Why the Suncorp (ASX:SUN) share price is dropping today

Recent stormy weather is weighing on the Suncorp share price…

| More on:
disappointed and sad woman

Image source: Getty Images

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

The Suncorp Group Ltd (ASX: SUN) share price is trading lower on Thursday morning.

At the time of writing, the insurance giant's shares are down 1% to $11.23.

Why is the Suncorp share price under pressure?

The Suncorp share price has come under pressure this morning after following the lead of rival Insurance Australia Group Ltd (ASX: IAG) by releasing an update on recent claims.

This follows the hail and wind event which occurred on 28 and 29 October, impacting South Australia, Victoria and Tasmania.

According to the release, as of 3 November, Suncorp had received approximately 12,000 home and motor claims. However, as the full extent of damage is still unfolding, the company expects claims to rise further.

So much so, Suncorp is forecasting the total cost from the event to be in the range of $225 million to $250 million.

Suncorp's Group CEO, Steve Johnston, said: "Our local assessors and tradespeople are on the ground and helping affected customers."

"One of the key elements of our Best in Class Claims strategy is a more flexible workforce, which has been successfully scaled up to support this event. Our focus on the digital customer experience is also yielding positive results with more than half of all home and motor claims from this event lodged online."

"The Group's supply chain is responding well and we are not currently experiencing issues due to border restrictions. We will continue to work closely with governments and the Insurance Council of Australia to ensure we can respond to customers as quickly as possible," he added.

What about other events?

Suncorp revealed that there was a total of six declared weather events in October.

And while it is too early to accurately estimate the ultimate costs of the more recent events, Suncorp estimates that its hazard costs currently stand at $597 million to $702 million financial year to date. This is up from $382 million and $492 million just last week.

As a result, the company is forecasting full year natural hazard costs is in the range of $1.105 billion to $1.130 billion. This will exceed its FY 2022 allowance of $980 million by between $125 million to $150 million.

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

More on Share Market News

A man working in the stock exchange.
Broker Notes

Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today

Here's what brokers are recommending as buys right now.

Read more »

A woman blows what looks like colourful dust at the camera, indicating a positive or magic situation.
Share Gainers

Why Deterra, DroneShield, Regis Resources, and West African shares are storming higher

These shares are having a strong session on hump day. Why are investors buying them?

Read more »

A young man clasps his hand to his head with his eyes closed and a pained expression on his face as he clasps a laptop computer in front of him, seemingly learning of bad news or a poor investment.
Share Fallers

Why AVITA Medical, Block, Computershare, and GQG Partners shares are falling today

These shares are having a tough time on hump day. What's going on?

Read more »

A woman presenting company news to investors looks back at the camera and smiles.
Share Market News

ASX 200 leaps back into the green following the latest Aussie inflation print

ASX 200 investors reacted positively to the latest Aussie CPI data. But why?

Read more »

A woman on holiday stands with her arms outstretched joyously in an aeroplane cabin.
Travel Shares

Big ASX news! Qantas share price flies to new all-time high

Qantas stock has never reached this altitude before...

Read more »

A miner reacts to a positive company report mobile phone representing rising iron ore price
Resources Shares

Why this $2 billion ASX 200 mining stock is surging 7% today

ASX 200 investors are sending the $2 billion mining stock soaring on Wednesday. But why?

Read more »

Share Fallers

Why did this ASX All Ords stock just crash 17%?

Why is this stock being sold off? Let's see what investors are not happy about.

Read more »

Smiling teenager boy and laughing girls show off their balancing skills by walking in a row on a wall in the autumnal sunny city park.
ETFs

Two ASX ETFs to balance your portfolio as a new investor in 2025

If I restarted my portfolio from scratch, these ETFs would be my first two holdings.

Read more »