Insured losses from Cyclone Debbie have topped $750 million, amid forecasts the final bill could exceed that for Cyclone Yasi in Queensland six years ago.

The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) says losses from the cyclone and related flooding have reached $756 million from 50,056 claims.

Swiss Re estimates total insured market losses for wind, flood and storm surge damage could be about $US1.3 billion ($1.7 billion).

“We are a lead reinsurer in this market and estimate that Cyclone Debbie has caused higher commercial and corporate losses compared to similar events in the past,” Group Chief Underwriting Officer Matthias Weber said.

Swiss Re estimates its claims burden at about $US350 million ($463 million), net of retrocession and before tax.

Debbie struck the coast near Airlie Beach in Queensland, with the main disaster zone stretching more than 990km into northern NSW.

The storm caused damage further south than Yasi, which led to estimated losses of $1.4 billion in 2011 after hitting between Townsville and Cairns, and then traversing less populated regions.

Recreational boat insurer Club Marine says it is processing more than 300 claims covering everything from total loss to comprehensive hull and structural damage. Airlie Beach and Hamilton Island – both centres for large numbers of pleasurecraft – were hardest hit.

“In terms of the number of boats damaged, claims lodged and the sheer devastation on the ground, Cyclone Debbie is the largest catastrophic weather event I’ve seen,” National Claims Technical Manager Phil Johnson said.

“Virtually all the boats at the marinas we visited were damaged in one way or another.”

Much of the damage was from vessels colliding and hitting marina structures, while high winds caused damage likened to “ultra-high-powered sand-blasting”, according to an assessor.

ICA is holding forums this week and next for householders and businesses that have lodged claims.

Insurance companies, Legal Aid and the Financial Ombudsman Service will attend the meetings, which will cover key aspects of the recovery process, including claims management, rebuilding and dispute resolution.

Forums will be held in Lismore on Thursday, Tweed Heads on Friday, Mackay next Monday and Proserpine on Tuesday May 2.

The events start at 6pm and registration is required by noon on the day.