Insurance Australia Group (IAG) – which includes NRMA Insurance, CGU, WFI, ROLLiN’, and RACQ Insurance – is continuing its response to the widespread damage caused by recent thunderstorms across Southeast Queensland.
As of Oct. 31, the insurer has received over 4,900 claims, reflecting the significant impact on homes, vehicles, and businesses in the region.
The storms, which brought large hail, strong winds, and heavy rainfall, led to substantial property and motor losses.
The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) has classified the hailstorm that struck the Brisbane area on Oct. 26 as a Significant Event, triggering an industry-wide response.
IAG has mobilised property assessors, partner builders, and specialist hail repairers to assist policyholders.
The company’s NRMA Insurance Help Response Vehicles are stationed at Jindalee Golf Club in Brisbane, providing in-person support for claim lodgement and advice.
“Our NRMA Insurance Help Response Vehicles will remain open at the Jindalee Golf Course over the weekend and into next week to help customers lodge their claims. IAG’s Specialist Hail Repairers are triaging claims to quickly repair hail damaged cars,” Luke Gallagher, IAG executive general manager of claims, said in a statement on Friday.
Gallagher noted that IAG’s Major Event Response team is monitoring further severe weather forecasts and is prepared to deploy additional resources if needed.
“Now is the time to prepare your property for wild weather. If it is safe to do so, secure any debris, outdoor, and loose items around your property. Close windows and check window seals to avoid wind-driven rain entering your home,” Gallagher said.
To improve response times and prioritise urgent repairs, IAG has integrated artificial intelligence into its claims process.
This technology helps identify cases needing immediate attention, allowing for faster allocation of resources.
The company’s Situational Awareness Mapping (SAM) system combines customer data with real-time hazard information, enabling proactive outreach to affected policyholders, even if they have not yet lodged a claim.
Starlink satellite connectivity is also being used by field teams to maintain communication in areas where infrastructure may be compromised.
Additionally, IAG is employing Make Safe Tarping, a specialised roof covering, to provide temporary protection for properties awaiting repairs.
IAG is advising customers to submit claims promptly and to take practical steps to protect their properties ahead of further storms.
Recommendations include securing outdoor items, clearing gutters, trimming overhanging branches, and parking vehicles under cover where possible.
Gallagher emphasised the importance of safety.
“During a severe thunderstorm, safety is the number one priority. Stay up to date with emergency warnings and avoid travel. It’s always a good idea to have an emergency kit prepared with power banks, batteries, medications, water, first aid kit, and pet essentials,” he said.
The insurer also warned communities to be vigilant against unlicensed contractors or disaster chasers who may approach residents following major weather events.
The NRMA Insurance Help Response Vehicle is available daily at Jindalee Golf Club, 62 Yallambee Rd, Jindalee, Brisbane, from 9am to 4pm, supporting all IAG customers.
Policyholders can access emergency updates via the State Emergency Service website and lodge claims through their respective insurer’s contact points:
IAG continues to monitor weather developments and is prepared to adjust its response as conditions evolve, with a focus on supporting customers through the recovery process.
