Good coffee trumps wild weather risks for Australians on the move

Australians looking for new homes are prioritising good coffee and dining options over wild weather and bushfire threats in their new postcodes, IAG-owned NRMA Insurance says in a new report today.

Only 26.6% who have recently moved or are planning to relocate have researched their new property’s vulnerability to wild weather risks, placing it equal last with recreation and entertainment options on a list of eight considerations that Australians will include in their checklist before deciding on a new address.

Local cafe and dining choices placed seventh, on 27.2%, while affordability tops the list, at 78.2%, followed by public transport and convenience (40.2%), healthcare facilities access (35.7%), outdoor lifestyle factors (35.4%), quality/proximity of education facilities (34.6%) and crime rates (31.9%).

NRMA Insurance says the survey findings are worrying.

“After the devastating severe weather Australia has experienced in the past few years, we were surprised when our latest research found that most Australians consider property vulnerability to wild weather a lower priority than local cafes and restaurants, when moving homes,” EGM Direct Claims Luke Gallagher said.

“With wild weather increasing in frequency and severity, we encourage all Australians to understand their local weather risks so they can make informed decisions when moving and know what they need to do to prepare.

“Regardless of where you live it’s important to be aware of the local risks posed by wild weather and what you can do to prepare.”

The survey findings, contained in the NRMA Insurance Wild Weather Tracker report, are based on 38% of 3500 respondents who have either moved in the last two years or are planning to in the near future.

The findings showed people in rural and remote areas are much more likely to research property vulnerability to wild weather (42.3%) and less likely to research local café and dining options (17.3%).

NRMA Insurance also provided a recap of national claims in the recently concluded summer season.

It received 10,120 claims for wild weather damage to homes and vehicles this summer, making it the quietest summer for severe weather claims in six years and the quietest season since the winter season in 2021.

NRMA Insurance says most of the claims were for damage to homes (7645), and nearly half (47%) of all home claims across the country were caused by severe weather.

The majority of claims occurred in NSW where powerful storms and hailstorms caused considerable damage, particularly in western parts of the state and Dubbo.

Click here for more from the report.