Cyclone Season Checklist for Townsville Homeowners: Review Your Insurance Before November

Cyclone season in North Queensland officially runs from 1 November to 30 April. For Townsville residents, it’s not a question of whether severe weather will arrive, but when. Locals still remember Cyclone Yasi, the 2019 monsoon floods, and more recently Cyclone Kirrily.

Most people prepare for cyclone season by clearing gutters and stocking up on batteries. Far fewer take 30 minutes to check their insurance, and that is usually where the expensive surprises happen.

This checklist walks you through what to review before November, what to do when a cyclone is approaching, and how to handle a claim afterwards.

Why You Need to Review Your Insurance Before a Cyclone Forms

Here’s something many Townsville residents don’t realise until it’s too late: you generally can’t buy or increase insurance cover once a cyclone is approaching.

When a cyclone watch or warning is issued for an area, insurers commonly place an embargo on that region. During an embargo, insurers typically won’t:

• Issue new home or contents policies
• Increase your sum insured
• Add optional cover such as flood
• Change certain policy details

Embargoes can stay in place until the threat has passed. If you discover a gap in your cover the day before a cyclone crosses the coast, it’s usually too late to fix it.

That’s why the right time to review your policy is now, before the season begins.

Your Pre-Season Insurance Checklist

1. Check that your sum insured reflects today’s rebuild cost

Building costs in North Queensland have risen significantly in recent years. A home insured for $450,000 five years ago may now cost far more to rebuild, especially after a major cyclone, when local builders and materials are in high demand.

Ask yourself:

• When did I last update my building sum insured?
• Have I renovated, extended or added a shed, pool or carport?
• Would my policy cover demolition, debris removal and professional fees?

If you’re unsure what affects your premium and your cover levels, our guide on how much home insurance costs in Townsville explains the key factors.

2. Understand the difference between storm and flood cover

This is one of the most misunderstood areas of home insurance in Queensland. Storm damage and flood damage are often treated differently.

• Storm usually refers to damage from wind, rain and hail, such as roof damage, fallen trees or rain entering through a damaged roof.
• Flood usually refers to water escaping from a normal watercourse, such as a creek or river, or from a lake, dam or reservoir.

Some policies include flood automatically, some offer it as an option, and some exclude it. A cyclone can cause both types of damage in the same event, so you need to know exactly what your policy says.

Check your Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) for the definitions of “storm”, “flood”, “storm surge” and “actions of the sea”. Storm surge and actions of the sea are commonly excluded.

3. Review your contents cover

Walk through your home and think about what it would cost to replace everything: furniture, appliances, electronics, clothing, tools and kitchenware. Most people significantly underestimate this figure.

Also check:

• Are high-value items such as jewellery, cameras or e-bikes specified individually if required?
• Does your policy cover food spoilage if the power goes out?
• Is temporary accommodation included if your home becomes unliveable?

4. Create a home inventory

Before cyclone season, take a video walkthrough of every room, open cupboards and garages, and photograph the outside of your home, including the roof, fences and sheds. Store copies of receipts and the video in cloud storage, not just on your phone.

A good inventory can make the difference between a smooth claim and a stressful one.

5. Landlords: check your rental property cover

If you own an investment property, standard home insurance may not be enough. Check whether your policy covers:

• Loss of rent while the property is being repaired after a cyclone
• Tenant contents (which are the tenant’s responsibility, not yours)
• Damage to fixtures and fittings

Our landlord insurance team can help you compare options. You can also read our detailed guide to landlord insurance in QLD.

6. Unit owners: know what strata does and doesn’t cover

If you own a unit or townhouse, your body corporate’s strata insurance generally covers the building and common property, but not your personal contents. In some cases it may not cover internal fixtures either. Ask your body corporate manager for the certificate of currency and check the sum insured.

Learn more about strata insurance in QLD or read our apartment and renters insurance guide.

7. Don’t forget your boat and caravan

Boats and caravans are particularly vulnerable during cyclones. Check:

• Whether your policy covers damage while moored, on a trailer or in storage
• Any conditions about securing or relocating the vessel or van when a cyclone warning is issued
• Whether named-cyclone exclusions apply

Some marine policies require you to follow a cyclone plan. Read the fine print now, not when the warning is issued. See our guides to boat insurance in QLD and caravan insurance.

8. Business owners: plan for business interruption

A cyclone doesn’t just damage buildings. It can close your business for weeks. Check whether you have business interruption cover, and whether it applies when access to your premises is blocked, or when power or supply chains are affected even though your building isn’t damaged.

Review your business insurance and commercial property insurance, and read our small business risk management strategies for building a continuity plan.

Prepare Your Property to Reduce Damage

Insurers generally expect you to take reasonable care of your property. Many policies don’t cover damage caused by poor maintenance, wear and tear, or gradual deterioration. Before the season:

• Clean gutters and downpipes
• Trim trees and branches near the house and power lines
• Check roof sheeting, screws and flashing
• Repair loose fencing
• Identify outdoor items that need to be tied down or brought inside
• Check that windows and doors seal properly

Keeping receipts or photos of this maintenance can help if an insurer later questions the condition of your property.

When a Cyclone Is Approaching

• Save your insurer’s claims number and your policy number in your phone
• Keep a printed or offline copy of your policy documents
• Secure outdoor furniture, bins and loose items
• Move vehicles under cover or away from trees where safe
• Follow official advice from the Bureau of Meteorology and local emergency services

Your safety always comes first. Never take risks to protect property.

After the Cyclone: How to Make a Claim

Make it safe first

Stay away from fallen power lines and damaged structures. Only enter your property once it’s safe.

Document everything

Before cleaning up, photograph and video all damage, inside and out. Don’t throw away damaged items until your insurer or assessor confirms you can. If items must be removed for health reasons, photograph them first and keep a sample where possible.

Prevent further damage

Most policies expect you to take reasonable steps to stop damage getting worse, such as placing a tarp over a damaged roof or arranging emergency repairs. Keep all receipts.

Watch for water damage and mould

In Townsville’s tropical climate, wet materials can begin growing mould within 24 to 48 hours. Carpets, plasterboard, insulation and cabinetry soaked by rainwater can create ongoing problems if not dried quickly.

Many policies only cover mould when it results directly from an insured event, such as a storm, and not when it develops from long-term moisture or delayed action. Report water damage promptly and record how you dried the property, including dates, photos and any equipment used.

Lodge your claim early

After a major cyclone, insurers receive thousands of claims. Lodging early helps get your claim into the queue. Provide as much detail as possible.

Use your broker

One of the biggest advantages of using an insurance broker is support at claim time. Your broker can help you lodge the claim, liaise with the insurer and follow up on progress.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is cyclone season in Townsville?

Cyclone season in North Queensland officially runs from 1 November to 30 April, although severe weather can occur outside these dates.

Can I take out home insurance when a cyclone is coming?

Generally no. Insurers usually place embargoes on new policies and cover increases once a cyclone watch or warning is issued for the area. Arrange or update your cover well before the season starts.

Does home insurance cover cyclone damage?

Most home insurance policies cover storm damage, including wind and rain damage caused by a cyclone. However, flood, storm surge and actions of the sea may be treated differently or excluded. Always check your PDS.

Does home insurance cover mould after a storm?

It depends on your policy. Mould may be covered if it results directly from an insured event, such as storm damage, but is often excluded if it comes from gradual leaks, poor ventilation or a delay in addressing water damage.

Is my car covered for cyclone damage?

Comprehensive car insurance generally covers storm and flood damage, but third-party policies usually do not. Check your motor policy.

How can a broker help during cyclone season?

A broker can review your existing cover, identify gaps, compare options from multiple insurers, and support you through the claims process if the worst happens.

Get Your Insurance Cyclone-Ready

Cyclone season is just weeks away. A quick review now could save you thousands later.

At Townsville Insurance Brokers, we’re locals. We understand North Queensland’s weather risks and can help you review your home insurance, landlord, strata, business, boat and caravan cover before the season begins.

Call 1300 270 772 or request a free quote today. You can also learn more about our team.

General Advice Warning: Any advice provided is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. You should consider whether it is appropriate for you and read the relevant Product Disclosure Statement/Policy Wording before making any decision.

‍