Suncorp and its brand, AAMI, looked into thousands of weather-related home insurance claims in New South Wales, Victoria, and Queensland from July 1, 2022, to June 30, 2023, to identify the top 10 storm-impacted suburbs in each state. The insurance giant also worked with its SES partners in the three states to finalise the list.
Suncorp's top 10 storm hotspot list aims to help Australians in these locations and surrounding areas prepare for the storm season.
Suncorp's analysis found that nearly half of NSW's top 10 storm hotspots are in Newcastle and Lake Macquarie.
Meanwhile, NSW SES reports noted that Port Macquarie, which is located on NSW's mid-north coast, had the most storm-related incidents in the financial year – with local SES volunteers responding to nearly 600 incidents.
In Queensland, Suncorp deemed Wide Bay the primary region for weather-related home claims, with Maryborough, Cooloola Cove, Gympie, and Bundaberg appearing in the top 10 hotspot list.
In Victoria, three of the top 10 storm hotspots are in Shepparton – with Suncorp's partner for 20 years, VICSES, having found similarities in the number of requests for assistance in the noted suburbs over the past financial year.
Alli Smith, executive general manager of home claims customers at Suncorp, said the latest data should encourage Australians to prepare for the storm season.
“Aussies tend to have a ‘laissez faire’ attitude when it comes to preparing for summer storms. However, what Australians don't realise is that storms can be a serious event and don't need to last long to cause severe damage to their homes,” she said. “Despite the heightened risk of bushfires from El Nino, we need to also be ready and prepare for wild weather brought by thunderstorms, flash flooding, damaging wind, and hail.”
Suncorp has been urging Australians to brace for the severe weather season. Last month, the insurer partnered with the Queensland Reconstruction Authority (QRA) to help communities prepare for extreme weather events.
