Why accurate, verified post-event weather intelligence is critical for insurers and homeowners.

The November 2025 hailstorms across south-east Queensland triggered more than 27,800 insurance claims in just 48 hours, according to the Insurance Council of Australia (ICA). As insurers work to support affected communities, one issue is becoming increasingly urgent: the rise of “disaster chasers”; opportunistic operators who target residents immediately after a storm.

What Are Disaster Chasers?

Disaster Chasers (sometimes called Storm Chasers) are individuals or groups who appear after major weather events, offering rapid repairs, inspections, or damage assessments. They often claim to act on behalf of insurers, but they don’t.

Typical tactics include:

• Pressuring homeowners to sign repair contracts immediately

• Requesting upfront cash payments

• Promising that the insurer “will cover everything”

• Inflating repair costs or commissioning unnecessary work

In many cases, the work performed is not approved by insurers, leaving homeowners facing unexpected bills or rejected claims.

One of the damaging storm fronts approaches Brisbane Airport on 25 November 2025

So, why are visits from Disaster Chasers increasing after severe weather? Major weather events such as hail, storms andflooding create high stress for residents, large claim volumes for insurers, periods of uncertainty before formal assessments begin and sometimes extended power outages, delaying customer contact. These conditions create the perfect window for unlicensed or predatory operators to exploit vulnerable communities.

The ICA has warned that with more storms forecast for the remainder of this week, the risk of disaster chaser activity is expected to increase.

How Homeowners Can Stay Vigilant and Protect Themselves

• Be cautious of unsolicited repair offers. Legitimate insurers do not send repairers or assessors without prior notice.
  
  
• Don’t sign anything immediately - take time to read contracts and always confirm with your insurer first.
  
  
• Never pay upfront for storm repairs , as approved contractors will not request deposits or cash payments.
  
  
• Ask for identification and verify licences, such as a builder’s licence, driver’s licence, and company details.
  
  
• Watch for high-pressure sales tactics. Statements like “your insurer will cover this — just sign now” are common red flags.
  
  
• Keep a record of all interactions. Document names, dates, and any offers made. This helps both residents and insurers.
  
  
• Contact your insurer before agreeing to any work. This is the single most effective way to avoid disaster chaser fraud.

How Verified Weather Intelligence Helps Prevent Disaster Chaser Fraud

One of the strongest defences against disaster chasers is accurate, independently verified post-event data. EWN supports a number of insurers through our fast, verified post-event reports. These reports are delivered rapidly after severe weather events and include:

• High-resolution hail, wind, and rainfall footprints

• Geo-located impact zones

• Verified damage signatures

• Event severity mapping

This helps insurers validate claims quickly, reducing delays that disaster chasers can exploit.

Real-Time weather intelligence for claims triage, with our forecasting and live monitoring tools to provide:

• Event start/end times

• Peak intensity data

• Timing and location of hail cores

• Rainfall patterns and flood signals

This information equips insurers to respond with confidence and clarity.

Supporting fraud detection and customer protection with precise, objective data, insurers can:

• Identify genuine claims faster

• Detect unusual repair activity

• Communicate accurate information to customers

• Reduce the likelihood of policyholders engaging with unauthorised operators

When insurers act quickly, communities are far less likely to fall victim to misleading contractors.

Why Disaster-Chaser Awareness Matters for the Insurance Industry

Rising claim volumes, more frequent severe weather, and increased public stress levels all contribute to a higher likelihood of exploitation. By combining:

• Public awareness

• Verified weather intelligence

• Fast claims validation

• Strong insurer communication

communities are better protected, and insurers can operate more effectively during peak demand.

The aftermath of severe weather events is a critical time for residents and insurers alike. With disaster chasers becoming more active, accurate information and rapid verification are more important than ever.

EWN’s post-event reporting and real-time severe weather intelligence give insurers the tools they need to respond fast, protect policyholders, and maintain trust during extreme weather.

If your organisation relies on rapid, independently verified storm intelligence to support claims, fraud prevention, and customer safety, our team is ready to help.