As flood recovery efforts continue across New South Wales, the Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) has issued a public warning urging residents and business owners to remain vigilant against so-called “disaster chasers”—unscrupulous individuals who exploit vulnerable communities in the aftermath of natural disasters.
These individuals typically offer clean-up or debris removal services, often demanding cash payments upfront and either performing substandard work or abandoning the job altogether. The ICA stresses that those approached by or who have entered agreements with such operators should seek immediate advice from their insurer.
To help residents avoid falling victim, the ICA provided several key tips:
Insurers will always notify policyholders before sending tradespeople or builders to their property, including providing identification details.
Residents should consult with their insurer before authorizing any repair or rebuilding work to confirm coverage.
Legitimate contractors working on behalf of an insurer will not request direct payment.
Always request proper identification—such as a builder’s or driver’s licence—and verify their legitimacy with your insurance provider.
If a contract has already been signed, consumers have a statutory 10-day cooling-off period, and insurers can assist in terminating such agreements.
To support ongoing recovery, insurers are continuing to mobilize resources. An Insurance Hub will be operational at the Taree Leagues Sports Club starting Tuesday, 26 May, offering face-to-face assistance for impacted policyholders.
The ICA reported that insurance claims have surpassed 4,100, with the bulk of them stemming from severe flooding across the Mid North Coast, Hunter, and Greater Sydney areas. As recovery progresses, the ICA is encouraging affected residents to compare business insurance coverage options and consult trustworthy insurance providers to safeguard against future risks.
For more information or to access support, policyholders are advised to contact their insurers directly or visit the Insurance Hub for in-person guidance.
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