💡Tips From An Insurance Broker
Spring in Australia is known for its unpredictable weather. While the season brings warmer days and blooming landscapes, it also comes with sudden temperature changes, heavy rains, and occasional storms that can pose risks to your property and assets. As an insurance broker specialising in general insurance, here at Avid Insurance Brokers we understand the importance of being prepared for any weather event. Here’s how you can protect your assets and be ready for spring’s unpredictability.
1. Secure Your Home Against Storm Damage
Spring storms can bring strong winds, heavy rainfall, and even hail. To protect your home:
- Inspect the Roof: Ensure there are no loose or damaged tiles that could lead to leaks. Water damage from roof issues can be costly, so early repairs are essential.
- Clean Gutters and Drains: Blocked gutters can cause water to pool and eventually seep into your home, leading to internal damage. Regular cleaning ensures water flows freely and prevents overflow during heavy rain.
- Check for Loose Objects: Secure outdoor furniture, potted plants, or other items that can be blown away or cause damage in high winds. This reduces the risk of harm to your home or neighbouring properties.
Ensure your home insurance policy covers storm and water damage to avoid any financial burden in case of a spring storm. If you’re unsure about your coverage, our team can review your policy and ensure it aligns with your needs.
2. Protect Your Business Premises
For business owners, spring weather poses risks to your commercial premises similar to your home. You should inspect the roof regularly, clean gutters and drains plus check for loose objects. In addition to this, business owners need to factor in protection against stock & equipment.
- Insurance for Stock and Equipment: Your business assets, like inventory, tools, or machinery, may be vulnerable to weather damage. Make sure you have commercial property insurance and business interruption insurance in place, which can help cover the cost of replacing or repairing damaged assets plus maintaining steady income during the repair process.
- Flood Prevention: Check that your business premises are well-prepared for potential flooding, especially if you’re in a low-lying or coastal area. Install flood barriers and keep important equipment and stock off the ground where possible.
Spring is an ideal time to review your business insurance and ensure you’re fully covered for unforeseen weather events.
3. Motor Vehicle Protection
Whether it’s your personal vehicle or a business fleet, ensuring your vehicles are protected during unpredictable weather is crucial.
- Park Under Shelter: Hail can cause significant damage to vehicles, and spring can bring unexpected hailstorms. Parking in a garage or under cover can minimise the risk of damage.
- Check Your Comprehensive Car Insurance: Verify that your car insurance policy includes coverage for hail, flooding, and storm damage. If you use your vehicle for business purposes, make sure your motor trade insurance or commercial vehicle insurance covers these risks.
4. Be Ready for Bushfire Risks
Spring is also the start of bushfire season in many parts of Australia. If you’re in a bushfire-prone area, preparation is key:
- Create a Defensible Space: Clear vegetation and flammable materials around your home or business to reduce the fire risk.
- Check Your Fire Safety Plan: Ensure you have a solid evacuation plan, and that all family members or employees know what to do in the event of a bushfire.
- Review Fire Insurance Coverage: Fire damage is a critical component of your home and contents insurance or commercial property insurance. Avid Insurance Brokers can help ensure you have the right level of coverage for fire-related incidents.
5. Keep Your Policies Up to Date
One of the best ways to protect your assets is to ensure your insurance policies are up-to-date and tailored to your specific needs. The transition into spring is a good time to:
- Review Coverage Levels: Are your assets adequately insured for their current value? With fluctuating weather conditions, having enough coverage for rebuilding costs, repairs, or replacing damaged goods is essential.
- Consult an Insurance Broker: At Avid Insurance Brokers, we offer personalised advice on general insurance. We can assess your home, business, and vehicle coverage to make sure you’re prepared for any unexpected weather events this spring.
6. Prepare for Power Outages
Sudden spring storms can lead to power outages, which can impact both homes and businesses. For businesses, a loss of power can disrupt operations, potentially leading to significant financial loss.
- Consider Business Interruption Insurance: This type of insurance can help cover the financial losses associated with temporary business closures due to storms or other weather-related incidents.
Spring’s unpredictable weather can bring joy but also risks. Protecting your assets with the right insurance coverage is vital to weathering the season’s surprises. We specialise in helping individuals and businesses across Australia prepare for the unexpected. Contact us today to review your insurance needs and ensure you have the best protection in place.
☎️ NSW: (02) 6621 9300
☎️QLD: (07) 5379 3222
💻 www.avidinsurancebrokers.com.au