Aussies bled more than $385m in insurance claims over the 2025-2026 Summer – but the next one is set to be even worse. Picture: Darrian Traynor/Getty Images
Aussies lost more than $385m in insurance claims last summer, revealed as the country barrels towards what could be its hottest season yet.
The latest Allianz Prevention: Summer Risk Report found the 2025-2026 summer period led to more than $224m in home and contents claims nationwide, along with more than $161m in car insurance claims.
Meanwhile, the Bureau of Meteorology reported there was an over 50 per cent change of unusually high maximum temperatures across much of Australia, thanks the latest El Nino.
Storms, fire and other weather events led to more than $224m in home and contents claims, and more than $161m in car insurance claims. Picture: Tim Pescott
Allianz Australia chief general manager consumer Shez Ford said Australians were able to take several steps before summer started to avoid some of the worst impacts on their property.
“With forecasts pointing to a warmer than usual summer and an increased risk of severe weather, now is the time to prepare our homes and cars,” she said.
“Our research shows that simple maintenance issues can still cause significant disruption.”
MORE NEWS: Big bank predicts worst housing crash on record
Rental crisis: Nurses, teachers priced out of 99pc of homes
Mortgage cliff deepens as almost 25,000 households face default
Allianz Australia chief general manager consumer Shez Ford said now was the time for owners to prepare their homes and vehicles for the coming wind, hail and heat.
Storm damage was the number one cause of home insurance claims, leading to $107.07m in claims over last summer.
Fire damage came in second with $45.86m worth of claims, followed by burst pipes at $35.67m.
While much of these costs were due to severe weather conditions, even everyday storms made a big dent: causing $44.67m in claims over the season.
Storm damage alone led to $107.07m in claims, and $44.67m of that was just from everyday storms that could hit your home. Picture: Glenn Hampson
Allianz Australia meteorologist Craig McIntosh while El Nino was usually known to cause dry weather, warmer oceans could often increase rainfall and storms across Australia’s tropical regions.
“Severe weather can develop quickly, regardless of the seasonal outlook,” he said.
“Australians should monitor local Bureau of Meteorology forecasts and warnings, and take practical steps now to prepare for the risks in their area.”
The World Meteorological Organisation predicted a ‘super-sized’ El Nino this year that could be the strongest ever recorded. Picture: Fabrice Coffrini/AFP
While 56 per cent of surveyed Aussies were more worried about severe weather than they were five years ago, 75 per cent did not have a severe weather or bushfire plan.
Meanwhile, 55 per cent of owners had found a home maintenance or safety issue that was then left unresolved for 12 months, such as mould or weakened trees.
The Bureau of Meteorology predicted scorching weather to come this summer – but three in four Aussies don’t have a severe weather action plan. Picture: David Gray/Getty Images
Allianz Australia chief claims officer Luke Whenman said small actions such as clearing gutters, trimming trees and having a household emergency plan could mean the world if a storm or bushfire came near.
“When we talk about hundreds of millions of dollars in summer claims, it’s important to remember there are people and families behind those numbers,” he said.
“As the Federal Government and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese highlighted today, Australians need to prepare for what could be ‘a very tough summer indeed’, with severe weather risks expected toincrease amid a super El Niño.
“Our claims teams see the impact these events can have on customers every day. We know we can’t prevent everything from going wrong, but being prepared can help reduce the risk and lessen the impact when the unexpected does happen.”
Allianz Australia chief claims officer Luke Whenman said Aussies could prepare by clearing gutters, trimming trees, having a household emergency plan and maintaining your home.
More than half of all Aussies (56 per cent) were not doing basic vehicle checks before a long journey, leading to more than $120m claimed in collisions and $9.88m in storm claims last summer.
Only 12 per cent of Australians set alarms on their house before leaving on holiday, down all the way from 53 per cent the previous year.
More than $120m worth of claims were over car collisions over the summer, and $9.88m was due to storm damage such as hail.
Allianz Australia emerging risks manager Chris Wood said it was important for anyone taking a holiday to get their vehicle checked, monitor weather conditions both at home and on the road, and to take regular breaks.
“Summer means more cars on the road, longer journeys and unfamiliar routes,” he sad. “Yet many motorists are skipping simple preparation, like checking their tyres or the weather before setting off.
“Taking a few minutes to prepare, plan regular breaks and adjust driving to local conditions can help reduce risk and make for a safer summer on the road.”
Help us improve your reading experience
Got a minute? Your feedback will help us build a better experience for you.
