Cyber Insurance Online :: News
SHARE

Share this news item!

Insurers Under Fire: Melbourne Floods Reveal Gaps and Mismatches

Insurers Under Fire: Melbourne Floods Reveal Gaps and Mismatches

Insurers Under Fire: Melbourne Floods Reveal Gaps and Mismatches?w=400

The information on this website is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Consider seeking personal advice from a licensed adviser before acting on any information.

Residents from western Melbourne have voiced sharp disapproval of insurance companies at the recent federal inquiry hearings held in Maribyrnong, citing significant grievances post the 2022 floods.

Madeleine Serle, Chair of the Maribyrnong Community Recovery Association, described the industry's response to the floods that hit in October and November 2022 as “unacceptably poor,” underscoring a severe letdown in expected assistance.

“It became evident fairly quickly in Maribyrnong that the very people who were supposed to assist us had utterly failed,” Serle asserted.

“The delays we faced seemed purposeful, alongside layers of confusion and inefficiency. Tasks that needed completion didn’t see the light of day, documentation vanished into thin air, and work scopes were altered in misleadingly frequent manners.

“I’ve never observed such a dysfunctional mix in any business sector. The rampant chaos, disorganization, resource misallocation, and mismanagement of subcontractors were beyond belief.”

Wennie van Riet, leading the Mental Health and Wellbeing Project at GenWest, highlighted the complexity of understanding insurance policies, which many customers found to be written in overly complicated jargon. “Policy terms are often presented in a manner only those with specialized higher education could decipher,” van Riet critiqued.

She emphasized that educating policyholders and better disaster preparedness could significantly improve their experiences and outcomes.

Another focal point was the issue of inadequate cash settlements. Various community groups have advocated for insurers to alter their methods.

“Insurers need to carefully assess whether individuals can sufficiently handle cash settlements and the ensuing project management risks,” Anglicare Victoria Financial Counsellor Kathryn Swinton explained. “It’s imperative that people understand taking cash places the project management responsibility squarely on their shoulders.”

Concerns about flood insurance affordability were also brought to the forefront. Moonee Valley Mayor Pierce Tyson reported staggering premium hikes by 50% since the flooding occurred.

“We worry that properties in Maribyrnong could become uninsurable-not in the distant future, but maybe even soon,” Tyson cautioned.

The Maribyrnong hearing marked the start of a series of three such inquiry sessions in Victoria.

Published:Thursday, 16th May 2024
Author: Paige Estritori

Please Note: We do not endorse any specific products or companies. Some content is sourced from third parties, including press releases, and may not be independently verified for accuracy or completeness.

Share this news item:

Rate this article

0 Comments

No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts.

Insurance News

ACCC Halts IAG's Acquisition of RAC WA's Insurance Division
ACCC Halts IAG's Acquisition of RAC WA's Insurance Division
16 Jun 2026: Paige Estritori
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has intervened to prevent Insurance Australia Group (IAG) from acquiring the insurance operations of the Royal Automobile Club of Western Australia (RAC WA). The proposed $1.35 billion transaction raised significant competition concerns, prompting the ACCC to act in the interest of consumers and the broader insurance market. - read more
Broker Held Accountable for Denied Truck Damage Insurance Claim
Broker Held Accountable for Denied Truck Damage Insurance Claim
16 Jun 2026: Paige Estritori
The Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) has determined that a broker breached its duty of care, resulting in the denial of a truck damage claim due to the driver's inexperience. This case underscores the critical importance of brokers thoroughly understanding and communicating policy exclusions to their clients. - read more
Daimler Truck and Geico Introduce Telematics-Based Insurance for Freightliner and Western Star
Daimler Truck and Geico Introduce Telematics-Based Insurance for Freightliner and Western Star
16 Jun 2026: Paige Estritori
Daimler Truck Financial Services and Geico Insurance have partnered to launch 'Connected Insurance,' a data-driven, telematics-based program designed to assist Freightliner and Western Star owner-operators and small fleets in reducing their commercial vehicle insurance costs while promoting safer driving practices. - read more
APRA's 2026 Insurance Summit: Tackling Climate Risks and Affordability
APRA's 2026 Insurance Summit: Tackling Climate Risks and Affordability
16 Jun 2026: Paige Estritori
The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) is set to host the 2026 AFR Insurance Summit on June 16 at The Fullerton Hotel in Sydney. This pivotal event will bring together industry leaders to address pressing issues within Australia's insurance sector, with a particular emphasis on climate-related risks, insurance affordability, and maintaining public trust. - read more
Dynamic Insurance's Legal Action Against Major Insurers
Dynamic Insurance's Legal Action Against Major Insurers
16 Jun 2026: Paige Estritori
Dynamic Insurance Services has initiated legal proceedings against Steadfast Group, QBE Insurance, and Allianz Australia Insurance, alleging coordinated actions that restricted its access to essential insurance products. The lawsuit, filed in March 2026, claims that these companies engaged in practices that adversely affected Dynamic's business operations. - read more


Cyber Insurance Articles

Navigating the Aftermath: Your Cyber Attack Recovery Roadmap
Navigating the Aftermath: Your Cyber Attack Recovery Roadmap
In an age where digital presence intertwines with daily operations, the threat landscape in Australia has magnified, exposing businesses to an evolving array of cyber threats. From sophisticated phishing attempts to ransomware attacks, the risk of digital insecurity looms large. Australia, with its growing technological adoption, finds itself facing an upsurge in cyber threat incidents year over year. - read more
Understanding the Importance of Cyber Insurance in the Digital Age
Understanding the Importance of Cyber Insurance in the Digital Age
As we dive deeper into the digital era, the topic of cyber security becomes increasingly critical. With businesses and individuals relying heavily on digital technologies, the threat of cyber attacks looms larger than ever. This introductory section aims to unpack the concept of cyber insurance as a tool to mitigate these risks. - read more
Cyber Security Essentials: Steps to Secure Your Online Business in Australia
Cyber Security Essentials: Steps to Secure Your Online Business in Australia
As the digital economy flourishes, Australian businesses are enjoying the fruits of their own cyber-infrastructure but are also becoming increasingly susceptible to cyber threats. The era of the internet has ushered in a wave of new opportunities, yet it also demands vigilance in the face of growing cyber risks. With cyberattacks becoming more sophisticated and frequent, the imperative for robust cyber security measures has never been more pronounced. - read more
Best Practices for Securing Your Small Business in the Digital Age
Best Practices for Securing Your Small Business in the Digital Age
Cybersecurity refers to the measures and practices put in place to protect digital information and systems from attacks, unauthorized access, damage, and disruption. - read more
Understanding Cyber Threats and How They Affect Your Finances
Understanding Cyber Threats and How They Affect Your Finances
Cyber threats refer to malicious acts that seek to damage data, steal information, or disrupt digital operations. These threats can come in various forms, such as malware, phishing attacks, ransomware, and more. - read more

Knowledgebase
Double Indemnity:
A clause or provision in a life insurance policy that doubles the payout in cases of accidental death.