The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA), has opened an online register to help local builders and tradespersons to play a significant role in rebuilding their regional communities.

The register collects key information, including the town or region in which the builder and tradesperson operates, their available skills and qualifications, and key contact details.

This information will be publicly available for use by insurance companies to source additional builders and tradespersons for property repairs and rebuilding. The register may also be used by residents, businesses and government agencies that are seeking reputable builders and tradespersons for private funded constructions. 

In order to register your business details go to: www.disasters.org.au and click on the 'Bushfire Trades Register' button on the top right hand corner.

Master Builders also understands that insurers have received 13,750 bushfire catastrophe-related claims since 8 November 2019.  Losses are estimated at $1.34 billion.  

The ICA is anticipating a sharp increase in claims this week as household property assessments are undertaken and large commercial claims lodged.

The ICA is hosting insurance hubs to assist customers in southern New South Wales.  Disaster recovery specialists from the ICA and insurance companies will assist policy holders with insurance questions and help with the insurance claim process.

Venues are subject to change depending on capacity and availability.  Hubs will also be established in bushfire zones in South Australia and Victoria next week.