Ahead of the storm season, NRMA Insurance has warned people to be on the lookout for "disaster chasers" who it says have scammed 1700 customers in the past five years.

The insurer describes disaster chasers as individuals or businesses that target vulnerable communities after severe weather strikes, often posing as tradespeople working for insurance companies. They prey on residents with properties visibly damaged by storms, bushfires or flood by spruiking cheap repairs in exchange for cash payments. 

NRMA Insurance says it has recorded a 65% increase in disaster chaser-related claims since 2023, with the true scale of the problem likely to be much greater, and many incidents going unreported.  

NRMA Insurance EGM Luke Gallagher urges Australians to be extra vigilant heading into the storm season. 

“Our major event response, assessing and claims teams are on the ground supporting customers when severe weather strikes, and residents often tell us that disaster chasers have been door-knocking damaged properties in their area. Concerningly, it’s happening more and more,” Mr Gallagher said.  

 “We know that disaster chasers showed up in the aftermath of the damaging November hailstorms that hit South East Queensland and northern NSW, and in March this year after hailstorms hit Penrith and South West Sydney.” 

The insurer warns the problem is only likely to worsen, as extreme weather events become more frequent.  

NRMA Insurance Property Assessor Judi Hindson said: ‘’Disaster chasers have definitely become more prevalent in recent years, and their tactics are evolving. 

“I've had people report repeated drive-by inspections of their property, aggressive phone calls and even correspondence suggesting their credit rating could be affected if they don’t pay up. It can be incredibly distressing for people, particularly for those already feeling vulnerable after a severe weather event.”

She added that a legitimate insurer will never send a builder or tradesperson without pre-arranging it and will never ask for upfront payment or pressure people to sign anything on-the-spot.

“Always ask to see the credentials of anyone who comes to your home on behalf of your insurer," Ms Hindson said.