Storms which lashed NSW, Victoria, Tasmania and south-east Queensland last week have caused $245 million of insured damage, according to the Insurance Disaster Response Organisation.   

National Co-ordinator Chris Henri says insurers in NSW faced the largest bill at $155 million, followed by Victoria ($85 million) and Tasmania ($5 million).

Most of the claims had been from damage to homes or cars from falling trees as well as houses deluged by water.

Insurance Council of Australia spokesman Rod Frail says many businesses are still having their claims assessed, so the total cost to insurers could rise.

“Claims from businesses for damages and business interruption cover take a little longer to assess,” he added. “In NSW, the damage was mainly to motor vehicles when hailstorms affected the Central Coast and Newcastle areas.”