Preparation and people on the ground are crucial for insurers when handling natural disasters, according to claims manager Sedgwick.

A report from the group – 2025-26 Australian Catastrophe Season: Lessons Learned and Looking Ahead – details its responses to major events and how they are informing its preparations for future disasters.

In the year to June, Australian communities endured bushfires, floods, severe storms and hail, with five major events generating more than 144,000 claims and about $3.8 billion in insured losses, Sedgwick says.

A grassfire in Ravenswood South, Victoria, in January. Credit: Alistair Walker

“Every catastrophe presents different challenges, but this latest season reinforced the value of preparing before an event occurs and having the flexibility to respond as circumstances change,” Sedgwick cat manager and GM for property Jason Wyer said.

Key tips from the report include:

Be on the ground early. Positioning adjusters in affected communities as soon as access is possible ensures they can speak with customers as claims are registered.

Early mobilisation and regular communication give customers faster access to support and provide greater visibility of conditions.

Keep people at the centre. Early identification of customers facing displacement, financial stress, health challenges or total loss helps them receive appropriate support.

During this year’s Victorian bushfires, customers facing such challenges were prioritised for tailored help.

Supporting the wellbeing of adjusters is also essential to sustaining an effective claims response.

Prepare before the event. Predictive modelling, scenario planning and early client engagement help anticipate claim volumes, resource requirements and operational pressure points.

Find faster pathways to resolution. Identifying claims suitable for alternative pathways, including fast-tracked contents and total loss property claims, can help reduce delays.

Turn information into action. Combining real-time intelligence from the field with claims data can help identify stalled claims, vulnerable customers and complaints.

Find the report here.