Brisbane hail storm bill hits $804m

The damage bill from the worst storm to hit Brisbane in almost 30 years has topped $800 million.

Some 86,000 claims have been lodged, including 58,000 for domestic motor vehicles.

As a result estimated insurance losses now stand at $804 million, the Insurance Council of Australia says.

Council CEO Rob Whelan said insurers were focusing on sending assessors to damaged homes and looking at hail-damaged vehicles.

He advised drivers to check with their insurer about Queensland's written-off car laws and consider the consequences if they keep or buy a hail-damaged car.

"Many insurers may not insure motor vehicles with existing hail damage, and there are safety issues to be considered too," he said on Thursday.

"Talk to your insurer first before buying a motor vehicle that has hail damage."

The storm that hit the Brisbane CBD and surrounding areas last month was touted as the worst to hit the city since 1985.