Zurich Australia has sent a team of claims professionals to help Zurich North America Commercial deal with claims resulting from hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

The two storms devastated large areas of the American south on August 29 and September 18.

Not that the local team of four – who left on Saturday – will get their feet wet in New Orleans. They’ll be based in Chicago, where they will assist the local claims team in dealing with hurricane-related inquiries from brokers, agents and customers.

The Australian team is Regional Short Tail Claims Manager Queensland Charles Foley; Queensland Property Loss Adjuster Neville Norman; and NSW Claims Team Leaders James Dooley and Craig Waldron.

Zurich’s GM General Insurance Anthony Day says it is “a superb example” of how a global business such as Zurich can work as one and call on expertise from around the world to work on a major issue.

“The idea of sending the team was raised by a member of our staff, and our North American colleagues were very grateful for the offer,” he said. “Each member of the team is fully aware that they are embarking on a 30-day commitment in what…  will come at a significant cost to both themselves and their families.”