Queenslanders have been offered anonymity in a bid to get them to speak out about their experiences with insurers during this year’s floods, as part of the second stage of the Queensland Floods Commission of Inquiry.

The commission is now preparing for its second round of hearings, which will take place in September and October, and will include examining the conduct of insurers.

“We are interested in any complaints or concerns about how insurance companies dealt with people or their claims, or conversely, any positive aspects of their dealings with their insurance companies,” a commission spokesman told insuranceNEWS.com.au.

“Some people may have concerns about coming forward if their claims have not yet been settled or if their claims involve sensitive issues,” he said. “If necessary, the commission can receive information on a confidential basis.”

To date, the commission has received around 100 submissions involving insurance matters.

The deadline for insurance-related submissions has already been extended once, due to concerns that people were still having claims processed.

The spokesman says while a final deadline for submissions has not been set, it will be harder to consider and process submissions as the commencement of the hearings – scheduled for mid September – draws closer.

The commission will examine whether insurance companies processed and determined claims in a timely fashion, whether they properly considered claims and how insurers responded to complaints.

The spokesman says the information “will help the commission recommend improvements in how insurance companies deal with claims in future”.