Months after February’s destructive hailstorm swept through Harden and surrounding towns, residents and business owners are still rebuilding, and now, insurance companies are coming directly to them.
On August 6 and 7, the Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) and several major insurers will host a two-day claims support roadshow at the Harden Country Club, offering locals the chance to meet directly with representatives, resolve outstanding claims, and receive recovery guidance.
Community Still Recovering Six Months On
The February hailstorm left behind widespread roof and property damage, smashed vehicles, and destroyed crops, a disaster that continues to affect households nearly six months later.
Steph Cooke, Nationals Member for Cootamundra, welcomed the initiative, recognising the toll the event has taken:
“The hailstorm that hit Harden earlier this year caused widespread and devastating damage. Six months on, many residents and businesses are still working through the recovery process, and I know how challenging that can be.”
Cooke encouraged residents with unresolved claims to use this opportunity to speak face-to-face with insurers for faster resolution and clearer guidance.
Who Will Be There
Representatives from the following insurers will be available at the event:
- Allianz
- Auto & General
- CGU
- Hollard Insurance (including Australian Seniors, CBA Insurance, Everyday Insurance, and Real Insurance)
- QBE and Elders
- Suncorp Group (Suncorp, AAMI, Apia, Shannons)
- WFI
- YOUI
ICA CEO Andrew Hall said the hailstorm caused “significant damage to many homes and businesses”, noting that while most claims are progressing, some residents are still waiting for repairs and settlements.
“We know having the opportunity to speak with your insurer face-to-face provides immense value to policyholders,” Mr Hall said.
“I encourage anyone with an outstanding claim to come along and speak with their insurer to work through any remaining issues or concerns.”
Why Face-to-Face Matters
Many residents affected by the Harden hailstorm have struggled with delays in claim processing, unclear documentation requests, or gaps in coverage they didn’t realise existed.
Meeting insurers in person allows for faster clarification, updates on repair timelines, and guidance on additional disaster-recovery assistance.
However, events like this also highlight a critical issue: many households only learn the limits of their policies after disaster strikes.
How myVal Supports Policyholders Before and After the Storm
The myVal app was built to bridge this gap — giving Australians the power to manage their insurance more confidently year-round.
With myVal, you can:
- Run a Policy Health Check — identify coverage gaps and exclusions for hail, storm, and water damage before the next season.
- Create a digital home inventory — simply snap your items, and myVal automatically records details like brand, model, and estimated value.
- Generate insurer-ready claim documents within minutes if your home or vehicle is damaged, helping avoid disputes or missing-item issues.
- Receive maintenance reminders — such as checking roof tiles, clearing gutters, and securing vehicles to reduce storm impact and improve claim validity.
These tools mean you’re never scrambling to find receipts or explain losses during stressful times.
Looking Ahead: Building Stronger Recovery Systems
The Harden hailstorm is a reminder of the increasing frequency of extreme weather events across NSW — and the importance of preparation, documentation, and direct insurer engagement.
If you’re attending the Harden roadshow, bring any relevant claim numbers, photos, and correspondence with your insurer.
If you’re not yet insured or unsure of your coverage, use this time to review your policy and document your assets with myVal.
Download myVal today — and turn every home inventory into an insurance advantage before the next storm hits.
References
Insurance Council of Australia (ICA). (2025, July 29). Insurance companies to meet hail-affected residents in Harden. ICA Media Release. Retrieved from https://www.insurancecouncil.com.au
Cooke, S. (2025, July 29). Statement on Harden hailstorm recovery and ICA support visit. Office of the Member for Cootamundra.
New South Wales Government. (2025). Harden Hailstorm recovery updates. Retrieved from https://www.nsw.gov.au/emergency
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