Last summer’s bushfires, floods and hailstorms resulted in claims totalling $5.4 billion, with more than 70% already paid.

The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) says that despite the disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic insurers have already spent $3.85 billion in property repairs and rebuilding works, emergency accommodation and support, replacement of contents, new and repaired vehicles, plant and equipment and financial settlements.

“The pandemic complicated our industry’s ability to physically respond in a timely manner, to get assessors and tradespeople into affected areas, overcome logistical challenges, source materials and labour, and to begin repairs and rebuilds,” ICA CEO Rob Whelan said.

“However, insurers have worked tirelessly since the summer catastrophes and during the COVID-19 crisis, managing lockdown and social distancing constraints to continue their work to help customers and communities across southern and eastern Australia.

“This was the worst natural disaster season I have experienced in my 10-and-a-half years as chief executive of the Insurance Council.

“The industry’s efforts to help their customers through the emotional, physical and financial blows caused by these catastrophes is the best I’ve seen, despite the complications of COVID-19, and insurers continue to fine-tune their response.”

The claims figures in detail:

Summer bushfires (Victoria, NSW, SA, Queensland)

38,416 claims received with losses estimated at $2.33 billion

More than 83.5% of 9389 home building claims have been closed

More than 93.7% of 14,237 contents claims have been closed

More than 88.5% of 1613 domestic motor vehicle claims and 90.5% of 1332 commercial motor claims have been closed

More than 81% of 8738 commercial property claims and about 81% of 1285 business interruption claims have been closed

November hailstorms (SE Queensland)

29,782 claims received with losses of $481.92 million

More than 82% of 9858 residential building claims and 86.2% of 1677 contents claims have been closed.

About 94% of 15,259 domestic motor claims and 1801 commercial motor claims have been closed

More than 84% of 1125 commercial property claims have been closed.

January hailstorms (ACT, Victoria, NSW)

129,201 claims received with losses estimated at $1.625 billion

About 90% of claims lodged were for household losses, with 10% commercial claims

72.4% of 38,793 residential building claims and 73.5% of 10,462 contents claims have been closed

Almost 85% of 67,435 domestic motor claims and 75.5% of 6954 commercial motor claims have been closed

More than 66% of 5214 commercial property claims and 52.7% of 146 business interruption claims have been closed.

February East Coast storms and floods (Queensland, NSW)

100,384 claims received with losses estimated at $958 million

More than 70% of 58,845 residential building claims and almost 75% of 26,901 contents claims have been closed

Almost 92% of 5954 domestic motor claims and 79% of 306 commercial motor claims have been closed

65% of 8758 commercial property claims and 63% of 351 business interruption claims have been closed.