The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) and its members are in Harden today from 9:00am until 5:00pm to meet with insurance customers affected by the severe hailstorm and heavy rain event that impacted the region in February this year at the Harden Country Club.
People will have the opportunity to meet one-on-one with representatives from a number of insurers, after months of agony. Locals will also have the opportunity to gain general information on the claims process, dispute resolution, and other insurance-related information to assist with the claims and recovery process.
ICA CEO Andrew Hall said, “This hail event, while locally severe in impact, brought significant damage to many homes and businesses in and around Harden. In the months since this event, insurers have been working hard to assess, repair and finalise outstanding claims, but we acknowledge there is still work to do. We know having the opportunity to speak with your insurer face-to-face provides immense value to policyholders, so I encourage anyone with an outstanding claim to come along and speak with their insurer to work through any remaining issues or concerns.”
Residents in Harden-Murrumburrah have still reported a lack of support since the devastating hailstorm in February with many residents still awaiting replies from insurance companies. Not just local businesses but some residents are crying for support that never seems to arrive. The O’Hana Collection shopfront was completely flooded after the storm and are still struggling to get to where they were before the floods.
Windows appear to still be in disrepair across the towns and some are still living in houses that remain suffering from the effects of the storm. Around 500 insurance claims have been lodged for Hard Rock Gym alone, still with no resolution for them. Some claims have been processed, but Hilltop’s Council says reconstruction has been slowed due to a lack of local resources.
General Manager Anthony O’Reilly told media last week, “Tradies are hard to come by. There are only so many tradespeople available to undertake the work that’s required.” Residents and local business owners are hoping this visit will result in the progress they feel they have been lacking. Hilltops Council is encouraging ever-one impacted to go along.
– Jack Murray
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