Storms in Melbourne in December 2003

With stage 2 water restrictions throughout Winter and Spring 2003, it must have seemed a bad dream when Melbournians awoke 3 days into Summer to news of cars floating down major thoroughfares including Spencer Street and its Eastern Freeway.

Storms heralded the worst in Melbourne in 100 years caused significant damage to domestic and commercial property and infrastructure.

The damage bill was estimated at $100 million (The Age 8 January 2003) and required a massive clean up.

The effect on commercial business immediately prior to the retail Christmas boom was devastating. Leave was cancelled and with a lack of contractors, businesses utilised their own employees in clean up operations.

There is a bonus for some business pack Policyholders with seasonal stock increases in limits applying immediately before Christmas.

Other serious issues of blocked drainage systems have also brought about possible subrogation actions.

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Author

Published with permission of Claim Solutions Pty Ltd.

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Insurance Policy

Country: - Australia

Policy Description: - Mark IV Industrial Special Risks (ISR) and many Composite and Businesspack type policies.

Insurer: - Various

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