As the winter months approach, many Australians brace for colder temperatures, heavier rains, and in some regions, wild weather events like storms and floods.
While you may be busy checking your heating system or swapping your summer wardrobe for something warmer, it’s also the perfect time to review your general insurance cover. A little preparation now can save you thousands in unexpected costs later.
Here are some essential insurance tips to keep you protected this winter—and why professional advice can make a difference.
- Review Your Home and Contents Insurance
During winter, damage caused by storms, water leaks, or even house fires becomes more common. Reviewing your home and contents policy ensures you’re adequately covered for seasonal risks. Take note of what’s included and what’s excluded—are water damage from roof leaks or gutter overflow covered? How about temporary accommodation if your home becomes uninhabitable?
It’s also a great time to update your contents list. If you’ve made recent purchases like a new TV, furniture, or winter gear, these may need to be added to your policy to be covered adequately.
- Check for Underinsurance
Underinsurance remains a major issue across Australia. If you haven’t updated your policy in a few years, chances are the sum insured may no longer reflect the true cost of replacing your home or belongings. Rising construction and material costs mean your rebuild costs could be significantly higher now than when you took out your policy.
Using an online home building calculator can help, but an adviser or broker can provide a more accurate assessment based on your property’s unique features.
- Prepare for Storm and Flood Risks
Winter storms can bring strong winds, hail, and torrential rain. Check your policy’s storm and flood cover, especially if you live in a flood-prone area. Flood definitions vary between insurers, and some policies may only cover stormwater runoff but not riverine flooding.
Trim tree branches near your home, clear gutters, and ensure downpipes are functioning. Preventative maintenance can reduce the likelihood of claims—and in some cases, neglect could lead to a rejected claim.
- Protect Your Vehicle
With slick roads, heavy rain, and reduced visibility, winter is a high-risk time for motor accidents. Review your comprehensive car insurance and make sure you’re covered for things like hail damage, accident repair, and towing.
If you drive less in winter, consider whether a usage-based policy might suit your needs. But don’t drop your coverage just because you drive less—a single incident could cost far more than the savings from pausing your policy.
- Consider Landlord and Renters Insurance
If you’re a landlord, winter can bring added risks like burst pipes or heating breakdowns. Make sure your landlord insurance includes cover for loss of rent, malicious damage, and liability. Likewise, renters should check their contents insurance to make sure their belongings are protected against fire, theft, and water damage.
- Document Everything
In the event of a claim, having evidence makes the process much smoother. Take photos or videos of your belongings, receipts for major purchases, and make digital backups. Keep these stored safely or in the cloud.
Why Professional Advice Can Help
While reviewing your policies may seem simple enough, insurance is full of fine print and technical language that can trip up even the most diligent DIY researcher. That’s where an adviser or insurance broker can add real value. They can:
- Clarify cover limits and exclusions
- Tailor recommendations based on your location and property
- Identify potential coverage gaps
- Help navigate claims if something goes wrong
More importantly, they stay informed about regulatory changes and new products, giving you peace of mind that you’re not only covered but covered appropriately.
Final Thoughts
Preparing your insurance for winter is just as important as checking your smoke alarms or sealing your windows. Taking the time now to review your cover can prevent a financial shock later—and with professional guidance, you can be confident your policy truly matches your needs. Winter may bring challenges, but with the right protection in place, you’ll be ready for whatever the season throws at you.
If this article has inspired you to think about your unique situation and, more importantly, what you and your family are going through right now, please get in touch with your advice professional.
This information does not consider any person’s objectives, financial situation, or needs. Before making a decision, you should consider whether it is appropriate in light of your particular objectives, financial situation, or needs.
(Feedsy Exclusive)