Youi has introduced a Severe Weather Hub to support households and businesses in preparing for increasingly frequent and severe weather events.
The launch comes as the Federal Government’s National Climate Risk Assessment forecasts that extreme weather will impact more regions than ever before. The analysis indicates that Australia has already exceeded the 1.5°C warming benchmark, with further temperature rises likely to drive a notable increase in heat-related deaths, particularly in urban centres like Sydney and Melbourne.
The assessment estimates that climate change could reduce property values by more than $600 billion nationwide, while also placing additional pressure on water resources, infrastructure, and public health systems. Additionally, the number of communities deemed high or very high risk is projected to grow, with the greatest impact anticipated in northern Australia, remote locations, and the outer suburbs of major cities.
A recent Youi survey of over 2,000 Australians found that while 81% have experienced severe weather, less than 40% feel adequately prepared. Only 17% of respondents have a detailed and rehearsed emergency plan, and 41% are unsure of the necessary steps to take in a disaster scenario.
The research also revealed that, although many have taken basic precautions such as clearing gutters (55%) or inspecting roofs (41%), nearly 20% have not taken any action in the past year. Furthermore, 35% believe they are unlikely to be affected by severe weather, despite official warnings to the contrary.
Chris Jarrett, executive general manager of claims at Youi, said the findings demonstrate a need for more practical resources. “Australians aren’t short on awareness; they’re short on clear, actionable steps. As extreme weather events become more frequent and severe, the cost of recovery is rising, and many people are finding themselves underprepared,” Jarrett said.
He added that insurance is fundamentally about recognising future risks and being there when it matters most. “That’s why we’ve launched the Severe Weather Hub, to help Australians better understand and prepare for what’s ahead, and to reinforce that Youi is here to support our customers when the worst happens,” Jarrett said.
Geoff Evans, co-founder and former CEO of Disaster Relief Australia, said the research aligns with what emergency responders have observed. “Preparedness isn’t just about having a checklist – it’s about building habits and community awareness. The Severe Weather Hub is a step in the right direction, giving Australians tools to act before it’s too late,” Evans said.
The survey identified notable differences in preparedness across age groups and states. Younger Australians, including Gen Z and Millennials, are more likely to have practiced emergency plans and feel confident in their readiness, while Baby Boomers report lower levels of preparedness despite having more experience with extreme weather. Queenslanders are the most proactive, with 90% taking some preparatory action and 75% having a plan, yet only 17% have practiced their plan, and 64% say they would not evacuate even if advised to do so.
The emotional consequences of severe weather are significant. More than one-third of respondents recalled a personal experience with storms, hail, or heatwaves that left them feeling fearful or isolated, particularly if they lacked a plan or support network.
Insurance remains an area where many Australians are uncertain. Sixty per cent (60%) have not reviewed their coverage in the past year, and 15% are unsure if their policy covers severe weather. While nearly half feel confident in their insurance, the findings suggest that regular policy reviews and clear communication are needed.
The insurance sector is also promoting resilience through property upgrades. The Australian Reinsurance Pool Corporation (ARPC), which manages the Cyclone Reinsurance Pool, encourages homeowners to invest in measures such as roof tie-downs, cyclone-rated shutters, and reinforced garage doors. “All households in Northern Australia, regardless of whether they’re in a low, medium, or high cyclone-prone area, can access premium discounts if they’ve completed approved mitigation works,” said Dr Christopher Wallace, ARPC CEO.
Industry experts recommend several actions for improving preparedness:
