Does home insurance cover storm damage?
Storm damage is one of the most frequent home insurance claims in Australia, and good news: it’s a standard inclusion on virtually every building and contents policy.
That said, "storm" has limits — storm surge, flood and gradual issues are treated differently, so it’s worth knowing where the line sits.
Typically covered
- •Damage from storms, cyclones, rain, wind, hail and lightning
- •Fallen trees and branches caused by a storm
- •Damage to the building and contents from a sudden storm event
Typically not covered
- •Storm surge and actions of the sea (commonly excluded)
- •Flood, unless flood cover applies on your policy
- •Damage from a poorly maintained roof or structure
- •Gradual damage from repeated weather over time
How it works in Australia
Storm is standard, but in cyclone-exposed parts of Australia (northern QLD, WA and NT) insurers apply higher premiums and may require resilience measures. The federal cyclone reinsurance pool has eased some of that pricing.
General information only — cover, limits and exclusions vary by insurer. Always read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) before deciding.
Frequently asked
Is storm damage covered as standard?+
Yes — storm, rain, wind, hail and lightning damage is a standard inclusion on most Australian home and contents policies.
Does it cover a tree falling on my house?+
If the tree fell because of a storm, the resulting damage is typically covered. Removing a tree that fell for other reasons may not be.