The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) has declared a catastrophe following severe hailstorms that hit the Sunshine Coast yesterday, causing extensive damage across south-eastern Queensland.
Severe thunderstorm activity South of Rockhampton combined with numerous significant storm cells on Sunday November 17th, resulting in large to giant hail hitting parts of Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast.
The ICA reports that as of 3pm (Queensland time) today, insurance companies have received over 5,000 claims, of which around 3,000 are motor vehicle claims, with losses of approximately $40 million. The ICA warns that insurers are anticipating that many more claims will be filed by householders and businesses over the coming days.
Karl Sullivan, ICA’s Head of Risk and Operations, commented: “Storm and hail damage is covered by household policies and comprehensive motor vehicle policies. Insurers are standing by to help their customers and are already mobilising assessors to examine damaged properties and cars.”
According to Sullivan, insurance firms have received claims for damage to cars and other vehicles, the majority of which relates to smashed windscreens and dented panels.
He added that a number of homes and businesses experienced roof damage, as well as damage to awnings and solar panels, alongside overflowing gutters which have led to interior damage to certain properties.
This year, the ICA has now declared six catastrophes and the latest comes soon after the bushfires that have either damaged or destroyed hundreds of properties in the mid-north coast of New South Wales. The ICA notes that as of 12pm today (Queensland time), insured losses are estimated at $110 million, with 1,000 claims received to date, with many more expected to come.
At the start of last week, the ICA said that insurers had received 450 bushfire related claims, with insured losses expected to reach $50 million, a figure which has now more than doubled.
