The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) has declared bushfires north of Adelaide a catastrophe, activating a special taskforce and hotline.

ICA’s disaster taskforce is already on the ground, helping people affected by fires that have claimed two lives, destroyed at least 35 homes and damaged 42.

So far insurers have received 525 claims and insured losses are estimated at $75 million.

ICA CEO Rob Whelan says the region’s agricultural sector has been hardest hit.

“These fires have had a devastating impact on the farming community, with crop, stock and commercial assets making up the overwhelming bulk of the losses so far,” he said.

“ICA’s catastrophe taskforce has received reports of significant livestock losses.”

ICA’s 24-hour disaster hotline can help residents who are unsure which insurer they are with, or field general enquiries about claims processes.

Insurers will prioritise fire claims to help reduce victims’ stress, Mr Whelan says.

ICA has urged policyholders not to return home until it is safe, and not to worry if their insurance documents are unavailable, because they are also kept electronically.