Australian Securities and Investments Commission senior executive leader of insurers Emma Curtis said the fires were "an opportunity for unscrupulous businesses to target vulnerable consumers".

"If an offer seems too good to be true, it usually is," she warned.

"Generally speaking, people should be able to contact their insurer or their bank directly.

"They have got extra staff ready to help people and in some cases they're already in affected areas."

Ms Curtis said there hadn't been reports of unscrupulous operators yet, but said people should be on the lookout.

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Having work undertaken on a damaged home can affect insurance claims, she said.

People are also warned to seek advice before accepting any cash settlement offers from insurers.

"Sometimes insurers will offer cash settlements instead of a rebuild," Ms Curtis said.

"It may seem like an attractive option for what seems like a high settlement amount.

"But people should think about it before settling as quite often, it's not enough to rebuild a home.

"There can be changes in local council rebuilding regulations after a disaster and the cost of rebuilding can increase because of a shortage of materials and tradespeople."