NRMA Insurance received more than 9400 wild weather claims in winter as wind damaged homes and vehicles.

The IAG-owned brand says a powerful cold front triggered severe weather and wind warnings across southern regions late last month, and a coastal low brought gale-force wind to NSW, the ACT and Victoria in early July.

About 82% of the winter wild weather claims related to storms, and claims numbers for the year to date are already up 32% on last year’s total.

“Wind is a powerful, invisible force that is often a major contributor to property damage by amplifying the impacts of storms, cyclones and bushfires, driving rain and embers in unpredictable directions,” EGM of claims Luke Gallagher said.

“Don’t underestimate wind as a hazard. Australia experiences some of the strongest and most variable winds in the world, driven by tropical cyclones, polar systems, east coast lows, and severe thunderstorms.” 

NRMA Insurance research shows 30% of Australians have experienced damage to their home or vehicle caused by wind, and 72% are concerned about strong wind damaging their property – ranking well above hail (56%) and bushfires (33%).

The 9459 winter claims comprised 8468 for home and 991 for motor, according to the Wild Weather Tracker, released today.

NSW and WA were the hardest-hit states, with 6527 and 2073 claims respectively.

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