ICA extends SE 254 declaration to Severe Spring Storms as claims reach 26k

The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) has expanded the timeframe and postcodes of its most recent Significant Event declaration, to include the hail and strong winds that impacted south-east Queensland between 31st October, Friday and 2nd November, Sunday.

So far, it has resulted in 25,980 claims with damage varying in severity, including hail-damaged motor vehicles, smashed windows, shattered solar panels and roof damage. The SE 254, to be known as Severe Spring Storms, was declared following the Brisbane hailstorm on October 26th.

While the storms of the past two weeks have been geographically widespread, insurers disclosed that some small communities, such as Clifton, Pratten, and Esk, have been particularly impacted.

According to the ICA, insurers are closely monitoring claims from these regions, with some having already activated a local presence to support impacted policyholders through the claims process.

Andrew Hall, Chief Executive Officer, ICA, “While Queenslanders are no strangers to storms at this time of year, the strong winds and damaging hail of the past few weeks serve as a reminder that storm season is well and truly here.

“Insurers are prioritising claims from these hailstorms, and the ICA will continue monitoring claims counts and impacts over the coming months. If you’re insured and you’ve got damage, your first port of call should always be your insurer.”