Loss adjusters and claims technicians are hard at work in the Far North Queensland towns ravaged by Cyclone Larry.

GAB Robins has sent 50 staff and Freemans Australia at least 45. Suncorp has more than 60 staff in the field.

The Insurance Disaster Response Organisation (IDRO) says as communications are restored, more policyholders have been able to report their losses to insurers.

Loss adjusters initially found it difficult to gain access to the worst affected areas to start the claims process.

IDRO National Co-ordinator Chris Henri says some claims have already been settled. “However, the level of devastation in some areas means that it will take some time for all the damage to be assessed.”

The more than 4000 claims already received include damage to commercial property and boats as well as domestic buildings, contents and private and commercial motor vehicles.

National Insurance Brokers Association (NIBA) technical services consultant Maureen Ball says NIBA brokers in the affected areas have reported communications problems are still hindering claimants.

“Claims are just starting to roll in, but lack of communication and basic infrastructure means that most have not been reported,” she said.

She says the biggest concern is lack of electricity, because this will increase the cost of claims. “One broker has reported concerns over looting, especially from his elderly clients who are frightened because they cannot secure their homes.”

She says few commercial claims have been reported as yet. More distressing is the fact that so many farmers will not have insurance.

“I spoke with one broker in Innisfail who does a lot of rural business,” she said. “He believes that no banana grower will have cover and have had none for approximately eight years, because no insurer has been willing to grant cover. And if they did it would be too expensive.”

Mrs Ball says the broker also suggested that it would take at least 10 months to get the banana crop going.

“Sugar cane farmers may be able to salvage parts of their crop, but most will be out of action for 12 months,” she said. “CGU would have around 80% of the sugar business.”

While there is a scheme for sugar cane, it only covers against accidental fire; therefore no cover will be provided for wind damage.