Originally published: Insurance Business, 15 May 2026
Insurance Australia Group (IAG) has told customers in New South Wales and southern Queensland to prepare their homes and prioritise personal safety as a slow-moving weather system brings heavy rain to parts of eastern Australia. The message applies across IAG’s brands: NRMA Insurance, CGU, WFI Insurance, ROLLiN’, and RACQ Insurance.
What the weather system is doing
IAG meteorologist Kathryn Turner said the system is pulling ocean moisture inland, sustaining rainfall and generating storms and large swells. Turner put the expected rainfall range at 20 to 150 millimetres across inland NSW and southern Queensland, with coastal areas also in the path of the system.
How water gets into homes
IAG executive manager property fulfilment Scott Lindsay said water entering a building is a recurring problem during extended wet spells. He identified cracked roof tiles, blocked or overflowing gutters, and gaps around window frames as the typical entry points, and said the consequences can extend beyond surface-level damage. “Water is a powerful force, and once it enters your home it can cause significant damage to walls, ceilings, and even the structural integrity of a building,” Lindsay said.
Lindsay said customers who can do so safely should clear gutters, downpipes, and drains before conditions worsen and keep windows and doors shut. He pointed to wind-driven rain as a frequent source of damage that can be avoided with basic precautions. Where water damage has already occurred, Lindsay said delayed action compounds the problem, leading to mould growth, persistent odour, and structural issues such as warping. “When water damage is left untreated, it can cause long term problems such as mould, odour, and structural damage including warping. If you have been impacted, contact your insurer as soon as possible,” he said.
Consumer research conducted by Pureprofile on behalf of NRMA Insurance across February and March 2026, among 3,012 Australians, found that 46% are more concerned about weather-related property damage than they were five years ago. A separate finding showed 41% factor a property’s exposure to wild weather into purchasing decisions. The proportion of Australians with an emergency plan in place rose from 36% to 42% over the same five-year period, and 38% said they intend to take more preparation steps going forward.
