AUSTRALIAN Insurance Council chief executive, Andrew Hall, will be in town this Friday, 21 March, to meet with residents and discuss post-hailstorm insurance issues.
Wannon MP, Dan Tehan, met with residents earlier this month, taking a list of complaints – in addition to those already being addressed by his office – from residents who, four months post-storm, were still in limbo over having claims assessed, having repairs done or determining what repairs could and would be seen to, under their policies.
Since the meeting, several residents have reported action on their claims, however a spokesperson for Mr Tehan’s office said the meeting with Mr Hall this Friday was necessary, to ensure that progress did not stall and that any outstanding matters were addressed.
“Insurance companies must be held accountable and steps made to ensure they address these claims in good faith,” the spokesperson said.
After meeting with more that 20 residents and taking further complaints from residents, Mr Tehan said he was highly concerned about stories of issues ranging from payouts which did not cover damages done, to blacklisting of a couple who were accused of making a fraudulent claim.
“I was shocked, I thought that people would have been treated with a lot more decency and I think the insurance industry really has to have a good hard look at themselves and I’m sure there will be growing dismay at the way they are seen by
the community,” Mr Tehan said immediately after the meeting.
“People who pay their premiums should be expected to be treated with common decency … it should not take a public meeting for us to draw attention to the current situation where people feel like they’re being used and abused.
“I sadly have been hearing more and more issues with regards to how insurance companies are operating, but to have so many people be so aggrieved out of a community Casterton’s size is very concerning.”
Residents who had lodged complaints with Mr Tehan’s office should have received an invitation to Friday’s meeting, however anyone who still had concerns over their insurance claims, is encouraged to attend.
The meeting will be held from 11am at the Albion Hotel.
