, IAG, announced an escalated response to the fire and cyclone threats impacting different parts of the country. The insurer activated its 24/7 Major Event Command Centre and deployed on-the-ground teams to support residents impacted by the Victorian bushfires and ex-Tropical Cyclone Koji in far north Queensland.
“IAG has been proactively reaching out to customers in Victorian communities affected by bushfires, arranging temporary accommodation, emergency financial assistance and insurance claim support," said Luke Gallagher, executive general manager of claims.
The insurer's brands include NRMA Insurance, CGU, WFI, Rollin’, RACQ Insurance and RACV.
