Service NSW mobile service centre coordinator north Andrew McDonald helped fire-affected residents at Westport Park in Port Macquarie on Thursday, November 14.

"We're here to provide emergency relief services for fire affected communities," he said.

"That may include regular office business, assisting customers filling in rebates and replacing documents.

"Within the community there are essential items that people need on a daily basis and having us here to replace them takes away one of those stresses from the community."

The van heads to Laurieton on Friday, November 15 before visiting Old Bar and Tuncurry over the weekend.

"One the days in Taree we had 20 or 30 people come in during one day."

Insurance agencies are also doing their part to help regional people with properties affected by fire. The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) declared the bushfire a catastrophe on November 9.

"Insurers will be poised to move into these communities once emergency services declare it safe to do so," said ICA head of risk and operations Karl Sullivan.

"The catastrophe declaration means claims from these bushfires will be prioritised by all insurers, and they will be focusing on reducing the immense emotional and financial stress experienced by residents and businesses."

During a catastrophe declaration a disaster hotline on 1800 734 621 is activated to assist policyholders and disaster recovery specialists are mobilised to support local community groups.

"Claims are going to be addressed as quickly as possible, noting that many people haven't even seen their properties yet and may not know the full extent of the damage," said ICA head of communications and media relations Campbell Fuller.

"Those claims will be escalated, insurers will get assessors and disaster response experts into these areas as soon as they can and it is safe to do so.

"Once these bushfire conditions were known most insurers would have put in place embargoes on new policies or put in place a block out period on a claim being lodged on a new policy. This is common practice.

"If residents currently have insurance in place then insurers will respond appropriately. If they haven't bought insurance then they either won't be able to buy a policy or their policy will not be able to make a claim for a certain number of days.

"It's unlikely to affect renewals because they are a continuation of the policy.

"In most cases insurers set their sights on a rapid recovery for the customer. They need to know if the customer has had their property damaged and need help."

The ICA recommends residents with fire-affected properties return to their property only when it is safe, take photographs and video of the property when safe and speak to their insurer before authorising any building work.

Residents can also attempt to claim temporary housing expenses in their policy, take photos and keep samples of materials before discarding damaged goods that pose a health risk and keep any items that could be repaired.

While you're with us, you can now receive updates straight to your inbox from the Port Macquarie News. To make sure you're up to date with all the news, SIGN UP HERE.