Friday, 3 October 2025
The Insurance Council is warning hail-impacted residents and business owners in Gympie, Maryborough and surrounds to be wary of ‘disaster chasers’ who target communities recovering from extreme weather to make a buck.
Disaster chasers often offer clean-up or debris removal services, request payment upfront in cash and leave the job poorly done or not completed.
Residents who believe they may have been approached by or signed with a disaster chaser should seek guidance from their insurer.
Tips for identifying and dealing with a disaster chaser:
- An insurer will not send a tradesperson or builder to your home without notifying you and providing you with details
- Speak to your insurer before agreeing to any repairs or rebuilding work to make sure your insurer will cover the work
- A tradesperson or builder who is working for your insurer will not ask you for payment
- If in doubt, ask for identification such as a builder’s licence or driver’s licence, and ring your insurer to check
- If you sign a contract with a disaster chaser, you have a statutory 10-day cooling-off period. Your insurer can help you end the relationship with the disaster chaser
Those impacted by the recent hailstorm or subsequent weather should contact their insurer to make a claim against damages or seek advice on their insurance policy.
Quotes attributable to ICA Deputy CEO and COO Kylie Macfarlane:
We're aware that opportunistic individuals can emerge in the aftermath of extreme weather events, seeking to exploit effected residents for their own benefit.
We strongly encourage community members to remain vigilant, and if anyone suspects they have been contacted by these opportunists, immediately report them to the appropriate authorities.
Insurers are ready to support customers through the recovery process and customers are encouraged to make a claim if they have been impacted by the recent weather.
