Insurers have mounted a quick response in the wake of the devastating Victorian bushfires, providing affected policyholders with easy access to vital goods and cash.

Bendigo broker Dennis Raftery told insuranceNEWS.com.au the claims process is already well under way, even before claims teams are allowed into the fire zone.

"We were on to it all weekend," he said. "Clients have contacted us and we have confirmed their cover. It's all coming under control. As far as the insurers are concerned, they've been amazing. We've had some payments made already."

CGU Claims GM Ben Bessell says the insurer is offering immediate emergency claims payments to customers.

"Customers can access emergency claims payments from CGU straight away, and those who have lost their homes will typically receive around $5000," he said.

The insurer is providing temporary accommodation for customers and has deployed additional staff to the worst affected areas, as well as donating $100,000 to the Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund.

RACV Insurance is also offering immediate assistance to customers through a 24-hour phone line, including $500 supermarket vouchers and cash deposits of $5000.

The insurer – Victoria's largest personal lines insurer – is setting up emergency claims centres in Bendigo, Whittlesea, Healesville and Gippsland. Wesfarmers Insurance is providing short-term accommodation and $500 shopping vouchers to residents who have lost their homes. Parent company Wesfarmers has contributed $500,000 to the appeal and subsidiaries Coles, Bunnings and Target have also contributed to relief efforts.

OAMPS Insurance Brokers CEO Peter Blackmore says while none of his staff have been directly affected by the bushfires, "a number of our clients have been".

Insurance Council of Australia CEO Kerrie Kelly says it is still too early to gauge total insured losses, but initial estimates are now above $500 million. More than 170 people have died in the fires.

"Once the claims process has commenced and insurance assessors are permitted to access the affected areas, the insurance assessment process will commence as quickly as possible," she said.

InsuranceNEWS.com.au will provide updates through the week as new information comes to hand. We also want to hear from industry professionals with any information about the bushfires from an insurance perspective – whether personal or professional. Where the story deserves greater coverage, we’ll happily pass it on to the general media. Help us to ensure the industry’s work in the recovery process is properly recognised – call us on 03 9499 5538 or email editor@insurancenews.com.au.