A number of vehicle dealerships have been impacted by the Queensland and New South Wales floods.
About 50,000 claims around catastrophic flooding in southeast Queensland and New South Wales have been received by insurers, says the Insurance Council of Australia (ICA).
On March 2, claims rose by 53% – with more expected.
Some 84% of total claims relate to property, while the remainder are claims concerning motor vehicles.
ICA chief executive Andrew Hall will meet state and federal government stakeholders about the issues, and the ICA is planning an aerial survey beginning with Ballina, Brisbane, Grafton, Gympie, Lismore, Logan, Maryborough, and Murwillumbah.
RACQ teams are in the flood-ravaged Gympie region with its Mobile Member Centre providing additional support to members.
More than 7800 insurance claims, including 6231 for homes and 1579 for vehicles, have been received, says RACQ Group chief executive David Carter.
“We are expecting claims will continue to increase as more people return to their homes and vehicles and have the opportunity to assess the damage the recent flooding has caused,” he adds.
“Our teams have been working hard on the ground and on the phones to support our members, and we will continue to be there in the days, weeks and months ahead until the recovery is complete.
“For a quick and easy process, you can lodge your claim online and upload photos of damage via the online portal, alternatively you can call us on 13 72 02.
Carter says it’s vital for Queenslanders to take extra caution as the clean-up continues.
“Wear rubber boots and gloves, open windows and doors, take photos of damage and keep receipts.”
Drivers need to be alert as floodwaters recede, adds Carter.
“There is widespread damage, including potholes, across the road network and closures could be in place for some time.
“As floodwaters have receded, our Roadside Assistance crews have been busy helping our members. “We expect to have towed more than 500 flood-impacted cars to our assessment centres.
“If you do need to travel, please check your route before you leave and obey road closure signage – it’s there for a reason.”
RACQ urges people not to drive any vehicle which may have had water damage.
More than 2400 members impacted by the south-east Queensland deluge since February 24 have been helped by RACQ Roadside Assistance.
The record rainfall and subsequent flooding had seen a huge increase in the number of members requiring help, says assistance operations general manager Mark Boswell.
“The majority of call-outs we’ve received have been for vehicles that won’t start, flat tyres and other electrical faults.
“A number of these calls are the result of cars not being driven for a number of days or while drivers are driving in the difficult conditions.”
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