Insurers Monitoring Weekend of Natural Disasters

SYDNEY, Australia, March 18 -- The Insurance Council of Australia issued the following news release:

The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) is in contact with emergency services and governments in two states following a weekend of natural disasters.

ICA CEO Rob Whelan said insurance companies were standing by for claims as households and business owners examined property damage.

In the Northern Territory, Category 2 Tropical Cyclone Marcus caused damage in and around Darwin on Saturday morning. Insurers have received about 500 claims so far.

Most claims are for light property damage, broken windows, fences struck by trees and damage to vehicles, though several large claims have been reported.

Bushfires in south-western Victoria have reportedly damaged or destroyed at least a dozen homes and other properties, and damaged dairy farming operations.

Mr Whelan said: "I expect it will take several days for the full extent of these disasters to be known. Insurance companies are standing by to assist their customers.

"I encourage anyone who has suffered property damage to contact their insurer as soon as possible to seek guidance on the claims process and the assistance they are entitled to under their policy.

"The ICA is in contact with relevant services and agencies in the NT and Victoria, and is standing by to respond if escalation is required.

"I can assure Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews and NT Chief Minister Michael Gunner that the insurance industry will treat its customers with respect and will seek to reduce the stress and heartache they experience during this difficult time."

For tips on recovering from a cyclone visit: http://understandinsurance.com.au/types-of- disasters/cyclones

For bushfire recovery tips visit: http://understandinsurance.com.au/types-of- disasters/bushfires