Halloween hailstorms declared Cat

The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) has declared a Catastrophe for damage caused by hailstorms that struck south-east Queensland recently.

Insurers had received more than 5000 claims, with insured losses estimated at USD60 million, according to an ICA statement. About 60 percent of claims are for damage to motor vehicles, and 40 percent for damage to houses – mainly to roofs, skylights and solar panels, and interior damage to a significant proportion of homes.

“The Catastrophe declaration means insurers will prioritise claims from these hail-affected areas and will direct urgent attention to those most in need of assistance,” ICA CEO Andrew Hall said. An ICA disaster hotline and an industry taskforce has been established to assist policyholders on general inquiries and to address and identify issues that arise respectively and work with emergency services, agencies and the government.