Warning from insurer after $27 million damage from hail and lightning – realestate.com.au

One insurer has sounded the alarm after suffering $27 million in damage from hail and lightning damage alone, which wasn’t even declared a disaster – warning that we’re just not ready for storms.

This comes as severe weather is now an almost daily occurrence across eastern Australia, with early signs suggesting this summer could be even more volatile than ever, with warmer than average temperatures and above average rainfall already underway.

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Matt Heilig shared a photo of the hail that fell in Beerburrum during the storm on November 24.

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Allianz Australia said last summer’s storms caused widespread damage to homes and appliances, including air conditioners, refrigerators, pool pumps and even party lights.

Queensland alone collected $42.58 million in storm claims, with $19.63 million from catastrophe-level events and $22.95 million from everyday storms – with the actual statewide costs likely much higher as these figures reflect just one insurer.

Allianz Chief Claims Officer Luke Whenman said: “The severe weather hit northern Queensland and parts of the South East hardest. Some regions experienced heavy rain and flooding, while others were ravaged by devastating storms and massive hail, leading to tens of thousands of claims.”

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Musician and singer Troy Cassar-Daley captured this image of a recent afternoon storm that hit Brisbane. Photo Instagram.

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Queensland also led the nation in merger claims, with appliances burned out by power surges, costing $134,495. Fusion can affect air conditioners, refrigerators, washing machines, pool pumps and even outdoor lighting, especially during extreme heat or high electricity demand.

Despite the risks, many Queenslanders remain unprepared: 35 percent have done no home maintenance, only 7 percent have surge protectors and more than a third wait for something to break before taking action.

Mr Whenman urged homeowners to take simple steps to clean gutters, check roof seals, secure furniture, move cars indoors, service air conditioners early and install surge protectors.

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A house renovation project suffered storm damage in the Brisbane suburb of Highgate Hill. Photo: Nigel Hallett

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He said: “When extreme weather is forecast, safety comes first. Document damage, retain receipts and file claims immediately. Our Disaster and Recovery Team (DaRT) will expedite support and temporary accommodation. For urgent cases, Allianz will prioritize emergency payments and temporary accommodation as soon as possible.”

Allianz has released its Prevention Summer Risk Report free online to help Queenslanders prepare for the unusually warmer weather ahead and the storm surges that will come with it.

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