The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) and insurers will be travelling to northern New South Wales and South-East Queensland flood-impacted communities during September for in-person meetings with customers affected by this year’s floods and severe weather.

The in-person meetings are an opportunity for customers to discuss the progress of their claim, and to work through any sticking points or issues they may be experiencing with their insurer at a time that suits them.

But there will not be in-person meetings in the Clarence Valley – no-one registered or attended an in-person meeting at Grafton in May, an ICA spokesperson said – however, insurance claimants in the Clarence Valley can register for the virtual meetings, which be held between 9am and 4pm from Monday September 12 to Friday September 16.

“Customers can book a time that suits them, to talk through their claim with the ICA or their insurer by phone or video,” the spokesperson said.

“We have representatives from all of the major insurers and if people can go online to register.”

Appointments are essential for both the in-person and virtual meetings. To book go to www.insurancecouncil.com.au/bookings.

In-person meetings will be held from midday to 8pm on:

• Monday 5 September at Sandgate Townhall, Sandgate (Brisbane North)
• Tuesday 6 September at Lockyer Valley Cultural Centre, Gatton
• Monday 19 September at Ex-Services Club, Mullumbimby
• Tuesday 20 September at RSM Club, Casino
• Wednesday 21 September at Ballina RSL Club, Ballina
• Thursday 22 September at Lismore Workers Club, Lismore

The cost of this year’s floods across SE Queensland and northern New South Wales is $5.28 billion, making it Australia’s second costliest natural disaster. Insurers have received around 233,100 claims across both states.