Rising Summer Storm Claims Prompt Urgent Call for Farmer Preparedness

In the 2023-2024 summer months alone, nearly half (47%) of all claims over the 12-month period were lodged during this season. The 2024-2025 period tracked similarly, with 41% of claims to date lodged during the summer months. These figures highlight the heightened risk that summer storms pose to farming operations.

Key findings from the claims data include:

• Rising costs: Claims paid totaled approximately $92.14 million in 2024, nearly double the $55.85 million paid in 2023. The average cost per claim during the 2024-2025 summer was approximately $24,000, with summer claims accounting for about 53% of the total paid over the 12-month period.
• Infrastructure hit hardest: The most common claims involved sheds, fencing, solar panels, and immobile machinery-critical assets that can take months to repair or replace.
• State hotspots: New South Wales and Queensland bore the brunt of storm damage in the 2024-2025 summer period, accounting for 35% and 30% of lodged claims respectively, followed by Victoria (15%) and Western Australia (11%).

Dale Gleeson, General Manager at Elders Insurance, emphasized the importance of proactive planning. 'Storm activity typically peaks over summer, and those events can be incredibly costly and disruptive for farmers,' he stated. 'The impact on operations and recovery can be significant, especially when critical infrastructure is hit.'

To mitigate risks, Elders Insurance recommends that farmers:

• Inspect and maintain roofs to prevent leaks and structural damage.
• Secure loose items that could become projectiles during high winds.
• Review and update insurance policies to ensure adequate coverage.
• Develop contingency plans to maintain operations during and after storm events.

By taking these proactive steps, farmers can better protect their assets and ensure the continuity of their operations during the challenging summer months.