AAMI’s latest research reveals that many Australians remain ill-prepared for the country’s increasingly frequent extreme weather events, despite recent experiences with floods, cyclones, bushfires and hail, and has uncovered knowledge gaps that brokers can help fill for their clients. The survey, conducted by Pure Profile in October 2025 and sampling over 2,000 adults nationwide, highlights ongoing misconceptions about insurance coverage and disaster readiness among homeowners.
The study found that most Australians are unclear about the official start of storm season. Only 9% correctly identified Sept. 1 as the beginning, while two-thirds could not name the date, and a quarter believed there is no official start at all. Knowledge gaps extend beyond timing, with routine preparation also lacking. According to the research, 78% of respondents did not realise that storm-proofing tasks should be completed four times a year. Queenslanders were most likely to know the correct frequency (26%), followed by Western Australians (23%), Victorians (21%), and residents of New South Wales (20%).
This lack of awareness is reflected in broader trends around severe weather readiness. A recent Youi survey of more than 2,000 Australians found a significant disconnect between experience and preparedness. While 81% of participants reported having encountered extreme weather, fewer than 40% felt adequately prepared to respond. Only 17% had developed and practiced a comprehensive emergency plan, and 41% were unsure of the steps to take during a disaster. Preventive action remains inconsistent. Although many respondents had taken some measures – such as clearing gutters (55%) and inspecting roofs (41%) – almost one in five had not undertaken any preparedness activities in the past year.
Steven Hussey, head of natural hazard claims & assessing at AAMI, said many property owners are not taking the necessary steps to protect their homes. “Many Australians seem to be unaware of the activities they should be doing around the home to strengthen their home against extreme weather, including inspecting and maintaining retaining walls, identifying which items may need to be raised or moved in the event of flooding, and inspecting the roof for loose or damaged tiles,” Hussey said.
The survey also revealed confusion about when insurance can be purchased. Nearly 30% of respondents thought they could buy a policy just before a disaster occurs, while 38% were unsure. Hussey said: “It’s unwise to assume you can purchase insurance at any time – especially when a major weather event is about to hit. Insurance is designed to protect against unforeseen events.” He explained that insurers may impose temporary embargoes on new policies or changes when a major event is imminent to prevent last-minute purchases during high-risk periods.
Home maintenance is a significant factor in determining whether insurance claims for weather-related damage will be accepted. Three in 10 Australians expect their insurance to cover repairs from severe weather events regardless of how well they have maintained their property. However, Hussey noted that most insurance policies exclude damage caused by neglect or insufficient upkeep. “Australians need to keep on top of general maintenance issues, such as leaky roofs, to not leave themselves exposed to the risk of their home and contents being more susceptible to damage from severe weather events,” he said.
This issue is further underscored by recent findings from Allianz Australia, which show that many homeowners are not keeping up with regular property maintenance. According to the insurer’s Home Care Report, 40% of homeowners admit to inconsistent maintenance habits, often adopting a “set and forget” approach. Allianz’s claims data illustrates the consequences of these maintenance gaps. In 2024, the company processed over 78,000 claims for home damage unrelated to natural disasters, marking a nearly 5% increase from the previous year. These figures suggest that insufficient maintenance continues to be a significant driver of insurance claims among Australian homeowners.
There is also confusion about excess payments and what is covered. The AAMI report showed that over a third of those surveyed believed an excess always applies, and some thought they would pay an excess for claims on items like photos or documents, which are not typically covered. “If you are claiming for damage to your home and/or contents – then an excess will apply. However, if you are claiming for food spoilage, an excess does not need to be paid,” Hussey said.
Another common misconception is that damaged property must not be moved or disposed of until an assessor visits. More than half of respondents believed this, but Hussey clarified: “You can simply make a list and take photos of damaged items, including model numbers, to help us replace them. In fact, in the case of wet items after a flood or storm, we strongly recommend you remove these items and keep your home as ventilated as possible to avoid mould.”
Flood insurance was another area of misunderstanding. Nearly 70% of respondents thought flood cover was optional or needed to be requested separately, and 21% were unsure. Hussey said: “This is another example of why it is so important to check your policy and understand what you are covered for – as this can definitely vary significantly between insurers.”
Liability for tree damage also divided opinion, with 49% believing a neighbour is responsible if their healthy tree falls and causes damage during a storm. Hussey said: “If the tree is healthy and falls as the result of a storm damaging your property, this is generally considered an ‘act of God’, so your neighbour is not liable. You will have to lodge a claim with your insurer.”
The research also found that almost a quarter of Australians believed wind speeds must exceed 80km/h to turn outdoor items into projectiles, while 26% were unsure. “Wind speeds as little as 60km/h can move everyday outdoor items, such as trampolines, kids’ toys, furniture, and gardening tools. These can wreak havoc – damaging homes, cars, and even injure people,” Hussey said.
As Australia heads into another summer with the potential for severe weather, AAMI’s findings highlight the importance of ongoing education and proactive risk management for property owners. “Knowledge is power, and by understanding when and how to act, Australians can become stronger and more resilient to extreme weather,” Hussey said.
