The Australasian Institute of Chartered Loss Adjusters (AICLA) is urging that the government extend temporary work visas allocated to overseas insurance loss adjusters after catastrophes to a minimum of six months.

AICLA President Glyn Lloyd says there is a “compelling case” that qualified overseas loss adjusters be granted a temporary work visa for at least double the current three-months.

“It is inefficient and highly expensive to have these loss adjusters available for only three months,” Mr Lloyd said, noting they require training to become familiar with Australian laws, regulations and building codes.

More than 100 assessors were brought in from overseas on special visas after the flood catastrophe that hit NSW and Queensland in March. Due to global warming, AICLA says it is essential the industry be able to resource adequately qualified loss adjusters at short notice.

"It will never be possible to have available enough trained loss adjusters who can be mobilised during a catastrophe event as these trained loss adjusters would not have sufficient work during other times to sustain their employment,” the submission, seen by insuranceNEWS.com.au, said.

The total resources available in Australia have been “inadequate for the demands placed on the claims industry,” AICLA says.

This work by a loss adjuster to settle a claim is complex and may take considerable time to complete, says the submission, which also requests that qualified loss adjusters be added to the Strategic Skills List under Australia’s 482 visa.