Insured losses from a series of Victorian bushfires have exceeded $200 million, the Insurance Council of Australia says in its first cost estimate. 

More than 3120 claims across property, motor, commercial and business interruption have been lodged and about 30% of property claims are estimated to be total losses.

Claims are being prioritised after the council declared the fires that started this month a catastrophe. 

“Insurers are working hard to support impacted customers and are already making plans to revisit Victoria for face-to-face consultations in coming weeks,” CEO Andrew Hall said.

ICA says insurers have been in Castlemaine, Harcourt, Natimuk, Seymour, Skipton and Yea to support policyholders during the claims and recovery process, and they will move into other areas when safe.

“These bushfires very much remain an ongoing event … Being here on the ground, you can understand the true scale and impact of these fires, and the devastation it has caused,” Mr Hall said.

Federal MP for Bendigo Lisa Chesters said: “Insurance will play … a big part in our community’s recovery.

“It was so critical to have insurance industry representatives on the ground and meeting people face to face within days of the Ravenswood/ Harcourt fire.”

Broker Abbie Wilson, from Horsham, has shared how she and peers are helping clients.

“The devastation is real and ongoing,” she said. “This is where insurance brokers are standing right now, brokers are working tirelessly in the best interests of their clients.”

She says a broker’s role goes beyond insurance. “Throughout this ongoing Victorian bushfire crisis, brokers are actively involved in community advocacy, supporting not only their clients but their entire communities. Many are offering their advice, guidance and support freely.”