A hailstorm that hit the Hunter and Central Coast regions of NSW on Friday has been declared a significant event by the Insurance Council of Australia (ICA). 

By 10am today, insurers had received 7552 claims relating to the hailstorm, with 6021 of those for damage to motor vehicles. 

ICA’s preliminary catastrophe processes have been activated to assist the ICA and insurers to assess the insurance impact of the storm. 

“The insurance industry has made this Significant Event declaration to activate services and support for affected motorists, homeowners and businesses and reassure them that their insurer is there to help,” ICA CEO Andrew Hall said. 

“It’s too early to understand the full extent of the damage in affected areas and to estimate the insurance damage bill. However, we know that most of the damage has been to motor vehicles.” 

ICA says those affected should talk directly to their insurer and be aware of any unauthorised people “taking advantage of the widespread damage”. Any suspicious activity should be reported to government authorities or police.