HAVE YOUR SAY ON FLOOD INSURANCE
Hawkesbury residents are being encouraged to participate in a new national inquiry into the response of the insurance industry following major floods in 2022.
Federal Member for Macquarie, Susan Templeman, has been appointed to the House Standing Committee on Economics for the inquiry and an online survey has been opened to hear directly from residents who were affected by major flooding events. “The Hawkesbury has been hit hard by floods and the impact of these events continue to reverberate throughout the community and the current insurance arrangements have not served everyone well.
“I really encourage the community to share their insights with the Committee so we can get the specifics of the issues people have faced when dealing with insurance companies before and after floods.
“We are also collecting data on people who were unable to secure affordable insurance. When you complete the survey, your response will help guide our discussions and ultimately will help shape the inquiry’s recommendations.”
The chair of the committee, Dr Daniel Mulino MP, said: “The aftermath of intense natural disasters continues to have a huge impact on the lives of Australians - in rural and regional communities and in metropolitan areas.
“This is why it is also critical that we engage with the insurance industry and understand the effect of supply chain issues, skills and labour shortages on responding to claims; how insurers communicate with their policy holders in difficult times; and their preparedness for future events,” Dr Mulino said.
Ms Templeman says the scope of the inquiry will cover affordability of insurance cover, timeframes and obstacles to resolving claims, communication with claimants, effectiveness of internal dispute resolution processes, and how insurances companies prepare for future major floods.
“We’re looking at this issue from all angles. After floods we want people to be able to access the support they need to rebuild their lives and they can’t do that if they are still waiting for insurance claims to be settled.”
“Whatever your experience was, good, bad, easy or frustrating, we want to hear about it so we can make sure the system is working for our communities.”
In addition to the online survey, available here, the committee will also accept submissions that address the Terms of Reference until 31 October 2023. Submissions can be made online.
Further information about the committee’s inquiry, including the full terms of reference, details on how to participate in the survey or make a submission, are on the inquiry’s website.
