Cyclone Larry victims and neighbours have been dealt another blow, this time through higher household insurance premiums.

Retail premium rates have been relatively stable over the past couple of years, but reports suggest policyholders are now having to pay almost double for home and contents insurance since Larry – and customers are not happy.

But they may as well get used to it. Major insurers have been warning for several years that cyclone risks need revision. NRMA Insurance says its rates rose well before Cyclone Larry to bring them into line with other insurers.

After conducting a thorough cyclone risk investigation in recent years in Townsville, premium rates were increased in June last year to reflect the cyclone risk.

NRMA Insurance says there is no connection between the higher rates and Larry, but it can understand how some clients feel there is one when renewing policies in the aftermath of the cyclone.

AAMI says price movements through the year are part of the normal course of business, reflecting costs and claim trends. Any price increases experienced by customers this year are not a direct result of recent cyclone activity.