ICA declares catastrophe after storms hit Victoria, Australia

The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) has declared a catastrophe for damage caused by storms that struck parts of regional Victoria and metropolitan Melbourne on Tuesday December 19.

ICA CEO Rob Whelan said insurers had received more than 25,000 claims so far with insured losses estimated at A$105 million.

He said insurers expected many more claims would be lodged over the next week as householders, motorists and small businesses assessed the damage.

Whelan said: “The Insurance Council encourages insured property owners and motor vehicle owners who have suffered damage from these storms to contact their insurers or insurance brokers as soon as they can to get the claims process moving and receive the assistance they’re entitled to under their policy.

“A significant number of claims is for hail damage to cars and to roofs, while other damage has been caused by water inundating properties.

“Insurers are standing by to handle customer inquiries. They are prioritising claims from this disaster, and will organise any emergency repairs or temporary accommodation where it’s applicable under the policy.”

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