Top 10 storm hotspots – is your home covered?

In New South Wales, AAMI found almost half of the most storm-affected suburbs in Newcastle and Lake Macquarie, with three more hotspots found on the central coast. Newcastle and Lake Macquarie were also on the top ten list for the SES, but were topped by Port Macquarie.

AAMI's top 10 storm hotspots in NSW

NSW SES Top 10 storm hotspots in NSW

Suncorp’s data found that half of Queensland’s top 10 storm battered suburbs were in Wide Bay. Rain was found to be the most common cause of damage, followed by hail and flood.

Suncorp Insurance's top 10 storm hotspots in Queensland

Both AAMI and the VICSES found that three of Victoria’s top 10 storm-battered suburbs were located in Shepparton, with other hotspots including Mornington, Croydon, Craigieburn, Mooroopna and Mount Martha.

AAMI’s Top 10 storm hotspots in Victoria

Vic SES’ Top 10 storm hotspots in Victoria

Suncorp executive general manager of home claims customers, Alli Smith, says that this data should encourage all Australians to prepare where they can in advance of storm season, even if their suburb isn’t listed as a hotspot:

“When times are tough, it can be hard to prioritise things like home maintenance, particularly spending money on improving the resilience of your home. However, many of these tasks don’t cost or take long, and can be well worth the investment to strengthen the resilience of their biggest asset.”

Suncorp’s top tips to prepare for storm season 

• Securing and putting away loose items around your backyard or balcony.
• Trimming trees and branches that could fall onto your home or car.
• Cleaning your gutters, downpipes and drains of leaves and debris.
• Parking your vehicles under cover and away from trees or powerlines.
• Inspecting retaining walls.
• Ensuring there’s no corrosion, loose fittings or rotting timber around your property.
• Inspecting your roof for damaged or loose tiles.

As well as preparing your home for a storm, it’s important to check your home insurance policy to make sure you have sufficient coverage in case you are struck by storms or floods, regardless of where you’re living in Australia. Be sure to check the PDS and compare policy options from alternate insurers to work out if you could be getting a deal that’s better-suited to your situation. You don’t have to wait for your policy’s renewal date - you can switch home insurance any time if you choose.