Sunshine Coasters are being advised to get their storm knowledge up to speed, after research released by Suncorp Insurance revealed most Australians fall short on the facts about the upcoming season.
The insurer is “lifting the lid” on storm season’s biggest myths, to help educate and raise awareness of the simple ways Australians can be better informed and, therefore, better prepared for severe weather, to protect their family, homes and mental wellbeing.
“We’re a country battered by extreme weather,” Suncorp Insurance Head of Home Claims, Steven Hussey, said.
“Floods, cyclones, bushfires and storms are becoming more frequent and severe – yet our research shows Australians have limited knowledge and awareness about them.
“The knowledge gap around extreme weather events is concerning and contributing to Australians being underprepared when it comes to managing their impact.
“Knowledge is power, and by being informed, we’re hoping Australians can become stronger and more resilient to natural disasters.”
Here are the top 10 “myths” about storm season believed by many Australians:
Myth 1: Wind needs to be travelling in excess of 80km/hr to turn backyard items into flying missiles.
- One in three Australians (34 per cent) believe wind needs to be travelling over 80km/hr to turn outdoor items (such as furniture, kids’ toys, gardening tools and garden gnomes) into missiles.
- A further 28 per cent have no idea.
- Wind speeds as little as 60km/hr can move everyday outdoor items – wreaking havoc and damaging homes, cars and even injuring people. Less than one in five (18 per cent) Aussies knew this.
Myth 2: Aussies don’t know when storm season officially occurs.
- Almost nine out of every ten Australians (89 per cent) could not identify the correct time of year for storm season, which officially begins on 1 September – the first day of Spring.
- Only 11 per cent (or one in ten) Aussies knew this.
Myth 3: Storm preparations around the home should only be completed once per year.
- The majority of Australians (81 per cent) are not aware that basic storm preparations around the home should be done every quarter.
- Queenslanders came out on top – with just over a quarter (27 per cent) knowing this.
Preparation activities include:
o Installing or checking fixed and openable high-performance mesh screens on doors and windows
o Inspecting and maintaining retaining walls
o Identifying which items may need to be raised or moved in the event of flooding
o Inspecting the roof for loose or damaged tiles
o Replacing metal gutters and downpipes with PVC materials, which, in extreme weather can become ‘sacrificial’ and safely fall away from the house.
Myth 4: Hailstones impact vehicles more than homes.
- Most Australians (62 per cent) believe hailstones impact vehicles more than homes – indicating that Australians do not have a clear understanding of how damaging hailstones are.
- According to Suncorp Insurance claims insights, hailstones cause significantl damage to homes – as it costs more and can take longer to fix and replace things like damaged roofs, windows and contents.
Myth 5: Insurance will cover the cost of repairs if a home is damaged by extreme weather – regardless of whether the home has been maintained.
- Alarmingly, one third (33 per cent) of Aussies expect their insurer to cover the cost of repairs if their home is damaged by a significant weather event – regardless of whether the home was maintained. A further third were unsure.
Mr Hussey explained: “Australians needs to be aware that if they don’t maintain their home – and keep on top of general maintenance issues – they leave themselves exposed to the risk of their home and contents being more susceptible to damage from severe weather events, but also their insurance not covering them”.
Myth 6: If you make a claim – you must pay an excess.
- Almost one third (32 per cent) of Australians believe that they have to pay an excess any time they make an insurance claim related to a natural hazard event, this was particularly high among Queenslanders (37 per cent) and South Australians.
- This one can be tricky – as it depends on the type of claim. 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.
- Furthermore, around one in ten Australians (12 per cent) thought they would have to pay an excess on an insurance claim for damaged/lost photos and important documents – something insurance does not cover.
Myth 7: After a weather event, you must not touch or dispose of any damaged items – you have to wait for an assessor.
- Most Australians (61 per cent) believe they must not touch or dispose of damaged items before they can be inspected by an insurance assessor.
“As long as you take photos, note down make, model and serial numbers – you can absolutely start to remove damaged items from your home, and get the clean-up process underway,” Mr Hussey said.
Myth 8: Flood cover is not automatically included in your home insurance.
- Almost three quarters of Australians (71 per cent) believe they need to request ‘flood cover’ on their insurance policy to be covered in the event of a flood – this is not the case for Suncorp Insurance customers.
“This is another example of why it is so important to read your PDS and understand what you are covered for as this does vary depending on the insurer,” Mr Hussey said. “However, with Suncorp Insurance, if it’s wet – regardless of if the water comes from the sky, the river or the drain, you’re covered.”
Myth 9: If your neighbour’s healthy tree falls and damages your property during a storm – your neighbour is responsible.
- This one split the country down the middle – with just over half of Australians (51 per cent) incorrectly assuming that a neighbour would be responsible for paying for damage and repairs if their healthy tree fell on your property
“If the tree is healthy, and it 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,” Mr Hussey explained.
“However, if the tree is unhealthy, damaged or hasn’t been properly maintained, your insurer can work with you to hold your neighbour liable – another reason to ensure you keep your home and garden properly maintained.”
Myth 10: Unless advised by Emergency Services, I should assume it is safe to remain at my property.
- During a severe weather event, almost half (42 per cent) of Australians believe they only need to evacuate when told to do so by Emergency Services.
“This is a myth. It is unwise to assume it is safe to remain in your home if you have not received a warning from emergency services. During a weather event, communications can breakdown, and messages may not be delivered in a timely manner,” Mr Hussey said.
“The safety at a property is highly contextual around location, severity of the weather and the degree to which the property is damaged. Australians need to assess the situation for themselves as they have a more detailed understanding of their location and risks.
“An evacuation plan is an essential part of storm preparation and ought to include many sources of information, including Emergency Services warnings.”
SUBSCRIBE here now for our FREE news feed, direct to your inbox daily!
