CATASTROPHE DECLARED IN DARWIN FOR TC MARCUS

The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) has declared a Catastrophe for damage caused by Category 2 Tropical Cyclone Marcus, which made landfall at Darwin on Saturday March 17, 2018.

ICA CEO Rob Whelan said insurers were assisting policyholders who had incurred damage to property and motor vehicles.

Whelan said claims had climbed over the past few days to more than 1800, as the removal of debris and fallen trees continued. Most claims are for light property damage, such as broken windows, property struck by fallen trees and damage to vehicles.

“Insurers have had assessment teams in Darwin since the weekend, assessing claims and delivering assistance to their customers,” he said.

“Anyone needing to lodge a claim should advise their insurer as soon as they can. The insurer can then start processing the claim, and organise assessment, emergency repairs, and temporary accommodation where applicable.”

Under the catastrophe declaration the ICA has:

Established an industry taskforce in the Darwin area

Activated its disaster hotline – 1800 734 621 – helping policyholders if they are uncertain which insurer they are with, or have general enquiries about the claims process

TC Marcus delivered powerful winds to the city of Darwin on Saturday March 18, 2018. TC Marcus has now been reported as the most significant cyclone event due to its windspeeds to strike the Darwin area since Severe TC Tracy in 1974.