The National Insurance Brokers Association (NIBA) has launched its claims support initiative to provide advice and assistance for victims of the Queensland and NSW flooding catastrophe, as the cost of the disaster continues to climb.

The initiative aims to assist people who have suffered a loss, don’t have a broker and who require help with their claim. Participating brokers will provide the service on a pro bono basis.

CEO Philip Kewin says the NIBA board has given careful thought to how best to support people who have lost so much as a result of the floods.

“Many people are unsure where they stand in relation to insurance”, he said.

“We know the insurers and the Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) are responding to the immense challenge, and we hope that the claims support initiative will help the victims of these floods.”

Insurers have received 159,320 claims related to the flooding, ICA says in an update today, with the cost of claims now estimated at $2.39 billion, based on previous flood events.

Assistance under the NIBA initiative can be accessed through the Need a Broker 1300 53 10 73 hotline.

The board and Mr Kewin have thanked brokers who have volunteered their professional services, and invite those wishing to participate to contact NIBA at info@niba.com.au.