NRMA Insurance is highlighting a widening gap between Australians’ awareness of extreme weather risks and the practical skills needed to prepare homes and properties, as new data points to generational and behavioural shortcomings in disaster readiness.
The latest NRMA Insurance Wild Weather Tracker reports more than 13,100 weather-related claims were lodged nationally during spring, bringing the total number of wild weather damage claims to 54,800 in the 11 months to November, already above the full-year total recorded in 2024. The insurer said this claim volume, combined with new survey findings on household capability, indicates increasing exposure as the summer storm and bushfire season continues.
According to NRMA Insurance research, almost half of Australians (45%) say they need help to prepare their property for severe weather, and 87% believe people are less handy now than they were 20 years ago. The responses show a clear generational pattern: 30% of Gen Z and 26% of Millennials report not knowing what they need to do to get ready for extreme weather, compared with 16% of Gen X and 8% of Baby Boomers. Older cohorts report higher levels of knowledge but are more likely to require physical assistance to carry out tasks.
NRMA Insurance executive general manager retail claims Luke Gallagher said the findings point to the need for knowledge transfer across age groups as climate and hazard trends evolve. “Storm season has returned with renewed ferocity across the eastern seaboard, while southwest Australia faces catastrophic bushfire risks this summer. Communities on the NSW Central Coast have already been devastated, with dozens of homes destroyed by bushfires. It’s clear these essential skills are more critical than ever. While we cannot prevent wild weather, knowing how and when to do preparedness and maintenance tasks around our homes can significantly reduce our risk and protect what we value most,” Gallagher said.
The NRMA Insurance research suggests younger Australians are less confident in performing routine risk-reduction work around the home. Gen Z and Millennial respondents were more likely than older generations to say they do not know how to clear gutters, trim trees and branches, inspect roofs, or secure outdoor items before severe weather. “This lack of skills and confidence is something that can be easily rectified when families get together over summer. This Christmas, I encourage people who are handy around the home to teach younger generations essential home and garden maintenance skills and make sure family members and neighbours get the help they need to prepare their homes for extreme weather over summer. Whether you rent or own your own home – look out for the people in your life who may not be as capable of safely preparing and offer to lend a hand,” Gallagher said.
The survey also points to demand for practical assistance. Three in 10 Australians (29%) say the gift they would most like to receive this Christmas is help around their home or yard. Among Gen Z and Millennials, a majority (53% and 54%, respectively) say they would prefer to give a family member the gift of help rather than a physical present. “With cost of living a significant issue for many, giving loved ones the gift of help is a win-win for everyone. Helping others with tasks around the home to get prepared for wild weather is free, and it can make a big difference when extreme weather strikes,” Gallagher said.
Indicators in cyclone risk suggest a similar disconnect between interest in the hazard and systematic preparedness among households and businesses. Google Australia’s Year in Search 2025 report lists “Cyclone Alfred” as the most-searched term nationwide, while “how to prepare for a cyclone” ranks as the second most-asked “how-to” query. FM operations chief engineer Michael Hunneyball, who advises on cyclone resilience for critical infrastructure across the Asia-Pacific region, said search data provides a benchmark for community risk perceptions. “Google’s ‘Year in Search’ represents a real-time barometer of the risks Australians are thinking about and acting on. The data reflects yet another significant year for natural hazards, showing preparedness and risk management are top-of-mind for Australian people and businesses,” Hunneyball said.
Hunneyball noted that search activity often increases after major events rather than in advance of them. “Public awareness is pivotal for protecting homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure during natural disasters. Preparedness searches often spike after major events, but the challenge is building that knowledge before the hazards strike, so you’re able to respond quickly and with certainty. In a year defined by climate extremes, global instability, and rapid technological change, Australians’ search habits show that resilience thinking is moving into the mainstream, and that’s something every industry can build on. As the number and severity of natural disasters like cyclones rise, there has never been a more important time for businesses to revisit their cyclone response plans and ensure they remain educated and prepared,” he said.
Consumer research from AAMI and Youi adds further detail on the gap between direct experience of severe weather and day-to-day preparedness. AAMI’s latest national survey of more than 2,000 adults, conducted by Pure Profile in October 2025, found low recognition of the formal start of the storm season. Only 9% of respondents correctly identified Sept. 1 as the beginning of storm season. Around two-thirds could not name the date, and about one-quarter believed there is no official start. The same research examined awareness of how often storm-proofing tasks should be completed. According to AAMI, 78% of respondents did not know that such tasks are recommended four times a year. Understanding varied by state: Queensland respondents were most likely to nominate the correct frequency (26%), followed by Western Australia (23%), Victoria (21%), and New South Wales (20%).
Youi’s separate survey of more than 2,000 Australians reported a gap between exposure and readiness. While 81% of participants said they had experienced extreme weather, fewer than 40% felt adequately prepared. Only 17% had developed and practiced a comprehensive emergency plan, and 41% were unsure what to do during a disaster. Most respondents said they had taken at least one preventive measure in the previous year, such as clearing gutters (55%) or checking roofs (41%), but almost one in five reported no preparedness activity at all.
For insurers, brokers, and risk managers, the combined findings suggest continuing scope to link pricing, coverage design, risk engineering, and client communication with practical guidance on home maintenance and emergency planning, as natural catastrophe exposures remain elevated across Australian markets.
