Are you insured for a bushfire?

The arrival of summer in Australia brings with it warm nights, fun at the beach, cricket, BBQs, and unfortunately, bushfire season. For those in the city, a serious bushfire might merely occupy a few minutes of the morning or evening news. However, for those living in outer-urban or regional areas, the risk of bushfire is all too real. And the last question you want to be asking yourself is “Are we insured?”. We look at how you can make sure your home insurance policy has you covered and how you can prepare your home for bushfire season.

Make sure your home insurance policy is up to date

For many of us, home and contents insurance is a bit ‘set and forget’ – you’ve bought cover for your home and valuables, you pay your renewals, and that’s the last you think about it. It’s easy to think that your home insurance just sits there in the background protecting you. In fact, you should be updating your policy details regularly.

Making sure your home insurance policy’s up-to-date is important because if you’ve recently renovated, made additions or upgrades to your home, or purchased any big-ticket items like a new smart TV, your current sum insured – the maximum amount you’re covered for – may not be adequate.

You could be under-insured, which could leave you out of pocket in the event of a claim. This is the absolute last thing you want to have to deal with if your home or valuables have been damaged or destroyed in a bushfire. If your home and contents insurance policy hasn’t been updated under the current Prime Minister, then it’s definitely time for an update.

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Take precautions and prepare your home for a bushfire

If you live in an area that’s prone to bushfire, there are some simple steps you can take to reduce the risk of major damage to your home, or serious injury to yourself or your family. Follow these simple bushfire preparation tips and be ready:

• Make an emergency kit, including: a torch and spare batteries, a pre-charged portable charger for your phone, essential medication, bottled water, important documents, and irreplaceable heirlooms – don’t rush at the last minute trying to gather personal items
• Clear the area around your house of branches, firewood, and potential tinder
• Keep your gutters clean
• Remove flammable items like doormats
• Make a bushfire plan. Everyone who lives in the home should know what they’re doing in the event of a bushfire. Visit My Fire Plan to see what you should include in your plan
• You can stay informed and up-to-date with major fire updates and fire emergency information online:
  • Northern Territory Fire and Rescue Service
  • Department of Fire & Emergency Services Western Australia
  • South Australia Country Fire Service
  • Tasmania Fire Service
  • Rural Fire Service Queensland
  • NSW Rural Fire Service and ACT Emergency Services Agency - Fires Near Me
  • Victoria Country Fire Authority - VicEmergency app.
• Alternatively, listen to your local news services and be aware of the current fire danger rating.

Make sure your home, and home insurance is prepared and up-to-date ahead of this bushfire season. Don’t be left asking “are we covered?” – speak to the team at GIO and know you are. Explore GIO Home Insurance online or call us now on 13 10 10 for more information.

Insurance is issued by AAI Limited ABN 48 005 297 807 trading as GIO.