Insurers say hailstorms that struck areas in the north and west of Sydney during the weekend were as severe as the epic 1999 hailstorms that swept the east of the city.

AAMI Public Affairs Manager Geoff Hughes says while damage has been confined to a smaller area, buckled car panels and gaping holes in windscreens are reminiscent of the 1999 catastrophe, which cost the industry more than $1.5 billion.

“It’s a very significant event,” he said. “In the areas that these hailstorms hit it is as severe as 1999. While the sum total won’t be as big, certainly in those areas there is significant damage.”

Insurers have taken a surge of claims since the weekend. Reports estimate the total cost could rise to $60 million.

Mr Hughes says AAMI will consider bringing claims officers to NSW from interstate. But the storm is likely to affect repair wait times adversely.

“It could not have happened at a worse time of year, as repairers close at Christmas and often take that week off between then and the new year,” he said.

“There may be significant capacity issues. It’s going to be a very awkward time.”