ICA Declares Christmas Day Bushfires in State of Victoria a Catastrophe

December 28, 2015

The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) has declared a Catastrophe for areas of Victoria’s Great Ocean Road region affected by Christmas Day bushfires.

ICA CEO Rob Whelan said the declaration enabled the insurance industry to escalate its response to assist policyholders.

He said the ICA was liaising with Emergency Management Victoria, the Country Fire Authority and the State Government, which were reporting at least 53 properties had been badly damaged or destroyed. [IJ Ed. Note: The most recently published figures indicate that at least 116 properties have been destroyed by the fire.]

The ICA estimated initial insurance losses at A$25 million [US$18.15 million] based on reported property losses, though this will change as property owners lodge claims and insurance assessors gain access to the area.

“This is a difficult time for firefighters, who are still trying to control blazes along the Great Ocean Road, as well as residents and tourists,” Whelan said. “The ICA urges locals and visitors to the region to not take unnecessary risks and to heed the advice from emergency services, and listen to the local ABC radio station for updates.”

The ICA said that under the catastrophe declaration it has taken the following actions:
• Activated its disaster hotline – 1800 734 621 – to help policyholders if they’re unsure which insurer they are with, or have general inquiries about the claims process
• Established a taskforce of senior insurance industry figures to identify and address issues that arise
• Started preparing to send ICA staff to the area, where they will work directly with affected policyholders

“Insurers are focused on assisting their customers as quickly as possible, and the catastrophe declaration means claims from this bushfire will be given priority,” Whelan explained. “Staff at some companies have volunteered to return from their holidays to ensure inquiries and claims can be handled swiftly.”

The ICA also issued the following general guidance for policyholders:
• If your area has been evacuated, do not return home until emergency services advise it is safe to do so
• Do not be concerned if insurance documents are not readily at hand. Insurers keep records electronically. They require only your name and address to find a policy
• When it’s safe, take pictures of damage to your property and possessions as evidence for your claim assessor
• Make an inventory of damaged possessions. This will help insurers process your claim
• Remove and discard fire-damaged goods that may pose a health risk.
• Speak to your insurer before you attempt or authorize any building work, including emergency repairs. Unauthorized work may not be covered by your policy

Source: Insurance Council of Australia (ICA)

Topics Catastrophe

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