Suncorp Insurance today reassured north Queensland policyholders their homes and contents would be covered for cyclone damage if cyclone Yasi crossed the Queensland Coast on Thursday morning as predicted.

Suncorp Insurance Corporate Affairs Manager Mike Sopinski said “We understand this is a difficult and uncertain time for many of our customers. We want to reassure people Suncorp covers the potential consequences of this cyclone, including wind and storm damage, flood and related storm surges caused by the predicted high winds.”

“We’d urge our customers to put their safety first and follow the advice of the emergency services and government agencies. Simple things like keeping your mobile phone charged, securing outdoor furniture and moving vehicles into garages can not only minimise property loss but protect your wellbeing,” he said.

Suncorp’s Customer Response Teams were on standby and could move into cyclone impacted areas as soon as it was safe.

The CRT’s act as mobile claims centres and allow customers to lodge claims in person, organise emergency relief payments and get advice on their insurance policies.

“They were extremely valuable during the floods crisis in Brisbane, Toowoomba and central Queensland and remain on standby for rapid deployment to north Queensland if the need arises,” Mr Sopinski said.

Suncorp Personal Insurance urged customers with non-urgent and general inquiries to use its website at www.suncorp.com.au to access information about policy coverage and products Suncorp has also established social media profiles on Twitter and Facebook to distribute vital information about insurance claims and CRT locations.

“Our call centre staff are working around the clock to help customers impacted by the Brisbane and Central Queensland floods on top of handling normal business inquiries.

With Cyclone Yasi approaching, we’d urge anyone with non-urgent enquiries to use our website to ensure we can service customers with urgent issues as quickly as possible,” Mr Sopinski said.