More than 77,000 insurance claims were lodged following storms which devastated the north-eastern suburbs, according to insurance figures released last week.

More than half of those claims were for damaged vehicles, while the remainder related to damage to houses, commercial properties and business services.

The Christmas Day storms caused severe flooding and hail damage in suburbs including Eltham, Greensborough, Montmorency, Watsonia, Briar Hill and Bundoora.

Insurance Council of Australia chief executive Rob Whelan said the figures were not final, and the damage bill was expected to rise as more claims were lodged and assessments made.

Both the ICA and the state government declared the storms a catastrophe.

Mr Whelan said the Christmas Day inundation brought the number of natural disasters in Australia last year to eight – including the Queensland floods, the Victorian floods and Cyclone Yasi.

The total losses amounted to nearly $5 billion – more than double the total in 2010, he said.

Eltham MLA Steve Herbert said affected residents had been given emergency grants but were waiting on insurance payouts.

"The real issue now for people is making sure insurance claims are processed quickly, so people can get their cars fixed, and get their carpets laid," he said. Several community services were already running out of temporary accommodation.

Eltham Medical Centre has relocated to Research following the flooding.

In Briar Hill, the clean-up continues as parents and council staff work frantically to get the preschool ready for the new year.

Banyule mayor Tom Melican said the car park and stairs had already been cleaned up, while broken windows, doors, plaster and floors were due be replaced.

"It was extensively damaged but [the] council has pulled out all stops to ensure it will be ready for the start of the year," he said.