Brisbane hailstorm declared a Significant Event by ICA as claims mount

The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) has declared the hailstorm that impacted the wider Brisbane region on Sunday, 26th October 2025, a Significant Event, with insurers having received 11,000 claims to date.

The storm brought intense rainfall, hail, and strong winds across parts of the Brisbane and Ipswich regions, resulting in claims for motor vehicle damage, food spoilage due to power outages, smashed windows, and fallen trees.

The ICA’s preliminary catastrophe processes have been activated to assist the ICA and insurers in assessing the insurance impact of the event.

This event — to be known as SE 254 — has been declared ahead of what is expected to be a challenging few weeks of severe storm activity along the east coast, with the ICA urging residents to prepare now.

The event may be escalated to an Insurance Catastrophe if claim numbers or complexity increase significantly, if the geographical spread extends, or following consultation with insurers.

Andrew Hall, CEO of the ICA, said, “Sunday’s hailstorm brought intense rainfall, hail and was widespread across parts of the Brisbane and Ipswich region.

“Insurers understand the impact these extreme weather events have and will be moving quickly to ensure communities receive the assistance they need.

“While it’s too early to determine the complete insurance impact on homes and businesses, claims lodged to date include damage to motor vehicles, food spoilage due to power outages, smashed windows, and fallen trees.

“With more severe storms expected along the east coast over the coming few weeks, it’s important for homeowners to be prepared and take steps to protect themselves and their property.

“We encourage anyone who has damage or suspects damage to get in touch with their insurer as soon as possible.”

In related news, Suncorp recently reported receiving nearly 4,000 claims across the affected areas of southeast and inland southern Queensland, comprising around 1,800 home claims and 2,100 motor claims.

Fellow major Australian insurer IAG has also received more than 3,900 claims across its brands, including NRMA Insurance and RACQ Insurance.