As at 9:00am today (10 January), RACQ had received 7,350 insurance claims since the severe weather first hit on 23 December, including 6,342 home and contents claims and 1,008 motor vehicle claims.

RACQ Group CEO David Carter and Chief Operating Officer Bernadette Stone were on the Gold Coast yesterday visiting affected members and stakeholders to understand the challenges arising from the storms and to offer support.

Mr Carter said the priority was to support members quickly through every step of the recovery process.

“As of today, RACQ has finalised more than 30% of claims and it was great to see so much activity on the ground, helping our members get back on their feet following the destructive storms,” Mr Carter said.

“We have bolstered our capacity to receive calls and process claims, and we have assessors on the ground triaging needs and completing scopes of work.

“Our teams have organised temporary accommodation for members whose homes have been severely damaged and provided them with cash payments to make emergency purchases.”

Mr Carter said RACQ has multiple claims teams in the area ready to support and assist members through the claims process.

“Our Mobile Member Centre remains located at the Westfield Shopping Centre in Helensvale to help members lodge their claims and answer any questions they may have,” he said.

“The Mobile Member Centre will remain at this location until Sunday.

“Members can also find us at the Mt Tamborine Recovery Centre, the Upper Coomera Recovery Centre and at our branches at Helensvale, Robina, Beenleigh and Elanora.

“The quickest and easiest way to lodge your claim is to go online. Using our online portal, you can upload photos of the damage to help speed up your claim. If you would prefer to speak to a consultant, you can also call us on 13 72 02.”

Mr Carter said his thoughts were with those still cleaning up the damage from the storms.

“We understand the profound impact these storms have had on our members - not only damaging homes and vehicles but also impacting important moments with loved ones over the festive season,” Mr Carter said.

“The resilience of the community is inspiring, and we are committed to being a dependable partner by moving quickly and offering the support they need to recover.”

RACQ Bank is also offering support to members experiencing financial hardship following severe weather events.

“We know many of our members who have been impacted by severe weather are doing it tough. I would encourage those experiencing financial vulnerability to let us know as soon as possible, so we can work with them to identify how we can best provide support,” Mr Carter said.

“Members can contact RACQ Bank on 13 19 05 or fill out an application online at racq.com/hardship”.

Locations to lodge claims:

Mobile Member Centre location

Where: Westfield Helensvale Shopping Centre, 1-29 Millaroo Drive, Helensvale

Opening hours: 8:30am- 4:30pm until Sunday 14 January  

Mt Tamborine Recovery Centre location

Where: Vonda Youngman Community Centre, 2-4 Knoll Road, Tamborine Mountain

Opening hours: 9:00am to 4:00pm until Sunday 14 January  

Upper Coomera Community Recovery Centre location

Where: 58 Highland Way, Upper Coomera

Opening hours: 9:00am – 4:00pm until Wednesday 10 January 

Preparing your claim:

If you are able to safely return to your home:

• Making notes and taking photos of your belongings will make it easier to submit any claims
• It’s OK to throw away all spoiled food in your refrigerator- you don’t need to wait for an assessor to visit your home. Take a picture
• Keep a record of model numbers or serial numbers of items you are throwing away to help us replace them
• It’s OK to remove material and fabrics such as carpets if they are wet to avoid mould growing. Take a photo to help with replacement
• Make a list of essentials you will need to replace, such as bedding, clothing and food. Keep all receipts from these purchases
• Remember safety is the number one priority