The National Insurance Brokers Association (NIBA) says it wants to establish a “claims support initiative” which would see brokers offer free advice to victims of the east coast flood catastrophe.

NIBA wants to hear from brokers keen to offer pro bono advice, as claims numbers from the event continue to rocket.

The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) today welcomed the Federal Government’s declaration of a national emergency, saying insurers have now received 107,844 claims with an estimated value of $1.62 billion.

NIBA CEO Phil Kewin says many of those affected who don’t already have a broker are unsure about their insurance coverage.

“There is great confusion,” he said.

“I know many brokers are already overrun and overwhelmed, but at the same time, they are there for their clients.

“While the current focus is in some areas cleaning up, and in other areas just survival, we wanted to look to the future and how we can support the community.

“We know the insurers and the ICA are responding to the immense challenge, and we feel we have something we can offer as well to help the victims of these floods.”

NIBA asks that interested brokers email info@niba.com.au and it will collate a list of interested brokers before publicising the scheme.

“The actual terms of engagement would need to be discussed with the person seeking assistance, as circumstances are likely to differ according to the nature of the insurance that was held, the nature of the loss and the status of the claim (if any).”

ICA says the declaration of a national emergency reflects the extent and severity of the disaster, but says further measures are needed.

“Greater funding for support measures, clean-up and recovery is welcomed,” it said.

“Once this initial phase passes it is vital that funding for measures that improve protections against the impacts of similar events into the future must also be addressed.”