Flood victims condemn insurance companies

Issue 

At an insurance public forum attended by more than 150 people in Ipswich on April 5, victims of the Brisbane floods of early January shouted, sobbed and pleaded for help from elected council and federal representatives, and the head of the Insurance Council of Australia, Rob Whelan.

Despite promises of insurance industry reform from assistant federal treasurer Bill Shorten, residents were angry at the lack of response from many insurance companies to their claims, 11 weeks after the floods that devastated big areas of Ipswich and Brisbane.

Shorten had invited RACQ, Allianz, NRMA, CGU, AAMI, Real Insurance and QBE to the meeting, but none attended the April 6 Courier Mail said.

Shorten described the failure of the big insurers to face their own customers as “corporate cowardice”.

Shorten announced a proposal for a common definition of flood and a "tick sheet" to simplify policy information. He also said he would ask the federal government to consider a mandatory code of conduct for insurers.

But residents were not placated. Susan Woollett, whose house was inundated on the day Ipswich residents now call “11/1”, said: “It's all about the future. It's nothing that's really going to help us now.”

The angry residents at the meeting carried placards such as, “Cancel your RACQ policy,” and “Support flood victims: Boycott CGU.”

Comments

All Australians should cancel their insurance policies with these insurance companies. Then see who is lauging then. The only way to make these insurance companies accountable is to vote with your money and stop supporting them. Cancel your insurance policy and they won't make any profits.

David

If you like our work, become a supporter

Green Left is a vital social-change project and aims to make all content available online, without paywalls. With no corporate sponsors or advertising, we rely on support and donations from readers like you.

For just $5 per month get the Green Left digital edition in your inbox each week. For $10 per month get the above and the print edition delivered to your door. You can also add a donation to your support by choosing the solidarity option of $20 per month.

Freecall now on 1800 634 206 or follow the support link below to make a secure supporter payment or donation online.