The damage bill for the violent windstorms that ravaged parts of NSW, Victoria and the ACT last month has risen to $25 million. This compares with the Insurance Disaster Response Organisation’s (IDRO) initial forecast of $4 million which, at the time, was said to be “well within insurance industry expectations”.  

IDRO National Co-ordinator Chris Henri says that although several commercial claims had contributed to the increase of more than 500%, the figure was still “within insurers’ expectations”.

“Insurers are also just receiving claims for damaged caravans and boats as owners get around to inspecting them at locations remote from where they live,” Mr Henri said.

The $25 million damage figure comprised $17 million in NSW and the ACT, and $8 million in Victoria.