Survey Reveals Gaps in Storm Preparedness Despite Increased Insurance Coverage
Over a quarter of Australians remain uncertain about who would be liable in the event of storm-related insurance claims, according to a new survey by Budget Direct. This highlights ongoing gaps in preparedness, despite an increase in insurance coverage and storm-related actions in recent years.
Increased Home Insurance Coverage
The survey reveals that more Australians are now securing comprehensive home insurance. The proportion of respondents with total contents coverage has risen significantly, from 38% in 2021 to 53% in 2024. Likewise, the percentage of those with total rebuild cost coverage has grown from 35% to 41% during the same period.
These figures suggest that more Australians are taking steps to protect their homes against natural disasters, especially as the storm season approaches.
Gutter Cleaning and Storm Preparedness Improve
Alongside increased insurance coverage, Australians are also taking more proactive measures to prepare for storms. According to the survey, gutter cleaning has become more common. In 2024, 15% of respondents admitted to never cleaning their gutters, a significant improvement from 21% in 2021. Nearly half of those surveyed now clean their gutters once a year, up from 36% three years ago, although this still falls short of the recommended biannual cleaning schedule.
Younger Australians, particularly those aged 18 to 27, were found to be the most consistent in maintaining their gutters, with some even cleaning them quarterly.
Regional Differences in Preparedness
While many Australians are stepping up their storm preparedness, there are notable regional differences. More than one-third of respondents reported having a storm action plan in place, with Queenslanders leading the charge. 46% of Queensland residents said they had an emergency plan for severe weather, the highest of any state.
Australia’s History of Costly Insurance Disasters
The survey comes at a time when Australia is reflecting on its history of costly insurance claims due to natural disasters. In the past 50 years, the country has experienced 10 major insurance catastrophes, with the recent South East Queensland and New South Wales floods being the most expensive. These floods cost an estimated $4.04 billion (A$6 billion), marking the highest payout in Australian history.
While many Australians are improving their storm readiness, the survey shows that significant gaps in knowledge and preparation remain, particularly when it comes to understanding insurance claims related to storm damage. As the natural disaster season approaches, it is crucial for more Australians to enhance their preparedness to avoid future losses.
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