Insurers have received 135,697 claims related to the NSW/Queensland flood catastrophe, at an estimated cost of $2.035 billion.

This is a 7.3% increase on Friday’s figures, as claims continue to rise significantly on a daily basis. With large commercial claims yet to come in, some expect the final insured loss to approach $3 billion.

The news comes as Prime Minister Scott Morrison again urged governments to work together on resilience projects to enable insurers to offer affordable cover.

At a press conference on Friday Mr Morrison was asked what he would say to “insurance companies who are trying to penny-pinch in the months to come”.

His answer was that they should honour their contracts – but he added there is a need to focus on “resilience and adaptation”.

“It’s not just a question of calling out insurance companies when they don't do the right thing,” he said.

“But we also have to work together – councils, state governments and the Federal Government to ensure the resilience and adaptation policies are in place that can make more places insurable.

“And so whether it’s up in the Northern Rivers and the resilience works that frankly haven't been done for a long time, there’s been a lot of resistance to some of those works.

“We’ve got to get that done, because if you do that, then the insurance companies will be in a better position to be able to insure.”

Insurers have fast-tracked on-the-ground support, with Suncorp establishing a dedicated flood response and recovery team, bringing together resources from across the Group’s Australian and New Zealand operations.

“We recognise the scale of this flooding emergency, and the devastating impact it has had on so many people and communities, many of whom are facing a long road to recovery,” Group CEO Steve Johnston said.

“I’ve spent time with our teams and customers in Lismore and Northern Rivers. In my 17 years at Suncorp it’s some of the most widespread devastation I have witnessed.”

Suncorp last week announced a $1 million support package to help the long-term recovery efforts of flood-impacted communities.

IAG-owned NRMA Insurance has also announced a $1 million package through resilience partnerships with GIVIT, Australian Red Cross and Lifeline.

NRMA Insurance Group Executive Julie Batch attended the Lismore Recovery Centre, speaking with customers and the NRMA Insurance major event claims team.

“It’s devastating to see people suffering from these tragic storms and floods,” she said.

“While our priority right now is helping people through their immediate recovery, NRMA Insurance has a long history of working with our partners and communities year-round to build resilience against disasters and extreme weather.”