Spike in Weather-Related Insurance Claims During Summer Revealed

The information on this website is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Consider seeking personal advice from a licensed adviser before acting on any information.

Evidently, the summer became a difficult season for many Australians, with nearly half witnessing extreme climatic conditions. Record-breaking heatwaves, powerful storms, and persistent cyclones made their mark. Homes were significantly affected, with 13,817 insurance claims made, of which the majority were connected to harsh weather phenomena stemming from heated, moist air masses leading to torrential rains and catastrophic hail.

As the seasons transition, NRMA Insurance anticipates the incidence of intense thunderstorms equipped with considerable hail, torrential downpours, and fierce gales targeting the east coast. Metereologist Zac Segger from NRMA Insurance notes the heightened susceptibility of areas in southeast Queensland, eastern New South Wales, and eastern Victoria to these formidable weather patterns.

Segger highlighted the sudden and sometimes catastrophic emergence of wild weather, emphasizing the substantial damage it can impart in a remarkably short span of time. High-impact summer events included the likes of Cyclone Jasper and various subsequent storms and heatwaves, alongside bushfires primarily in Western Australia, marking Perth’s third hottest recorded summer season.

Natalie Major, EM Claims from NRMA Insurance, points to a study encompassing 3500 Australians, revealing that a mere 40% took preemptive actions to secure their homes against extreme weather episodes in the previous year. She stresses the importance of proactive measures such as clearing debris, cleaning gutters, pruning trees, and executing vital repairs to enhance resilience against severe climate events.

The wild summer weather instigated a sharp rise in claims within New South Wales for NRMA Insurance, soaring from spring's 3200 to 11,213, with 59% linked to severe weather impacts. The Hunter Valley, Central West, Baulkham Hills, Sydney, and Hawkesbury were among the predominantly affected zones.

Queensland too bore its share of adverse weather, reflected by a substantial hike in claims to 5110 from the preceding 383 in spring, with the Gold Coast facing the brunt, accompanied by Logan-Beaudesert and Wide Bay regions.

In the Australian Capital Territory, the numbers were equally telling, with claims amounting to 1954 related to home and motor issues caused by harsh weather, a dramatic upturn from the prior spring's 188.

Both individuals and communities are impelled to remain vigilant and prepared as these climate trends and patterns evolve, reinforcing the necessary precautions to mitigate damage and ensure safety.

Published:Wednesday, 27th Mar 2024
Author: Paige Estritori

Please Note: We do not endorse any specific products or companies. Some content is sourced from third parties, including press releases, and may not be independently verified for accuracy or completeness.

Share this news item:

Insurance News

Clear

Why easier access to advice matters when choosing life insurance

21 Jul 2026: Paige Estritori

A recent Good Returns TV discussion with Financial Markets Authority Director of Deposit Taking, Insurance and Advice Michael Hewes has renewed attention on a practical issue for New Zealand households: too many people still find financial advice hard to access, hard to understand, or too time-consuming to begin. - read more

What NZ’s snow injury surge says about protecting your pay

21 Jul 2026: Paige Estritori

New Zealand’s winter injury data is a timely reminder that a day off can become a financial event very quickly. Insurance Business has reported that snow sports injury claims reached a five-year high, with ACC accepting 8,309 skiing claims at a cost of $32 million and 5,425 snowboarding claims at a cost of $14 million for 2025. For households that rely on regular wages, the issue is not only the medical bill. It is the income interruption that can follow. - read more

What a Policy Access Dispute Means for Income Protection Customers

21 Jul 2026: Paige Estritori

A recent New Zealand life insurance dispute has put a practical but often overlooked issue in the spotlight: having cover is only part of financial protection. Policyholders also need to know who owns the policy, how documents can be accessed, and what happens when urgent health circumstances arise. - read more

Netstrata Proceedings Put Strata Insurance Governance Back Under the Microscope

18 Jul 2026: Paige Estritori

NSW Fair Trading’s criminal proceedings against Network Strata Services Pty Ltd, trading as Netstrata, have pushed strata governance and insurance transparency back into the national spotlight. The regulator alleges the company and its director and licensee in charge breached statutory obligations connected with strata scheme management in New South Wales, including alleged failures around conflicts of interest, undisclosed financial benefits and information provided to the regulator. - read more

Broker Disclosure Debate Puts Small Business Questions Back on the Table

18 Jul 2026: Paige Estritori

A fresh dispute over the proposed Insurance Brokers Code of Practice has sharpened the focus on transparency for Australian small businesses. Industry figure John Trowbridge has criticised gaps in the draft code, particularly around whether brokers should disclose commissions and other remuneration to all clients, not only those captured by narrower product or client categories. - read more

Click for more Insurance News