Vic: Thousands make claims for bushfire losses

AAP General News (Australia)
02-17-2009
Vic: Thousands make claims for bushfire losses

MELBOURNE, Feb 17 AAP - Insurance companies have received more than 5,000 claims relating
to the devastating Victorian bushfires.

A statement from the Insurance Council of Australia said about 1,300 of the claims
were for total loss of property.

Ten per cent of the claims were for motor vehicles and about 90 per cent were for building
contents.

"The Insurance Council encourages all policyholders to contact their insurers as a
matter of priority," said council chief Kerrie Kelly.

More than 1,800 homes are believed to have been destroyed by the bushfires, which also
killed at least 200 people.

Council spokesman Sean Sampson said as more people were able to get access to their
properties, he expected the number of insurance claims would rise further.

AAP xlc/pmu/apm

KEYWORD: BUSHFIRES VIC INSURE

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