Across Australia, the change of season can bring very different risks depending on where you live. For southern parts of the country, winter can mean storms, heavy rain, leaking roofs, fallen branches, burst pipes, electrical issues and increased fire risks from heaters and fireplaces.
In northern Australia, the dry season can bring a different set of concerns, including bushfire preparation, property maintenance after the wet season, dust, pests, and ensuring your home is ready before the next cyclone or storm season returns.
While home insurance is something many people “set and forget”, seasonal changes are a timely reminder to review whether your cover still matches your home, contents, lifestyle and location. The right insurance can make a significant difference when something goes wrong, but it is just as important to understand what is covered, what is excluded and what responsibilities you have as the homeowner.
Here are five practical tips to help protect your home.
- Check your roof, gutters and drainage
Blocked gutters, cracked tiles, rusted flashing and poor drainage can quickly turn bad weather into water damage. Before winter rains arrive, clean gutters and downpipes, check that water flows away from the home and inspect the roof for signs of wear.
In northern Australia, the dry season is an ideal time to repair any damage caused during the wet season. It is also a good opportunity to prepare for the next storm season before trades become harder to secure.
- Review trees, branches and outdoor areas
Strong winds, storms and dry conditions can make trees a major risk. Overhanging branches can damage roofs, gutters, vehicles, fences and powerlines. Loose outdoor furniture, trampolines, sheds, shade sails and garden equipment can also become dangerous during severe weather.
Trim problem branches, secure loose items and check fences, sheds and outdoor structures. Prevention is often far easier than dealing with damage after the event.
- Service heaters, fireplaces and electrical systems
Winter often means greater use of heaters, fireplaces, electric blankets and dryers. These can all increase fire risks if they are old, faulty or poorly maintained.
Have fireplaces and chimneys cleaned, keep heaters away from curtains and furniture, check smoke alarms, avoid overloading power boards and replace damaged cords or appliances. A small safety check now can help prevent a major claim later.
- Update your sum insured and contents value
One of the biggest risks for homeowners is underinsurance. The cost to rebuild or repair a home can change over time due to labour, materials, regulations, location and demand after major weather events.
Your contents can also increase without you realising it. New appliances, technology, tools, jewellery, furniture and outdoor equipment may not be properly reflected in your current policy. A seasonal review is a smart time to update your home and contents values.
- Understand your policy before you need it
Not all policies are the same. Storm, flood, bushfire, accidental damage, fusion, motor burnout, temporary accommodation, debris removal and emergency repairs can vary greatly between insurers and policies.
Do not wait until you need to claim to find out what your policy does or does not cover. Speak with your general insurance broker or adviser and ask them to explain your cover in plain English.
Top 5 questions to ask your general insurance broker or adviser
- Is my home insured for the realistic cost of rebuilding today, not what I paid for it?
- Does my policy cover storm, flood, bushfire, water damage and temporary accommodation?
- Are there exclusions, limits or maintenance requirements I should understand?
- Is my contents sum insured still accurate, including valuables, tools and outdoor items?
- What steps should I take now to reduce risk and make any future claim easier?
Final thought
Insurance is not just about having a policy. It is about having the right policy, with the right limits, for the risks that apply to your home and location.
Whether you are preparing for a wet and windy winter in southern Australia or using the northern dry season to repair, maintain and protect your property, now is the time to act.
General advice can help you understand your options, but your own circumstances matter. Before renewing, changing or relying on your cover, speak with a qualified general insurance broker or adviser who can help ensure your home is properly protected.
If this article has inspired you to think about your unique situation and, more importantly, what you and your family are going through right now, please get in touch with your advice professional.
This information does not consider any person’s objectives, financial situation, or needs. Before making a decision, you should consider whether it is appropriate in light of your particular objectives, financial situation, or needs.
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Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is general in nature and does not take into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs. Please consider whether the information is appropriate to your circumstance before acting on it and, where appropriate, seek professional advice.