As the summer holiday season gets underway, many Australians are preparing to leave their homes vacant while traveling.
Allianz Australia’s recent study revealed that 31% of Australians plan to leave their homes unoccupied for up to two weeks, raising questions about home maintenance and associated risks during this period.
The research highlighted a reliance on neighbours for help with basic tasks such as collecting mail, putting out bins, and lawn care, with 40% of respondents turning to neighbours for assistance. However, 10% admitted they have no plans to perform maintenance on their homes before heading away, despite potential consequences.
One-third of Australians surveyed (36%) were unaware that accidents in unoccupied homes can result in higher repair costs and longer resolution times compared to incidents in occupied properties.
Claims data from Allianz showed January through March is the busiest period for home and landlord insurance claims. Over the last two years, the cost of these claims – excluding catastrophic events – has risen by 12%.
Water-related damage, particularly from flexible hoses, is a significant driver of claims. Allianz reported a 10% increase in water damage claims in 2024 compared to the previous year. In 2023 alone, claims linked to faulty flexi hoses exceeded $19 million.
Separate research by NRMA Insurance highlighted the growing risk of extreme weather during summer. The insurer’s “Wild Weather Tracker” revealed that 42% of weather-related insurance claims over the past five years occurred during the summer months.
NRMA’s findings showed that while 67% of Australians prioritise cleaning their homes before holidays, only 45% take steps to weatherproof their properties against summer hazards like storms, bushfires, and flooding. Extreme heat, severe storms, and bushfires ranked as the top weather concerns among respondents.
To help homeowners mitigate risks, Allianz has partnered with carpenter and TV personality Scotty Cam (pictured) to share maintenance advice.
Cam recommends addressing simple tasks, such as inspecting waterproofing, flexi hoses, and exhaust fans, clearing gutters, and trimming trees, to prevent costly repairs.
“Summer means trips to the beach, quality time with loved ones, and some extra free time. Using some of this extra free time to do some home maintenance can save you time and heartache in the future,” he said.
Shez Ford, chief general manager, consumer at Allianz Australia, noted that many homeowners overlook regular maintenance during the busy holiday period, potentially exposing their properties to avoidable issues.
“At Allianz, we know summer is a busy time, so it is normal for household-related matters to get overlooked. We’re working with Scotty Cam to help Aussies understand how to better maintain their home so they can enjoy their holiday break without the worry of costly, and in most cases, preventable mishaps,” she said.
Allianz encouraged Australians to review their home and contents policies before the summer break to ensure they are adequately covered.
“The research highlights that half of Australians who have home or contents insurance do not review their policy before the summer months, so we’re encouraging Aussies to touch base with their insurer for a policy health check,” Ford said.