Homeowners account for most damage claims from Ex-Cyclone Alfred and face a long road to recovery even though the storm fell short of observers’ worst fears, according to the Insurance Council of Australia.

ICA says in an update today that the number of claims lodged has hit 44,795, up from more than 34,000 yesterday. They comprise 40,940 for home, 1972 for motor and 1883 for commercial.

Queensland policyholders have submitted 41,466 claims comprising 38,000 for home, 1786 for motor and 1680 for commercial.

North NSW, which experienced flooding and water-related damage, had 3329 claims including 2940 for home, 186 for motor and 203 for commercial.

ICA says insurers are on the ground helping customers in Coffs Harbour, Lismore, Ballina and Tweed Heads in NSW, and Redlands, Hervey Bay, Logan, Brisbane and the Gold Coast in Queensland.

The council has declared Alfred and associated storms a catastrophe, which escalates the industry’s response to customers.

Additional claims consultants and interstate builders have been engaged to support policyholders.

“While the devastation caused by … Alfred wasn’t as significant as predicted, we know that for many, the road to recovery will still be a long one,” ICA CEO Andrew Hall said.

“I want to assure impacted communities that insurers are working hard to assess claims and get people back on their feet as soon as possible. It’s the reason insurance exists.

“We’re continuing our engagement with all levels of government and response agencies, and this will remain throughout the region’s recovery process.”

ICA has not provided an estimate on losses. However, S&P Global Ratings expects the catastrophe to cost insurers more than $2 billion.

“This highly populated location is more southern than typical cyclone hits. The current parameters appear to match, or exceed, some of Australia’s largest natural catastrophes in the past 10 years,” the ratings agency said.

IAG says it has created a $500,000 support package for communities affected by the storm. The grant is split equally between charity GIVIT and Lifeline Australia.

RACQ has committed $1 million to help families, community groups and sporting clubs hardest hit by Alfred and recent floods in north Queensland.