More than $500,000 in payments distributed to cyclone Seroja complainants across Mid West

More than $500,000 has been paid out to cyclone Seroja victims who have made claims against insurance companies and banks in the 12 months since the disaster. The Australian Financial Complaints Authority has received 25 complaints related to the cyclone, with 16 of those now closed. According to AFCA data, disputes were commonly over insurance claim amounts, delays in claim handling, and the denial of claims due to exclusions or conditions. Most complaints related to home building, with two disputes about home and contents insurance and two in relation to commercial property. There was one complaint each about livestock and personal transaction accounts. All complaints related to insurers, with the exception of one complaint in relation to a bank. About 75 per cent of complaints were resolved by agreement between the firm and the complainant, or in favour of the complainant. Full compensation was granted in 43 per cent of cases and partial compensation in 57 percent of cases. AFCA lead ombudsman Emma Curtis said cyclone victims could still lodge complaints with the agency. “If you have been affected by cyclone Seroja, or any other natural disaster, you don’t have to pay someone to represent you. AFCA’s process is free and it’s designed to be accessible by the ordinary person,” she said. “We encourage people to work with their insurers, but we’re here to help if we’re needed.” Ms Curtis said complainants should gather any photos, reports, or other information in support of their case before contacting the AFCA. According to the Insurance Council of Australia, about 80 per cent of claims related to the cyclone have now been resolved, with almost 2000 claims still to be completed. Processed claims have an estimated worth of $351 million. Across the Mid West, more than 170 homes and businesses were severely damaged in the April 11 storm, with hundreds more suffering minor damage.