The NSW bushfires have so far led to 855 claims totalling $93 million, according to the Insurance Council of Australia (ICA).

Fifty-eight fires are still burning in the state, with 14 out of control, and weather conditions are expected to worsen.

Three major fires – at Lithgow, Mount Victoria and Springwood – could join to form one “super fire”, officials warn.

ICA formally declared the event a catastrophe last week. NSW Premier Barry O’Farrell has declared a state of emergency for the next 30 days, giving special powers to emergency services.

The council’s GM Communications and Media Relations, Campbell Fuller, says the industry is handling the situation “very well”.

“Insurers and ICA are standing by to send teams into recovery centres once they have been established by the State Government,” he told insuranceNEWS.com.au.

“Assessors are also starting to move into areas once they have been declared safe.”

Mr Fuller says the industry has been “incredibly responsive” to customers and ICA is in constant liaison with emergency services and local government.

Suncorp Corporate Affairs Manager Marcus Taylor says most of his company’s exposure is through the AAMI, GIO and Apia brands.

He says it is “way too early” to estimate claims because assessors have not been allowed into some areas.

The fires are well within Suncorp’s capability, thanks to “systems that allow us to scale up very quickly”.

But they have huge significance for those affected, with blazes often leading to total loss of homes.

“For events like this, there is a stronger focus on the emotional side,” Mr Taylor said. “We expect to see an increase in the use of our trauma counselling processes.”

NRMA Insurance spokesman James Rickards also says it is too early to give claims data.

“Our assessors are currently on site where possible and ready to enter the areas hit hardest by the fires as soon as it becomes safe to do so.

“Strategic partners including builders and other suppliers are also on standby to commence immediate ‘make-safe’ work, once authorised to enter the area.”