More than 95% of the loss assessments associated with Cyclone Larry have been completed, and the people affected have generally been pleased with the industry’s response.

The Insurance Disaster Response Organisation (IDRO) told Sunrise Exchange News the industry’s response to the disaster was exceptional, despite tough conditions and a lack of access to the most severely affected areas around the Queensland town of Innisfail.

“I am not just saying that to wave the industry’s flag,” said National Co-ordinator Chris Henri. “The rain never stopped in the few days after the event, and clear-cut claims in those situations were almost impossible to achieve.”

IDRO statistics show insurers have had around 18,000 claims with an estimated insured damages bill of about $350 million. However, the figure could increase because some claims are still trickling in to insurers.

Mr Henri, who went to Innisfail to assess the damage and meet political leaders to discuss the disaster, says feedback suggests people are satisfied with the performance of loss adjusters.

Almost immediately after the cyclone hit, insurers had teams of loss adjusters and claims officers waiting in places like Townsville and Cairns to start assessing claims. Insurers had on-site temporary offices and 24-hour help lines to help affected policyholders and issued cash settlements in certain cases.