Claims continue to mount following the devastating bushfire that swept through central Victoria. As of 13 January, the Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) reported nearly 1,400 claims, encompassing property, commercial, motor, and business interruption losses. Early assessments suggest around 30 percent of all property claims may involve total losses.
Authorities have confirmed that the deadly Longwood bushfire, which tore through multiple country towns, was sparked by a trailer emitting sparks. Intensely hot temperatures exceeding 40°C, bone-dry conditions, and strong winds created ideal conditions for the fire to spread rapidly, destroying approximately 150 structures and claiming the life of a local cattle farmer.
Several insurance officials and ICA representatives have been deployed to the Castlemaine Recovery Centre to assist residents with the claims process. The ICA had previously declared the Victoria bushfire a significant event, activating its preliminary catastrophe procedures.
“Insurers are closely monitoring access to affected communities and plan to deploy additional resources across the state as soon as it is safe,” the ICA said.
ICA Deputy CEO Kylie Macfarlane added, “The road to recovery for impacted communities will be long, and insurers are ready to support residents throughout this process.”