After three successive years of La Niña,climate modelling by the Bureau of Meteorology (last updated 9 May 2023) shows an increased likelihood that the El Niño climate driver may form in the Pacific Ocean later this year.
As Australia is on the frontline of these changing climate conditions, it’s never been more important for you to keep customers informed of the impact catastrophic weather events can have on life and property.
An El Niño event takes place when warm water off the east coast of Australia travels to the eastern part of the Pacific Ocean. This takes the energy for rainfall with it, resulting in unusually dry and warm weather over large areas of the country, as well as a higher likelihood of drought and bushfires.
“With the large amount of rain and flooding seen in some areas we have a high level of grass and new growth, which causes a high fuel load and therefore increases the risk of bushfires,” says Mark O’Connor, National Claims Technical and Business Operations at Allianz. “We’re also likely to see an increase in flash flooding as a result of water table levels remaining high. It’s something we’re watching out for across Australia.”
“We know from previous experience that El Niño is most likely to impact weather in Australia during the winter and spring months, in particular, so now is the time to prepare,” says Mark.
You can help your customers prepare themselves for extended periods of hot and dry weather, as well as flash flooding. Review their insurance and make sure they have the appropriate cover before an extreme weather event occurs.
We also have a range of guides available that you can share with your customers. They outline how customers can prepare their motor, homes, businesses, or both, for extreme weather events before, during and after they occur.
For some insurance policies, please note that a 72-hour waiting period may apply to cyclone, flood, grassfire or bushfire claims.
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.
