IF YOU have not already done so, Wannon MP Dan Tehan is urging Casterton residents to register for tomorrow’s consultation sessions with insurance agencies.


More than four months after the hail storm which ravaged Casterton in October last year, Mr Tehan’s office had received ongoing reports of delays in insurance companies’ attention to damage claims in the area, among a plethora of insurance issues.


Following two meetings hosted by Mr Tehan – the second with Insurance Council of Australia chief, Andrew Hall, the Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) finally stepped in, announcing last week it would host tomorrow’s community information and insurers engagement sessions in Casterton, to held from 10am tomorrow, in the town hall.


“The Insurance Council met with local Federal MP Dan Tehan and local community members in Casterton last Friday to hear firsthand about the impact of the storm and hail that struck the town last October,” ICA’s Director of Mitigation and Extreme Weather Response, Liam Walter said.


“While insurers are already assisting impacted customers in their recovery, we understand that having the opportunity to hear from representatives in person and ask questions can be important in understanding the claims process and helping people get back on their feet.”


Several residents have reported swift action from their insurance companies, since the meetings with Mr Tehan, however those who have spoken to the Casterton News have attributed the action directly to the MP’s intervention.


“It’s funny, they have agreed to get stuff done in less than five weeks, where they refused or did not want to help me for five months, until we had that meeting,” a resident, who did not want to be named, said.


During the day, representatives from a number of insurers will be present at the Casterton Town Hall for one-on-one consultations with customers, giving locals an opportunity to discuss their individual claim and seek any additional advice.


In the evening, a townhall-style information session will provide locals with the opportunity to gain general information on the claims process, complaints avenues and other useful insurance-related information to assist with insurance claims and the recovery process.


Details of the event


• Date: Wednesday 2 April 2025


• Time:


o 10am – 4pm for one-on-one consultations with your insurer


o 5pm – 8pm (arrive at 5pm for a 5.30pm start) for townhall information session.


• Location: Casterton Townhall (Main Hall), 67-71 Henty Street, Casterton VIC 3311


Representatives from the ICA and insurers will be available to answer policyholder questions, as well as to discuss:


• The claims process and next steps insurance customers should take


• The kinds of support available to affected residents


• Common insurance terminology


• Questions from attendees are encouraged throughout


Registration for the evening townhall and bookings for insurer consultations can be found on the ICA’s website at www.insurancecouncil.com.au/Bookings.


Mr Tehan’s office has advised that if anyone has difficulty with the online booking, has no capacity to use it or would simply rather someone else do it on his behalf, his office can be phoned on 03 5572 1100 and his staff are happy to assist.