GIO Reveals Top Five Storm-battered NSW Suburbs

Sydney, NSW, Australia (PRWEB) December 15, 2011

GIO Insurance has today revealed that The Rock, Uranquinty and Lennox Head were NSW’s worst storm-blitzed suburbs over the past year.

GIO spokesperson Duncan Bone said the figures were a reminder that the warmer weather can also bring sudden storms and heavy rains.

“While NSW was mostly spared the devastation that struck much of Queensland, last storm season still caused a lot of headaches for residents,” said Mr Bone.

“The $206,999 in average claim costs for our customers in The Rock, just south of Wagga Wagga, shows the frightening level of damage that can be caused by flash flooding.

“This was the same storm that caused damage in nearby Uranquinty, at an average cost of $64,468.

“In Lennox Head, it was the tornado that struck at the start of the year that affected hundreds of homes, causing an average of $40,080 worth of damage.”

The vast majority of people affected were in Sydney, but with the exception of Dural the city largely escaped the more severe damage that struck those in the top five.

“While hundreds of homes in Maroubra, Cranebrook and Glenmore Park were damaged the repair bills were not quite in the top five league,” said Mr Bone.

Other areas across where hundreds of homes in each suburb were hit but the damage was less severe include Wagga Wagga, Cranebrook, Ulladulla, Glenmore Park, Jerrabomberra, Dapto, Orange, Conder and Port Macquarie.

THE TOP FIVE WORST STORM DAMAGED SUBURBS*

1.
Location: The Rock
Average Claim Cost: $206,999
2.
Location: Uranquinty
Average Claim Cost: $64,468
3.
Location: Lennox Head
Average Claim Cost: $40,080
4.
Location: Adelong
Average Claim Cost: $23,194
5.
Location: Dural
Average Claim Cost: $15,882

“After 90 years protecting NSW residents we know the impact these events can have on families and communities, which is why we include automatic flood and storm cover,” said Mr Bone.

With forecasters predicting the medium to high likelihood of major storms this season, GIO is reminding people of the simple steps they can take to prepare.

“While home insurance can help repair damage, it can’t help replace the irreplaceable, such as photos and other treasured possessions,” said Mr Bone.

GIO’s research has found about 55 percent of NSW residents have not yet taken steps to protect their homes following last year’s storm season.

People said they had not checked their: Guttering/pipes were clear– 66% Roof tiles/roof were intact and secure – 79% Roof or pipes for rust – 88 % Water drainage on the land around the home - 72%

“A little bit of preparation can go a long way to not just limiting damage and getting back on your feet faster, but also protecting your family,” said Mr Bone

Mr Bone said GIO have undertaken extensive preparation for the upcoming fire, storm and flood season, including a significant investment in their customer response teams.

“Two new mobile claims vehicles and trailers will join the six launched last year, which alongside our 50 specialised claims staff, will ensure our customers get fast and effective on the ground support following a major event,” said Mr Bone.

“We are also employing more than 100 new local call centre staff to help speed-up our claims service should the worst happen.”

Preparation Tips for Storm Season Check gutters and downpipes. Backed up gutters can send water flowing into your home during heavy rains. Check the roof for damaged or loose tiles, or raised corners of corrugated sheets. A roof in good repair is more likely to withstand high winds and to keep out water. Trim overgrown tree branches. Check with your local council if you’re unsure about which trees / branches you can cut. Do not attempt to trim trees near power lines. Remove or secure loose items around the garden which could be blown about in high winds. Keep a battery operated torch and AM radio handy in case of loss of electricity, as well as a first aid kit, spare water and canned food. Use the radio for power restoration updates and possible evacuation notices. Consider putting together a small package of keepsakes and things you would hate to lose, in case you need to leave quickly. Make sure your home and contents insurance and paperwork is up to date

GIO General Ltd offers and issues a range of different types of home insurance that allow you to enjoy flexibility, optional covers and discounts. You can relax in knowing that if the unexpected happens to your home, we’ll help take care of your insurance for you and help things get back on track sooner. Policy conditions apply. For more information please read the relevant Product Disclosure Statement at gio.com.au or call us for a copy on 13 10 10.

*Taken from GIO claims data.
#Newspoll Market & Social Research conducted an independent internet survey of 3,740 people, 18 years of age and older, across all states and territories in 2011. Collected data has been weighted in line with current ABS population demographics to ensure any extrapolation of results is representative of age sex and area

# # #

Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/gio/home-insurance/prweb9040572.htm