Experts warn of $385m insurance hit ahead of deadly El Nino summer

Aussies bled more than $385m in insurance claims over the 2025-2026 Summer – but the next one is set to be even worse. Picture: Darrian Traynor/Getty Images Aussies lost more than $385m in insurance claims last summer, revealed as the country barrels towards what could be its hottest season yet. The latest Allianz Prevention: Summer Risk Report found the 2025-2026 summer period led to more than $224m in home and contents claims nationwide, along with more than $161m in car insurance claims. Meanwhile, the Bureau of Meteorology reported there was an over 50 per cent change of unusually high maximum temperatures across much of Australia, thanks the latest El Nino. Storms, fire and other weather events led to more than $224m in home and contents claims, and more than $161m in car insurance claims. Picture: Tim Pescott Allianz Australia chief general manager consumer Shez Ford said Australians were able to take several steps before summer started to avoid some of the worst impacts on their property. “With forecasts pointing to a warmer than usual summer and an increased risk of severe weather, now is the time to prepare our homes and cars,” she said. “Our research shows that simple mai...