Fed:Insurers receive 4,100 claims from bushfire victims:Bowen

AAP General News (Australia)
02-12-2009
Fed:Insurers receive 4,100 claims from bushfire victims:Bowen

CANBERRA, Feb 12 AAP - Insurers have so far received 4,100 claims from victims of the
Victorian bushfires, Assistant Treasurer Chris Bowen says.

Insurers are putting claims staff and assessors on the ground and the Insurance Council
of Australia (ICA) has activated a catastrophe recovery taskforce to coordinate assistance
for those that have concerns or questions about their insurance claims.

The Master Builders Association has also joined this taskforce to assist with the supply
of tradespeople and supplies for the rebuilding efforts.

"The government has made it clear that we expect insurers to act with compassion, understanding
and a flexible manner to process claims as quickly as possible," Mr Bowen told parliament.

"It is important that red tape and frustration for people making insurance claims are minimised."

He said the ICA and the government agreed that insurance companies represented at relief
centres would be able to accept claims on behalf of insurers that are not represented.

They would be able to process emergency payments from other insurers in 24 hours through
a common claims form for bushfire victims and provide up-front emergency funds where needed.

Mr Bowen said victims would not need to produce the relevant paperwork as this will
be done electronically.

AAP cb/kms/mn

KEYWORD: BUSHFIRES VIC INSURER

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