Make a claim
Search
Make a claim

 

  • Allianz recorded more than $385 million in home and car insurance claims during summer 2025/26 - including $224.28 million1 in home and contents claims and $161.04 million2 in car insurance claims. 
  • Storms ($107.07 million), fire ($45.86 million) and burst pipes ($35.67 million) were key drivers of home insurance claims.3
  • 56% of surveyed Australians are more concerned about severe weather than previously,4 however 64% do not check weather forecasts before hitting the road for holidays,5 leaving homes and cars at risk of damage. 
  • 55% have also identified a home maintenance or safety issue in the past 12 months that remains unresolved as we head into a period of heightened severe weather.6 
  • The Allianz Prevention: Summer Risk Report 2026 combines claims data and consumer research to highlight common summer risks, and practical steps Australians can take to reduce them.

For many Australians summer brings holidays, BBQs and road trips – but it also presents seasonal-specific risks resulting from severe weather, accidents and theft. Allianz recorded more than $385 million in combined home and car insurance claims during summer 2025/261,2.

New Allianz Australia research reveals many Australians are leaving themselves exposed to everyday risks, despite being aware of the potential consequences. More than 55% of surveyed Australians have an unresolved home maintenance or safety issue6, while 64% do not check severe weather forecasts before travelling5. The Allianz Prevention: Summer Risk Report 2026 outlines the risks facing households and drivers, and practical steps to help prevent small oversights becoming bigger problems.

The report comes as Prime Minister Anthony Albanese today urged Australians to prepare for what could be 'a very tough summer indeed', with the Federal Government warning of heightened severe weather risks driven by a super El Niño.

Preparing for severe weather

With summer set to bring a unique mix of weather conditions across the country, over half of surveyed Australians (56%) say they are more concerned about extreme weather than they were five years ago.4

Yet 75% don’t have a severe weather or bushfire plan7, and only 9% have invested in additional protections such as storm shutters, gutter guards or ember-resistant screens.8

Storms ($107.07 million), fire ($45.86 million) and burst pipes ($35.67 million) were key drivers of home insurance claims during summer 2025/26.3

Craig McIntosh, Meteorologist, Allianz Australia advises: “Australia’s weather is influenced by several climate drivers. While El Niño is typically associated with hotter, drier conditions, warmer surrounding oceans can increase atmospheric moisture, increasing the likelihood of rainfall and severe storms in some regions.

“Severe weather can develop quickly, regardless of the seasonal outlook. Australians should monitor local Bureau of Meteorology forecasts and warnings, and take practical steps now to prepare for the risks in their area.”

Home hazards hiding in plain sight

For many Australians, their home is their most valuable asset, yet 55% say they have noticed an issue with their house/apartment in the past 12 months they have not yet fixed.6

The most common include damp or mould (19%),9 overhanging branches or weakened trees (18%)10 and damaged fences (17%);11 small issues that can become bigger problems when severe weather hits. 

However, 20% say they can’t afford preventative maintenance, highlighting a key barrier to getting ahead of summer risks.12

Shez Ford, Chief General Manager Consumer, Allianz Australia said “With forecasts pointing to a warmer than usual summer and an increased risk of severe weather, now is the time to prepare our homes and cars. Our research shows that simple maintenance issues can still cause significant disruption. Through Allianz Prevention, we’re providing care beyond the claim and helping Australians take practical steps to protect what matters most.”

Holiday travel leaving homes exposed

Vacating homes during the holiday season can mean they are left vulnerable. While 44% of surveyed Australians ask someone to check on their home,13 just 18% check the forecast and prepare for severe weather,14 and only 25% store or fasten down outdoor furniture15 to prevent it causing damage in major weather events.

Security measures are also slipping, with just 12% alarming their home before leaving,16 down from 53% in 202516. Theft and burglary claims cost $6.53 million during summer 2025/2617.

Summer entertaining brings its own risks

Australians are set to make the most of summer at home, with 44% of those surveyed planning to host family and friends18 and 51% expecting to fire up the BBQ more often.18

But more time entertaining can also mean more opportunity for things to go wrong, with 26% of those surveyed concerned about accidents or injuries occurring while hosting guests.19

Allianz claims data shows the potential cost of small mishaps, with $6.06 million in accidental damage claims, including spilling wine on carpets or knocking the coffee table over20 – and more than $300,000 in home liability claims, such as guests experiencing an injury by tripping or falling, recorded during summer 2025/26.21

Luke Whenman, Chief Claims Officer, Allianz Australia, said: “When we talk about hundreds of millions of dollars in summer claims, it’s important to remember there are people and families behind those numbers, often dealing with damage to their home, their car or the disruption that follows an unexpected event.

“Our claims teams see the impact these events can have on customers every day. We know we can’t prevent everything from going wrong, but being prepared can help reduce the risk and lessen the impact when the unexpected does happen.”

Summer road trips come with their own risks

The risks don’t stop at home. Summer road trips are an Australian tradition, but many drivers are setting off without taking basic precautions, with 56% not conducting basic vehicle checks before a long journey22 and 64% not checking severe weather forecasts5.

Allianz data shows car insurance claims made in summer 2025/26 incurred a total cost of $161 million,2 including more than $120 million from collisions23 and $9.88 million from storm-related claims.24

Fatigue and distraction can add to the risks, with 46% of drivers experiencing fatigue on long drives25 and one in four (25%) reporting greater distraction from phones or screens26.

Chris Wood, Emerging Risks Manager, Allianz Australia, said: “Summer means more cars on the road, longer journeys and unfamiliar routes. Yet many motorists are skipping simple preparation, like checking their tyres or the weather before setting off.

“Taking a few minutes to prepare, plan regular breaks and adjust driving to local conditions can help reduce risk and make for a safer summer on the road.”

For more information and to access the Allianz Prevention: Summer Risk Report 2026.

Allianz's top tips for summer prevention:

  • Clear gutters and trim trees – Remove debris from gutters and cut back overhanging branches before storm season arrives.
  • Have a household emergency plan – Make sure everyone knows what to do, where to go and who to contact if severe weather or a bushfire threatens your area.
  • Prepare your property for bushfire season – Reduce fuel around the home by clearing flammable materials, and consider measures such as steel wire mesh screens on windows, doors and vents to help protect against ember attacks.
  • Stay on top of home maintenance – Fix leaks, mould, damaged fittings (i.e., downpipes, external lights, guttering and awnings) and other small issues before they become costly repairs. 
  • Home fire and theft protection – Check your smoke alarms and keep a fire blanket and extinguisher in reach, and consider having anti-theft deterrents installed (i.e. security cameras, sensor lights, alarm systems). 
  • Get road-trip ready – Check your vehicle, plan your route, monitor weather conditions and take regular breaks to help keep everyone safe.

Media enquiries

For any media enquiries, journalists can contact our Media team.

About Allianz Australia

Allianz Australia delivers a wide range of personal, commercial, and corporate insurance products and services to more than 4 million policyholders. It also provides support for workers compensation insurance to around 25 per cent of the top 200 ASX companies, making it one of the leading workers compensation insurers in Australia.

About the Research

The Allianz Prevention: Summer Risk Report 2026 consumer research was conducted via Pureprofile, an Australian-owned Data and Insights business, sampling 1,007 Australian men and women aged 18+, in line with current Australian Bureau of Statistics census statistics. Fieldwork was conducted in August – September 2026. 

Claims data insights are sourced from Allianz Australia's internal home insurance and motor insurance claims data from Summer 2025/26 (December 2025 to February 2026). Figures cited are current as at the time of analysis and may be subject to revision

References

  1. According to Allianz Home & Contents and Landlords insurance claims lodged between 1 December 2025 and 28 February 2026 and finalised as of 20 August 2026.
  2. According to primary Allianz Motor insurance claims lodged between 1 December 2025 and 28 February 2026 and finalised as of 20 August 2026.
  3. According to Allianz Home & Contents and Landlords insurance claims lodged between 1 December 2025 and 28 February 2026 and finalised as of 20 August 2026.
  4. 56% of surveyed Australians agree they are more concerned about extreme weather than they were five years ago.
  5. 36% of surveyed Australians say they check weather forecasts for severe weather before a long road trip.
  6. 45% of surveyed Australians have not identified any issues at their home/apartment that they have not yet fixed for the upcoming summer season.
  7. 25% of surveyed Australians have a plan for what to do if severe weather or a bushfire occurs.
  8. 9% of surveyed Australians are planning to add extra home protections to secure against extreme weather (e.g. storm shutters, sandbags).
  9. 19% of surveyed Australians have noticed damp or mould issues in the past 12 months that they have not fixed.
  10. 18% of surveyed Australians have noticed overhanging branches or dead/weak trees in the past 12 months that they have not fixed.
  11. 17% of surveyed Australians have noticed blocked gutters or downpipes in the past 12 months that they have not fixed.
  12. 20% of surveyed Australians say they can’t afford it as a reason that is stopping them from taking preventative action around the home/apartment.
  13. 44% of surveyed Australians ask someone to check on their property if leaving their home unattended for more than two weeks.
  14. 18% of surveyed Australians check weather forecasts ahead of time and prepare their home/apartment if severe weather is expected.
  15. 25% of surveyed Australians secure outdoor furniture or move it indoors if leaving their home unattended for more than two weeks.
  16. 12% of surveyed Australians say they alarm their house/apartment including windows and doors before they leave home unattended for two or more weeks during the summer.
  17. According to Allianz Home & Contents and Landlords insurance claims lodged between 1 December 2025 and 28 February 2026 and finalised as of 20 August 2026.
  18. 51% of surveyed Australians agree they plan to use their BBQ more this upcoming summer season.
  19. 26% of surveyed Australians agree they worry about accidents or injuries occurring at their home when hosting others in the future.
  20. According to Allianz Home & Contents insurance claims lodged between 1 December 2025 and 28 February 2026, compared with 1 June 2025 to 31 August 2025 and finalised as of 20 August 2026.
  21. According to Allianz Home & Contents and Landlords insurance claims lodged between 1 December 2025 and 28 February 2026 and finalised as of 20 August 2026.
  22. 44% of surveyed Australians carry out basic checks on their car ahead of a long road trip.
  23. According to primary Allianz Motor insurance claims lodged between 1 December 2025 and 28 February 2026 and finalised as of 20 August 2026.
  24. According to primary Allianz Motor insurance claims lodged between 1 December 2025 and 28 February 2026 and finalised as of 20 August 2026, compared with 1 June 2025 to 31 August 2025.
  25. 46% of surveyed Australians agree they experience fatigue on long drives.
  26. 25% of surveyed Australians agree they are easily distracted (by phones or screens) on longer road trips in summer.

Disclaimer

This article has been prepared by Allianz Australia Insurance Limited ABN 15 000 122 850 AFSL234708 (“Allianz”). In some cases, information has been provided to us by third parties and while that information is believed to be accurate and reliable, its accuracy is not guaranteed in any way.

Any opinions expressed constitute our views at the time of issue and are subject to change. Neither Allianz, nor its employees or directors give any warranty of accuracy or accept responsibility for any loss or liability incurred by you in respect of any error, omission or misrepresentation in this article.
Follow us on
Allianz acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we live and work across Australia. We pay our respect to First Nations Elders past and present.

Any advice here does not take into account your individual objectives, financial situation or needs. Terms, conditions, limits, and exclusions apply. Before making a decision about this insurance, consider the relevant Product Disclosure Statement (PDS)/Policy Wording and Supplementary PDS (if applicable). Where applicable, the PDS/Policy Wording, Supplementary PDS and Target Market Determination (TMD) for this insurance are available on this website. We do not provide any form of advice if you call us to enquire about or purchase a product.

Allianz Australia Insurance Limited ABN 15 000 122 850 AFS Licence No. 234708 is the insurer of any general insurance products offered, and Allianz Australia Life Insurance Limited ABN 27 076 033 782 AFS Licence No. 296559 is the insurer of any life insurance products offered. Each entity is responsible for any statements and representations made about its products, on this website.