Home and Contents Insurance Brisbane can help protect your home and belongings from insured storm events, but cover depends on your policy wording, limits and exclusions. Before Brisbane’s November-to-April storm season, check your property, understand how your policy treats flood and storm damage, and record what you own.
Get your quote here and now. Whether you are protecting your Brisbane home, managing a Queensland investment property or running a business vehicle, now is a good time to review your cover. Use the quote option that applies to you:
Prepare your Brisbane home before storms arrive
Queensland’s storm season generally runs from November to April. Brisbane households can face intense rain, damaging winds, hail and localised flooding. Homes near creeks, the Brisbane River, Moreton Bay and other tidal waterways may also need to consider storm tide or storm surge.
Risk can change from one street to the next. A home in low-lying parts of Rocklea, Oxley or Graceville may have different water exposure from a house on higher ground in Paddington or The Gap. Even where river flooding is not the main concern, heavy rain can overwhelm drains or cause water to flow across a property.
Use a few clear days before storm season to do a practical check:
- Look over the roof from the ground. Check for visibly loose or damaged sheets, tiles, flashing and gutters. Arrange qualified help for repairs; don’t climb onto a roof.
- Clear gutters and downpipes. Remove leaves and other blockages so rainwater can drain away.
- Check windows, doors and seals. Look for gaps or damage that could let wind-driven rain inside.
- Secure loose outdoor items. Bring in furniture, toys, tools and pot plants. Secure bins and sheds, and trim branches that could fall on the home.
- Plan where to park. If hail is forecast, use covered parking if available. Avoid parking under trees or near waterways.
- Know where household shut-offs are. Make sure adults know how to turn off water, electricity and gas if it is safe to do so.
- Make a simple household plan. Choose a safe indoor place, and plan for children, pets, medicines and essential documents.
Follow current local warnings during severe weather. Never enter floodwater on foot or in a vehicle. It may be deeper or faster-moving than it looks.
Check how your policy treats storm, flood and hail
Every policy uses its own wording. Don’t assume that “storm damage” automatically includes every kind of water damage. Policies may define flood, stormwater, storm tide and storm surge differently, and apply specific limits, exclusions or excesses.
Before the season, review your Product Disclosure Statement and check:
- Whether your policy covers building, contents or both.
- How it defines flood and storm-related water damage.
- Whether hail damage is covered and whether any limits apply.
- What it says about storm surge or storm tide at your location.
- Whether temporary accommodation is included, and its limits.
- Whether sheds, fences, solar panels and other structures are covered.
- What excess applies to storm or flood claims.
- Whether your building sum insured reflects the cost to rebuild.
Building cover is generally about repairing or rebuilding the structure and permanent fixtures. Contents cover is for belongings such as furniture, appliances, clothing and electronics. High-value items may have individual limits or need to be listed separately. Check your wording rather than relying on a general description of cover.
For a useful overview, read the home and contents insurance guide. If your home is an apartment or townhouse, also check how your strata insurance arrangements divide responsibility between the shared building and your own belongings.
Make a record before any damage happens
A current home inventory can make it easier to explain what was damaged or lost. Walk through each room and take clear photos or a short video of your belongings. For expensive items, keep receipts, valuations or model details where available.
Save copies of important documents and your inventory somewhere you can access if you cannot return home. Keep a note of your policy details and the best way to contact Business Insurance Consulting.
The building sum insured is the amount used to insure the cost of rebuilding, not the home’s sale price. Consider whether your estimate accounts for the home’s size and construction, removal of debris and professional fees. Queenslander homes, older timber homes and properties with renovations or special features may have different rebuilding needs from a standard modern home.
If you have renovated, added a shed or installed solar panels, check whether the change affects the details held on your policy.
If storm damage happens, document it and act safely
Your first priority is the safety of everyone at home. Follow emergency directions and stay away from damaged power lines, unstable trees and unsafe structures.
When it is safe to do so:
- Photograph or video the damage. Capture the affected areas before moving or cleaning up, where practical.
- Contact your insurer promptly. Report the incident and ask what information is needed to lodge a claim. You can notify the insurer even if you are still working out the full extent of the damage.
- Take reasonable steps to prevent further damage. Only do this when it is safe. Keep receipts for urgent temporary repairs and ask before arranging permanent work.
- Keep damaged items and records where possible. Photograph items before disposal, and ask the insurer what evidence they need.
- Write down key details. Note when you first saw the damage, what happened and any steps taken to protect the home.
For more help understanding the process, visit the claims support page. Business Insurance Consulting can also help you understand what information may be useful when making a claim. The insurer will assess the claim against your policy terms; cover is not guaranteed.
A bookmarkable Brisbane storm season checklist
Save or print this list, then work through it before November:
- Check the roof, gutters, downpipes, doors and windows.
- Arrange repairs for visible damage before severe weather arrives.
- Secure outdoor furniture, bins, tools and play equipment.
- Identify a safe indoor area and make a household plan.
- Keep essential medicines, a torch and important documents accessible.
- Photograph rooms and belongings; save the inventory somewhere secure.
- Review building and contents sums insured.
- Check the wording for flood, storm, hail, storm tide and storm surge.
- Confirm temporary accommodation cover, limits and excesses.
- Save your policy and claim contact details where you can find them.
Mid-post cover review
A short review now can help you spot questions before severe weather is forecast. Business Insurance Consulting can help you review your home and contents needs and explain relevant policy details. Start with the home and contents guide or speak with an Insurance Broker Brisbane homeowners trust with their cover.
When property or business cover needs a separate check
If you own a rental, your home policy may not be the right cover for the property’s use. Review landlord insurance separately. If you manage properties for owners, Property Management Insurance Brisbane and Real Estate Insurance Brisbane relate to agency activities, not the contents of your own home.
A homeowner who also runs a business may need to consider separate covers. Business Insurance Brisbane and Commercial Insurance Brisbane can address business exposures, while Professional Indemnity Insurance Brisbane, Public Liability Insurance Brisbane, Cyber Insurance Brisbane and Commercial Property Insurance Brisbane relate to different business risks. For claims support on a business policy, a Claims Assistance Insurance Broker Brisbane may help you understand the next steps. These policies are separate from home and contents cover.
Frequently asked questions
When is Brisbane storm season?
Queensland’s storm season generally runs from November to April. Storms can bring heavy rain, damaging winds and hail. Check local warnings when severe weather is forecast.
Does home insurance cover storm surge in Brisbane?
It depends on the policy. Storm surge or storm tide may be treated differently from other types of flood or stormwater. Check the policy wording for definitions, exclusions and limits that apply to your property.
Should I take photos before a storm?
Yes. Photos and videos of your home and belongings can provide a useful record of their condition before damage occurs. Store them somewhere you can access if you are away from home.
What should I do first after storm damage?
Make sure everyone is safe and follow emergency directions. When it is safe, photograph the damage, contact your insurer and ask before arranging permanent repairs. Keep receipts for urgent temporary work.
Is a home policy enough for a rental or home business?
Not necessarily. A rental property or business activity can change the risks and cover needed. Review the policy for the way the property is used and ask about any separate cover that may be relevant.
Review your cover before the next storm
Use the checklist to prepare your home, document what you own and identify questions about your cover. Business Insurance Consulting can help you review your options. Call 0412 212 099, email craig@businco.com.au, or visit businessinsuranceconsulting.com.au.
What’s the first storm-season task you plan to tackle at home: checking the gutters, securing outdoor items or reviewing your policy? Share your answer in the comments.
Business Insurance Consulting Pty Ltd ABN 18 646 168 096 CAR No: 1278410, Authorised Representative of Community Broker Network – AFSL 233750
Disclaimer: This info is general advice only and doesn't consider your personal goals or financial situation. Before making a decision, please read the relevant Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and Target Market Determination (TMD).
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