IAG, whose brands include NRMA Insurance, CGU and WFI, is on the ground supporting its customers who have been impacted by the severe storms on the nation’s east coast, and is encouraging people who have been affected to contact their insurer as soon as possible to access immediate help.

Since Saturday 23rd December 2023, severe storms have caused significant damage across south east Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria due to hail, extreme winds and heavy rainfall. Most of the damage has been to properties, as well as hail damage to motor vehicles.

The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) has declared the storms an Insurance Catastrophe. This is due to the escalating severity of the situation, the high volume of claims received across the insurance industry and the anticipated impact of further extreme weather events forecast for the coming days over the new year period.

 The Catastrophe declaration means the ICA and insurers will take a number of actions, including: 

• Claims from affected policyholders will be given priority;
• Claims will be triaged to direct urgent assistance to the worst-affected property owners; and
• An industry taskforce has been established to identify and address issues arising from the severe storms catastrophe.

 NRMA Insurance Executive Manager Alex Dunn urged any customers impacted to contact their insurer as soon as they can to access immediate support.

“The storms over the Christmas period have been devastating for many communities and our thoughts are with those who have tragically lost their lives, their families and friends at this terribly difficult time,” Ms Dunn said.

“We urge anyone who has suffered damage to their property, vehicle or business from these storms to contact us as soon as possible to lodge their claims so we can provide immediate support such as emergency financial assistance and temporary accommodation, if required.

“You can do this immediately online through our websites and you can call us.

“Our Property Assessors and Partner Builders are on the ground in the affected areas supporting customers with emergency Assessments and Make-Safe repairs.

“If you have been given the go-ahead to return to your property and your home contents items are damaged or destroyed, then you can clean up if it’s safe to do so. 

“We want the contents claims process to be as easy as possible, so we don’t require a detailed inventory of everything you need to clean up or dispose of. Simply take some photos of any water damaged or soaked items that may pose a health risk before removing them. This is all we need to progress a valid contents claim.

“For our customers in south east Queensland who suffered hail damage to their vehicles, our Specialist Hail Repairers are commencing mobile assessments.

“For our customers in the Rutherford and Aberglasslyn regions in NSW, our specialist repairers are securing sites to conduct triage assessments of vehicle damage and to complete repairs, so we can get you back on the road as quickly as possible.”

Ms Dunn also encouraged people to be aware of the ongoing threat of severe storms during the summer season.

"It's critical to keep an eye on the weather forecast and any severe weather alerts as storms can appear quickly and you might not have much time to react," she said.

"When severe weather is forecast, safety must be the number one priority. Always follow the directions of emergency authorities, move your vehicle undercover, if possible, and secure any outdoor furniture."

 NRMA Insurance’s tips for preparing for wild weather this summer:

1. Know your local risk. If you are travelling to an unfamiliar destination, make sure you know alternative routes in and out of your location.
2. Monitor wild weather conditions. Download the Fires Near Me Australia app on iOS or Android  or in NSW the Hazards Near Me app.
3. Pack an emergency kit. If you have children, make sure it caters to their needs.
4. Prepare your home before you leave. Clear gutters, shut windows and move potentially flammable items such as boats, cars and surfboards away from your home.
5. Visit the NRMA Insurance Help Nation website for resources and information to understand your local risks and prepare for extreme weather: nrma.com.au/helpnation 

As a result of the severe storms over the Christmas period, IAG had received 6,053 claims across its brands (23.12.23 to 28.12.23).

 Customers can contact their insurer over the phone or online via:

NRMA Insurance: 13 11 23 or www.nrma.com.au or the NRMA Insurance App

CGU Insurance: 13 24 80 or www.cgu.com.au

WFI Insurance: 1300 934 934 or www.wfi.com.au

For more information on the ICA Insurance Catastrophe declaration visit the ICA website