Suncorp is ready to respond to customers impacted by Tropical Cyclone Alfred as it bears down on south-east Queensland and northern New South Wales today.
Tropical Cyclone Alfred is expected to make landfall as a Category 2 system tonight or early Friday, between Bribie Island and Coolangatta, causing destructive winds, torrential rain and flooding across both states.
Suncorp CEO Steve Johnston said the insurer was well prepared to support customers, with Mobile Disaster Response Hubs, assessors and builders on standby to be deployed as soon as it’s safe to do so.
“This is a stressful time for the communities in the impact zone of Tropical Cyclone Alfred, but our teams are ready to respond as quickly as possible,” Mr Johnston said.
“The challenges ahead will be complex, with multiple hazards expected to impact a large geographical area that includes both regional and urban communities.
“We now have a good idea of where the cyclone is going to hit and which customers, homes and businesses are in the threat zone.
Suncorp CEO Steve Johnston
Given the anticipated high volume of claims, there may be some delays, but rest assured we are here to help.
Customers can lodge a claim online 24/7 and we will work hard to provide customers with support as soon as possible.
Mr Johnston said he had discussed the unfolding event and Suncorp’s preparedness with Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers last night.
“We look forward to working constructively with all levels of Government in what will most likely be a complex recovery,” he said.
Suncorp’s disaster response team is actively monitoring the cyclone in real-time to ensure the appropriate resources are in place, with additional employees both locally and across Australia and New Zealand ready to assist.
“Customer safety is our priority during and after this event. Impacted customers can easily lodge their claims online, even if they don’t know the full extent of the damage, and our claims contact centres are available 24/7 to provide support,” Mr Johnston said.
“Once a claim has been lodged, our team can coordinate emergency repairs as soon as it’s safe, including removing loose debris, isolating damage to solar panels or electrical circuits, and installing roof tarps. We can also arrange temporary accommodation for homes that are unliveable.”
Information on what to do following the event:
- Visit Cyclone Support | Suncorp for how to lodge a claim.
- You don’t need to be at home or have a copy of your policy to lodge your claim – we will have your details.
- Always remember safety first: Ensure there are no safety risks before entering your property. Only return once emergency services have given the all-clear. If water has entered your property, do not turn on electricity until inspected by a licensed electrician.
- You don’t need to wait for an insurance assessor to come to begin cleaning up.
- Make a list and take photos of damaged items, including model numbers, to help us replace them.
- Keep your home as ventilated as possible. Remove wet contents (carpets, curtains etc) but take photos.
