New Allianz Australia winter claims data reveals an urgent need for preventative action

• Despite winter bringing significant risks, over half of Australians admit they haven’t completed any maintenance to prepare their home (55%)¹ or vehicle (68%)² for winter.
• Allianz insurance claims made in winter 2025 incurred total costs of more than $440 million: $204.63 million³ in home and contents claims, and $238.94 million⁴ in motor insurance claims.
• Only 25% of surveyed Australians have their roof or gutters checked for damage ahead of winter, despite storm-related incidents being the number one cause of Allianz home insurance claims made over the winter period last year, incurring costs of almost $60 million.³
• Although rear-end collisions are a significant contributor to winter motor incidents,⁴ only 45%⁵ of those surveyed said they increase their distance from the vehicle in front of them during winter.
• The Allianz Prevention: Winter Risk Report provides simple checks and preventative steps to help Australians undertake home maintenance tasks.

From dark morning commutes to colder weather and storm damage, winter brings a costly wave of seasonal risks for many Australians – totalling more than $440 million¹ in winter 2025 – yet some households are failing to prepare.

New research from Allianz Australia reveals more than half of surveyed Australians (55%) have not completed any home maintenance to prepare their home ahead of winter this year² and 68% haven’t prepared their vehicle.³

Allianz claims data reveals home and contents insurance claims (excluding those caused by classified natural catastrophes) incurred total costs of $204.63 million⁴ in winter 2025. Motor insurance claims incurred costs of $238.94 million⁴ over the same period.

The research highlights a major awareness gap around winter preparedness, with more than one in five Australians (20%)⁶ believing seasonal weather won’t affect them. Meanwhile, cost-of-living is also impacting household maintenance habits, with one in four Australians (25%)⁷ citing financial constraints as the reason they are delaying winter home upkeep this year.

Strong winds, storm debris and regular rainfall can expose weak points in homes, potentially leading to common issues such as dislodged tiles and blocked gutters. Only a quarter of surveyed Australians (25%) have their roof or gutters checked for damage ahead of winter, despite storm-related incidents, including damage caused by rainwater, lightning and wind, incurring costs of almost $60m⁴ in claims in winter 2025; the number one cause for home insurance claims.

With almost a quarter of surveyed Australians (23%)⁸ concerned about how well their home will withstand winter conditions, the Allianz Prevention: Winter Risk Report provides actionable steps that could help customers with keeping their homes and cars well-maintained.

Shez Ford, Chief General Manager Consumer, Allianz Australia said “At Allianz, we know winter can bring unpredictable weather and seasonal risks that many Australians might not feel prepared for. The Allianz Prevention: Winter Risk Report provides practical care, helping people understand the common risks that emerge during winter and the small steps in prevention that can help avoid issues down the track.”

Allianz data from winter 2025 highlights the impact of appliance-related fires, with claims involving electric blanket faults sometimes exceeding $65,000⁴ per claim and claims involving fireplace or chimney fires reaching more than $20,000 per claim.⁴

Despite these risks only a small percentage of surveyed Australians check their electric blanket (19%)⁹ for damage, or inspect their fireplace or chimney (12%)¹⁰ for potential issues ahead of winter. Only a small number have invested in fire blankets (15%)¹¹ and less than half have tested smoke alarms to ensure they work (48%).¹² When something does go wrong the damage can be severe, often resulting in extensive fire, smoke and structural damage throughout the home.

Shorter days and longer nights increase risks both in the home¹³ and on the road.¹⁴ Reduced visibility in winter creates more opportunities for break-ins and theft, while also increasing the likelihood of motor collisions during early morning and evening commutes. 

Allianz claims data shows theft-related claims in the home incurred a total cost of $7.10m⁴ during winter 2025, with motor theft claims reaching around $7.34m⁴ nationally. While theft is more likely to occur under the cover of darkness, only 18%¹⁵ of surveyed Australians say they take additional security measures to secure their home for the darker nights. 

On the roads, Allianz claims data shows the cost of claims caused by animal collisions increased by 64%¹⁶ in winter 2025 compared with summer 2024/25. Winter 2025 proved to be a costly season for collision claims. Rear-end collision claims surged in Winter 2025, with both higher volumes and greater average costs than the previous summer, contributing to more than $27 million in claims.⁴

Despite how common these incidents can be, just one in three (33%)¹⁷ surveyed Australians say they are extra cautious driving where they know animals are typically present. While 45%⁶ admit they don’t drive at a greater distance from the vehicle in front of them during winter. 

“Our winter claims data clearly highlights the impact of seasonal risks, from costly fire and electrical incidents inside the home to theft, and collision claims on the road,” said Luke Whenman, Chief Claims Officer, Allianz Australia. 

“Many of the incidents we see could be prevented through simple maintenance and safety checks ahead of winter, whether that’s inspecting heating appliances, clearing gutters, security-proofing homes in darker conditions, or adjusting driving habits for reduced visibility on the road. Taking small, proactive steps can really help reduce the likelihood of these events than can lead to bigger issues and stress.”

For more information and to access the Allianz Prevention: Winter Risk Report, visit Allianz.com.au/Prevention.

• Leak protection – Clear gutters and downpipes; consider checks by a professional for leaks or loose tiles; ensure water is flowing away from your home to prevent pooling and damage.
• Increase home security – Check all doors and windows lock securely; install outdoor lighting or motion sensors; trim hedges near entry points to improve visibility, consider smart cameras or security systems for peace of mind. 
• Inspect heating devices – service heating appliances like heaters and enlist a qualified technician, check electric blankets and portable heaters for visible damage like fraying cords.
• Vehicle maintenance and safety – Repair small windscreen chips early to prevent them spreading in cold weather; ensure wipers, lights and brakes are in good condition. Slow down on winter roads and maintain a safe distance from other drivers. 
• Winter upkeep – Remove overhanging branches and outdoor debris; inspect external walls for cracks or damage; test smoke alarms, keep fire blankets and extinguishers accessible and in date.

The research was conducted via Pureprofile, an Australian-owned Data and Insights business that sampled 1010 Australian men and women aged between 18-65+, in line with the current ABS census statistics. The fieldwork was conducted between 6-11 May 2026. 

1. 55% of surveyed Australians haven’t completed any home maintenance to prepare for winter risks.
2. 68% of surveyed Australians haven’t completed general car maintenance to check for damage/issues before the winter season.
3. According to Allianz Home & Contents and Landlords insurance claims that occurred between 1 June 2025 and 31 August 2025, excluding those caused by natural catastrophes.
4. According to Allianz Motor insurance claims that occurred between 1 June 2025 and 31 August 2025, excluding those caused by natural catastrophes.
5. 45% say they don’t drive at a greater distance from the vehicle in front of them when driving on the roads during the winter season.
6. 20% of surveyed Australians don’t think seasonal weather will affect them.
7. 25% of surveyed of Australians say they can’t afford to spend more to prepare their home against the winter elements due to cost of living pressures.
8. 23% of surveyed Australians somewhat agree or strongly agree they are concerned about the state of their home and its resilience to the winter season.
9. 19% of surveyed Australians say they maintain or check their electric blanket for damage before using them for the winter season.
10. 12% of surveyed Australians say they maintain or check their fireplace or chimney for damage before using them for the winter season.
11. 15% of surveyed Australians say they have purchased or ensured easy access to a fire blanket.
12. 48% of surveyed Australians say they have tested smoke alarms to ensure they are working.
13. Country Fire Authority. (2022). Winter chill brings increased home fire risk. CFA News & Media.
14. Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts. (2018). Location and other risk factors in crashes. National Road Safety Data Hub.
15. 18% of surveyed Australians say they have taken additional steps to secure the home during darker winter evenings ahead of the winter season. 
16. According to Allianz Motor insurance claims, there were 64% more claims referencing “animal collisions” between 1 June 2025 and 31 August 2025 when compared with 1 Dec 2024 and 28 Feb 2025.
17. 33% of surveyed Australians say they are extra cautious where animals are typically present when driving on the roads during the winter season.