Severe weather can arrive quickly across Queensland and Northern NSW, bringing heavy rain, damaging winds, flash flooding, stormwater overflow, fallen trees, power outages and property damage.
Recent weather events, including Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred, have reminded homeowners, landlords, business owners and motorists how important it is to prepare before storm season arrives. Westlawn has also shared updates on severe weather warnings for Northern NSW and Southern QLD, highlighting how quickly conditions can change across the region. While no one can control the weather, you can take practical steps to reduce your risk and check whether your insurance is suitable for your property, possessions, vehicles or business.
For households and businesses across Brisbane, Robina, Ballina, Lismore, Murwillumbah, Grafton, Casino, Coffs Harbour, Walcha and surrounding areas, storm and flood preparation should be part of regular property maintenance.
Why Storm and Flood Preparation Matters
Storms and floods can cause damage in several ways. Some properties are affected by rising floodwater. Others may suffer damage from stormwater runoff, roof leaks, fallen trees, water entering through windows or doors, wind-driven rain, power surges, or debris.
For business owners, the impact may go beyond physical property damage. A severe weather event can interrupt trade, damage stock or equipment, prevent staff from accessing a workplace, or stop customers from visiting.
For homeowners and landlords, the financial impact can include building repairs, contents replacement, temporary accommodation, clean-up costs, debris removal and damage to fences, sheds, driveways, garages or outdoor areas.
That is why it is important to understand what your insurance policy does and does not cover before severe weather occurs, including the fine print of your insurance coverage.
Check What Your Insurance Actually Covers
Many people assume they are covered for all types of storm and water damage, but insurance policies can vary. It may also be worth reviewing what your home and contents insurance may cover that you might not realise, especially before storm season.
Important areas to check may include:
- Whether your home insurance includes flood cover
- How your policy defines flood, stormwater runoff and rainwater damage
- Whether contents are covered for water damage
- Whether temporary accommodation is included if your home becomes unliveable
- Whether debris removal and clean-up costs are included
- Whether fences, sheds, garages, pools or outdoor structures are covered
- Whether your car insurance covers storm, hail or flood damage
- Whether your landlord insurance includes loss of rent after an insured event
- Whether your business insurance includes storm, flood, stock, equipment or business interruption cover
- Whether your sum insured reflects today’s rebuilding, repair and replacement costs
Underinsurance can become a major issue after natural disasters. Building costs, labour shortages and material prices can all affect how much it costs to repair or rebuild after a storm, flood or cyclone-related event.
Home Preparation Before Storm Season
Regular maintenance can reduce the chance of preventable damage. Before severe weather is forecast, property owners should consider the following steps:
- Check the condition of the roof and arrange repairs for loose tiles, damaged flashing, rusted sheets or loose screws
- Clean gutters, downpipes and drains so water can move away from the property
- Trim overhanging branches and remove dead trees where safe to do so
- Secure loose outdoor items such as garden furniture, umbrellas, tools, bins, trampolines and outdoor equipment
- Check retaining walls, fences and gates for signs of weakness
- Make sure stormwater drains are not blocked by leaves, soil or debris
- Store chemicals, poisons and valuables above ground level if flooding is possible
- Photograph your home, contents, vehicles, tools and valuable items for insurance records
- Keep digital copies of important documents, including insurance policies, identification and receipts
If you live in a flood-prone area, it is also worth knowing where local evacuation routes, sandbag collection points and emergency warnings can be accessed. Queensland residents can also refer to Get Ready Queensland for practical severe weather preparation advice, including how to know your risk, make a plan and prepare an emergency kit.
Business Preparation Before Severe Weather
Businesses should also prepare early, especially if they rely on physical premises, equipment, stock, vehicles or customer access.
Business owners may wish to:
- Review commercial property, business interruption, stock and equipment cover
- Confirm whether flood, storm and water damage are included
- Store stock, tools and records away from low-lying areas
- Back up digital files and business-critical documents
- Prepare a continuity plan for staff, suppliers and customers
- Check emergency contact details for insurers, brokers, landlords, trades and utility providers
- Take photographs of premises, stock, fit-out and equipment before storm season
- Consider whether staff can work remotely if premises are temporarily inaccessible
For regional businesses, a severe weather event may cause disruption even if the premises are not directly damaged. Road closures, power outages, supplier delays and local flooding can all affect operations.
When Severe Weather Warnings Are Issued
When weather warnings are issued, always follow advice from emergency services and local authorities.
Where safe to do so, you may also wish to:
- Secure outdoor furniture, tools, equipment and loose items
- Move vehicles under cover or away from trees, drains, flood-prone areas and powerlines
- Move valuables, electronics and important documents to higher ground
- Disconnect electrical appliances if there is a risk of water entry
- Fill containers with clean drinking water in case supply is interrupted
- Charge mobile phones, torches, radios and power banks
- Check on family members, neighbours and vulnerable people
- Avoid driving through floodwater
- Keep pets safe and have a plan for them if evacuation is needed
Never enter floodwater on foot or in a vehicle. Floodwater can be deeper, faster-moving and more dangerous than it appears. For emergency storm or flood assistance in Queensland, contact or refer to the Queensland SES.
After a Storm or Flood
Once the immediate danger has passed, safety should remain the priority. Do not return to a damaged property until it is safe to do so and avoid using electrical appliances if water has entered the building.
If your property has been damaged:
- Take photos and videos before cleaning up, where safe
- Make a list of damaged buildings, contents, stock, tools or vehicles
- Contact your insurance broker or insurer as soon as possible
- Keep receipts for emergency repairs, temporary accommodation or urgent clean-up work
- Do not dispose of damaged items unless they are unsafe or you have been advised to do so
- Take reasonable steps to prevent further damage, but only when safe
- Use licensed trades where required, especially for electrical, plumbing or structural work
Having good records can make the claims process easier. Photos, receipts, serial numbers, valuations and repair invoices can all help support a claim.
How an Insurance Broker Can Help
Insurance can be complex, especially when it comes to storms, floods, water damage and business interruption. An insurance broker can help you understand the cover you have, identify possible gaps and compare options based on your circumstances.
A broker may also assist during the claims process by helping you understand what information is required, how to lodge a claim and what steps may be needed after damage occurs.
For homeowners, landlords, business owners and vehicle owners, reviewing insurance before storm season is far better than discovering a gap in cover after a severe weather event.
Talk to Westlawn Insurance Brokers
If you are unsure whether your home, contents, landlord, motor, rural or business insurance is suitable for storm and flood risks, Westlawn Insurance Brokers can help you review your options.
Westlawn Insurance Brokers supports clients across Northern NSW, South East Queensland and regional communities, including Grafton, Casino, Lismore, Murwillumbah, Coffs Harbour, Ballina, Walcha\, Robina and Brisbane.
To speak with a Westlawn Insurance broker, contact the team today.
Call: 1300 937 852
Email: insurance@westlawn.com.au
General advice only. This article does not take into account your personal circumstances, objectives or needs. You should review the relevant Product Disclosure Statement and speak with a qualified insurance professional before making decisions about insurance cover.