Tasmanian senator Jacqui Lambie says she will push for a parliamentary inquiry if evidence emerges of insurance companies treating policyholders unfairly following devastating floods in the state’s north last month.

She says she will talk to businesses and examine whether insurance companies have acted “unconscionably or unethically”.

“I have been approached by a number of flood-affected businesses that have been forced to wait six weeks before an insurance assessor even visited their site – only to be told the insurance company won’t pay out,” Senator Lambie said.

The Insurance Council of Australia says its members are “pulling out all stops”.

Assessors were on the ground before floodwaters had receded and some insurers flew in staff and equipment from the mainland to accelerate the response.

ICA told insuranceNEWS.com.au that of about 2300 domestic claims, about 20 do not have flood insurance, while for commercial claims about 50 out of 400 lack the cover.

For those without flood cover, claims have either been denied or hydrologists are assessing to what extent costs can be met by storm damage provisions in policies.

A flood is defined as the covering of normally dry land by water that has escaped or been released from the normal confines of any lake, river, creek, natural watercourse, reservoir, canal or dam.

“Though the processing of most claims is well advanced, arranging and undertaking repairs on flood-damaged homes and businesses is complex and depends on the availability of qualified tradespeople and building supplies,” ICA said.

Senator Lambie is to return to Federal Parliament after splitting from the Palmer United Party during her first term and winning re-election as an independent.

“If I have my way, one of the first jobs for a Senate committee will be to look closely at the practices of the whole Australian insurance industry,” she said. “I look forward to questioning, under oath and before a Senate committee, every major insurance executive in Australia about the way they conduct their business.”