The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) will host a third forum in Townsville tomorrow for policyholders affected by February’s devastating floods, which led to more than 27,000 claims totalling more than $1.13 billion.

The forum is from 6-9pm, and ICA representatives will also host one-on-one consultations today and tomorrow from 9am-5pm for policyholders and their insurers.

The first forum on February 25 was attended by about 150 policyholders; the second on March 25 assisted a further 75 people.

“The consultations and forum are an opportunity for customers to speak to insurance representatives about their individual circumstances,” ICA CEO Rob Whelan said.

“Many attendees may want a better understanding of rebuilding timeframes and agreement of scopes of work.

“The insurance industry knows the impact of the monsoon on Townsville has been difficult for many households and businesses, and insurers are focusing on how to help all customers, including those who were underinsured or may have elected not to buy flood cover.”

ICA has denied accusations that insurers are ignoring local tradespeople in the rebuilding and recovery process. It estimates insurers are employing more than 1600 local builders, tradespeople and suppliers in Townsville.

GM Risk Karl Sullivan writes on LinkedIn that local businesses “are being engaged at record levels”, and says allegations by local tradies that most of the repair work is being performed by non-local firms “is simply incorrect”.

“With nearly 30,000 claims active in the area and more than $1 billion being spent by insurers to get the repairs done, there is plenty of work to go around and a pressing need to get it done in a timely fashion, with quality results and without costs placing unnecessary pressure on premiums,” Mr Sullivan says.

“Many insurers have a national supply chain of resources designed to make this happen, and plans also typically rely upon using local capacity.”

The forum and consultations are for policyholders only. Registration is essential. For more information, click here.