Known as fallout, the damage occurs from SO2 (sulphur dioxide) emitted as a result of operations from Mount Isa Mines and Incitec Pivot.

Both companies have declined to comment on the situation, but they have appointed Brisbane-based law firm Gallagher Bassett to assess vehicles and offer a depreciation payment.

With offers of depreciation often falling thousands of dollars short of repair costs, many residents are forced to turn to their insurer and pay an excess.

A Mount Isa resident responded to a post on  The North West Star  Facebook page and said she knew many people who had been offered insufficient amounts to compensate for the damage.

``One of my cars is showing increasing paint damage and will need to be assessed soon, but I wonder if it's worth the trouble, given that we can't get into a panelbeater for six months anyway,'' she said.

Among the dozens of residents with vehicles recently damaged by fallout, one Facebook resident said his new four-wheel-drive had been covered in fallout damage.

Both Mount Isa Mines and Incitec Pivot have declined to discuss how they inform the public about the fallout damage, which according to Xstrata Copper North Queensland Sustainability reports has triggered 237 claims within three years.

A spokesperson for Mount Isa Mines said there was sufficient information on the company's website to inform the public of the risk of damage.

If you believe your vehicle has been damaged by fallout, contact the Mount Isa Mines Community Feedback Hotline on 1800 982 982 or Gallagher Bassett Services on 3005 1900.