Insuring your home
How to prepare for storm season
Aussies know how unpredictable and destructive storms can be. But with a bit of preparation, you can significantly reduce the risk of damage to your home. Here’s where to start.
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What to do before a storm
Clear gutters and downpipes
Blocked gutters are one of the leading causes of water damage during storms. Leaf litter build up and debris can prevent rainwater from draining properly, increasing the risk of roof leaks and flooding during a storm.
Tip: Clean gutters regularly, especially before storm season in summer.
Trim branches
In the event of a storm, strong winds can turn loose branches into projectiles. Trim trees or branches close to your home to prevent structural damage. If you’re planning to remove a large tree, check local council regulations first.
Inspect and protect your roof
Your roof is your home’s first line of defence. Loose tiles, cracks, or rust could lead to serious damage in a storm. If you see any imperfections, call a roofing professional to inspect and assess the condition of your roof before storm season.
Secure outdoor items
Outdoor furniture, trampolines, tools and garden equipment can become airborne in strong winds. To reduce the chance of damage to your home:
- tie down heavy items
- store smaller objects inside, and
- move valuables into your garage or shed.
Park vehicles under cover
Hailstorms are common during Australian storm season. To reduce the chance of costly damages:
- park vehicles in a garage, if possible, and
- use a hail protection blanket to shield your car if undercover parking isn’t available.
Review your home and contents insurance
Even with preparation, storm damage can happen. That’s why it’s essential to ensure your home insurance policy is up to date. Consider checking that your sum insured reflects current rebuilding costs, and updating your policy if needed.
Review your GIO Home Insurance policy
Create an emergency kit
If you lose power or need to leave your home quickly, there are a few essential items you’ll want to have with you. This includes:
- a torch with spare batteries
- a first aid kit
- essential medication
- important documents
- portable phone chargers
- in-car phone chargers, and
- a battery-operated radio.
Storing these items in a portable bag or kit will ensure you’re not scrambling to find them in an emergency.
Food to buy for storm preparation
Stocking a few days’ worth of food supplies will help avoid panic buying and chaotic crowds. This should include:
- drinking water
- tinned and non-perishable food
- frozen beans and vegetables
- pasta, rice, quinoa and other grains, and
- muesli bars, nuts and dried fruits.
What to do during a storm
Stay updated with weather alerts
Real-time updates are essential during severe weather events.
- Download weather alert apps.
- Follow emergency services instructions at all times.
- Register for hail and storm notifications via the GIO App.
And if anything does happen, you can lodge, track, and review claims directly via the GIO App too.
Stay indoors and keep away from glass
During a heavy storm, the safety of you and your family comes first.
- Stay away from windows and glass doors.
- Avoid using electrical appliances or plumbing, where possible.
- If you’re outdoors, avoid tall trees and powerlines, and seek shelter immediately.
- If you’re driving, pull over where safe to do so, and wait for conditions to improve.
What to do after a storm
Check for damage to your home
Once conditions are safe, check your home for visible damage. Look for roof leaks, broken windows, or structural issues.
But be sure to prioritise safety before inspecting.
Document damage and make a home insurance claim
Storm-related damage may be covered, depending on your policy terms* for GIO Home and Contents Insurance, so you can make a claim for damage to your building, your contents, or both, depending on your type of cover. Simply make a claim online or in the GIO App, where you can quickly and easily upload any supporting photos or documents. If your claim is accepted, cover will be provided up to your sum insured and within any policy limits. For details on coverage, please read the PDS.
Read more:
How can I prepare my home for a bushfire?
How much should you insure your house for?
*We do not insure you for bushfire, storm, storm surge, flood or tsunami in the first 72 hours of your policy. Very limited exceptions apply. Actions or movements of the sea and storm surge are not covered (unless the storm surge damage occurs at the same time as damage caused by storm). Other exclusions apply.
Insurance issued by AAI Limited ABN 48 005 297 807 trading as GIO. Read the Product Disclosure Statement before buying this insurance. The Target Market Determination is also available. This advice has been prepared without taking into account your particular objectives, financial situations or needs, so you should consider whether it is appropriate for you before acting on it.
The information is intended to be of general nature only. Subject to any rights you may have under any law, we do not accept any legal responsibility for any loss or damage, including loss of business or profits or any other indirect loss, incurred as a result of reliance upon the information. Please make your own enquiries.
