Beware of Disaster Chasers

Simon
08 Dec 2025
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Beware of Disaster Chasers

Protect your home and your insurance claim after severe weather.

After major storms, hail, or flooding, most homeowners are simply trying to recover, repair damage, and return to normal. Unfortunately, these stressful moments often attract opportunistic third-party operators known as “disaster chasers” or “storm chasers.”

These individuals or businesses may knock on your door, approach you in your driveway, or leave flyers promising fast repairs, “free inspections,” or the ability to handle your insurance claim on your behalf.

But as the Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) and recent ABC News reporting warn, many of these operators are not legitimate, not authorised, and not acting in your best interests. Engaging them can put your property, your finances, and your insurance claim at risk.

As your insurance broker, our role is to protect you. Here’s what you need to know to stay safe and why contacting us first is always your best option.

Opportunistic disaster chasers

What are Disaster Chasers and why are they a problem?

Storm chasers are businesses that emerge after extreme weather events, targeting affected communities. According to the ICA, these operators often:

  • Go door-to-door offering unsolicited “damage assessments”
  • Claim to act on behalf of insurers when they are not authorised
  • Pressure homeowners to sign contracts immediately
  • Charge high or hidden fees for claims handling
  • Use scare tactics to convince you that urgent repairs are needed

ABC News recently reported a surge of disaster chasers visiting Queensland suburbs after hailstorms, with some homeowners feeling intimidated or misled into signing agreements.

The main issue? These operators exist to profit from your misfortune, not to help you.

The risks of using unconfirmed Third-Party Claims Operators

Storm chasers can expose you to significant financial and insurance risks. Common problems include:

How to spot a storm chaser

The ICA recommends watching out for these warning signs:

  • Someone knocks on your door offering “free inspections”
  • A contractor claims to work with your insurer (but you haven’t been notified)
  • You are pressured to sign documents immediately
  • You’re asked to pay money upfront
  • The person can’t provide credible identification or a licence
  • The offer seems “too good to be true”

If any of these occur, do not engage, and contact your broker right away.

How to protect yourself

Here’s how to stay safe after a weather event:

  • Contact your broker or insurer before authorising any repairs or signing any documents
  • Ask for ID and verify licences for anyone approaching you
  • Never pay upfront for insurance-related repairs
  • Don’t sign agreements under pressure
  • Check with us if you’re unsure whether a visitor is legitimate

Your broker or insurer will NEVER send someone to your home without notifying you first.

We’re here to support you after a severe weather event

You don’t need to pay someone to manage your insurance claim – that’s what we’re here for.

Our claims team:

  • Helps assess damage
  • Communicates with the insurer
  • Coordinates approved repairers
  • Guides you through every step
  • Protects your interests and your settlement

Best of all, our support is included as part of our services.

If you’re approached by a Storm Chaser, contact us first

If someone has recently approached you about lodging a claim, inspecting your home, or repairing storm damage, pause before you act. The rise in storm chaser activity means you need to stay vigilant.

Reach out to us any time. We’ll confirm what’s legitimate, guide your next steps, and help ensure your claim is handled safely and correctly.

Your home, your finances, and your peace of mind are worth protecting – and we’re here to help you do exactly that.