First published 10 Nov 2026, 4:00am
Queenslanders paid more than $75m in storm insurance claims for their homes and cars last summer, according to new data. Picture: Darrian Traynor/Getty Images
Queenslanders were last hit for more than $75m during the summer storms – but new data reveals less than one in ten are ready for the next wave.
The new Allianz Prevention: Summer Risk Report found Queensland copped $69.73m in storm insurance claims last summer, the most out of any state in the country.
Storm-related motor claims also took Sunshine State homeowners $5.33m out of pocket during the summer of 2025-2026.
The new Allianz Australia Summer Risk Report found only 8 per cent of Queensland residents are adding extra home protections against extreme weather. Picture: Glenn Hampson
But only 8 per cent of Queenslanders add to add extra home protections against extreme weather, such as storm shutters or sandbags: a lower number than any other state.
Allianz Australia chief claims officer Luke Whenman said Queenslanders were incredibly aware of the risks during summer, and might believe their homes were built to handle it.
“They definitely look at the weather predictions and forecasts,” he said.
“They may already have a high standard. Maybe they don’t believe they need to do any more because their home is already secure.”
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 claims officer Luke Whenman said Queenslanders already know the risks of the summer season, and are the best in the country at the everyday preparations.
On the other hand, Queenslanders were the best in Australia at everyday preparations before the summer weather.
Nearly half of Queensland homeowners (47 per cent) plan to trim trees and branches before the season hits, 19 per cent plan to inspect their roofing and tiles, and 34 per cent plan to secure their outdoor furniture and other loose items.
Each of these steps are higher than any other state in the country, which lost more than $385m in insurance claims last summer.
While 47 per cent of Queenslanders plan to trim trees and branches before a storm to prevent fall damage, many are hit by claims for everyday events. Picture: Richard Dobson
Mr Whenman said Queenslanders were especially prepared for severe weather, but often needed to make claims for everyday damage.
“When you think about cyclones and floods, Queensland has had more than its fair share,” he said.
“We see Queenslanders very aware and prepared for major events … but potentially less prepared for the surprise events like hail or flash flooding.”
El Nino is expected to bring unusually high maximum temperatures across Australia, with more wet weather expected for South-East Queensland. Picture: Fabrice Coffrini/AFP)
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.
Mr Whenman said Allianz expected more water-related claims in Queensland’s south this season, while the north could experience dryer conditions.
“As the Federal Government and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese highlighted today, Australians need to prepare for what could be ‘a very tough summer indeed’,” he said.
“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 general manager consumer Shez Ford said small maintenance issues in your home and car could still lead to major claims when left unchecked.
The report from Allianz Australia 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.
Allianz Australia chief general manager consumer Shez Ford said Australians still had time to prepare their homes and calms before the need for major claims.
“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.”
Help us improve your reading experience
Got a minute? Your feedback will help us build a better experience for you.
