A hailstorm that hit Brisbane and surrounding areas on Sunday has generated 11,000 claims so far and been declared a significant event by the Insurance Council of Australia.  

ICA says preliminary catastrophe processes have been activated to help assess the insurance impact of the hail, heavy rain and strong wind.  

Claims lodged involve damage to vehicles, food spoilage due to power outages, smashed windows and fallen trees. The storm may be escalated to catastrophe status if there is a significant increase in claim numbers or complexity.

ICA CEO Andrew Hall says the storm brought intense hail and rain to a wide area across parts of the Brisbane and Ipswich region.  

“Insurers understand the impact these extreme weather events have and will be moving quickly to ensure communities receive the assistance they need,” he said.

“With more severe storms expected along the east coast over the coming few weeks, it’s important for homeowners to be prepared and take steps to protect themselves and their property.”  

Suncorp had received almost 4000 claims across southern Queensland by mid-morning today, with about 1800 for home and 2100 for motor.  

It has deployed a support team and builders to affected regions and opened mobile disaster response hubs in Bellbowrie and Mount Ommaney.  

“A renewed period of severe thunderstorm activity is expected to develop across southeast Queensland and northeast NSW from Thursday, with conditions most active over the weekend,” Suncorp meteorologist Andrew Bufalino said.

The insurer recommends homeowners clear gutters, trim trees, avoid leaving loose items outside and make sure insurance is up to date.

Such steps “can make a huge difference to the recovery”, Suncorp acting EGM of home claims customers Cath Stewart said. 

“The hail and wind damage was destructive, so we are working quickly and aiming to reach as many customers as soon as possible. Our team is on the ground right now inspecting damage and working with our builders to secure roofs and windows to prevent further damage while repairs are planned.

“We encourage those impacted to lodge a claim online as soon as possible.”

Under a significant event declaration, ICA begins collecting, analysing and reporting  claims data, and works to ensure people receive assistance.