Exmouth homeowners face months-long insurance delays after Cyclone Narelle
Residents of Exmouth are still waiting for insurance payouts five months after Cyclone Narelle, prompting complaints to the Australian Financial Complaints Authority.
Cyclone Narelle devastated Exmouth in March, destroying roofs, verandahs and interior finishes. Homeowner Darryl Byatt has been living in a temporary shed for five months after his insurer’s assessment failed to include key repairs, prompting him to decline the settlement and lodge a complaint with the Australian Financial Complaints Authority. He says other residents with different insurers face similar gaps and low cash offers.
Exmouth Shire president Matt Niikkula urged insurers to handle the surge of claims responsibly, and Regional Alliance West lawyer Dempsey Morgan offered legal-aid support to help residents understand their rights. A recent ASIC report found that most final home-insurance claims were settled in cash, and the Australian Insurance Council’s Liam Walter warned that full repairs for heavily damaged homes may not be completed for up to a year.
Why it matters
Delayed insurance payouts hinder rebuilding efforts and prolong hardship for cyclone-affected families.
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