The holiday habit that’s plummeted from 53% to 12% in a year: Are you guilty?
Key takeaways
- According to recent research from Allianz, only 12% of Australians set their home alarm before going on holiday, down from 53% in 2025.
- More than half (55%) have noticed a problem with their home in the past 12 months that they still haven't fixed, from mold to overhanging branches.
- What's next: Tackle small maintenance jobs, secure your home before you head away, and check your home and contents policy before storm season hits.
Summer holidays are all about switching off. Apparently, that now includes the home alarm.
According to new research from Allianz, just 12% of Australians say they set their home alarm before leaving for a holiday, down from 53% in 2025.
That's a big drop, especially when you consider the fact that theft and burglary claims accounted for $6.53 million of claims over last summer alone.
It's not just the alarm we're skipping
More than half of Australians (55%) say they've noticed a problem with their home in the past 12 months that they still haven't fixed.
The most common culprits were:
- Damp or mould (19%)
- Overhanging branches or weakened trees (18%)
- Damaged fences (17%)
Money, or lack thereof, was part of the problem as to why homeowners are letting repairs slip, with 20% saying they can't afford preventative maintenance.
The problem is, home insurance typically doesn't cover damage caused by wear and tear or poor maintenance.
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Storms remain the biggest threat to homeowners during summer
Allianz recorded $224.28 million in home and contents claims over summer 2025/26.
Storms were the biggest driver at $107.07 million, followed by fire ($45.86 million) and burst pipes ($35.67 million).
"Severe weather can develop quickly, regardless of the seasonal outlook," said Craig McIntosh, meteorologist at Allianz Australia.
"Australians should monitor local Bureau of Meteorology forecasts and warnings, and take practical steps now to prepare for the risks in their area."
Your reminder to check your cover before you head off
Before you head away, take a few minutes to check your home and contents policy.
Make sure your sum insured is up to date and that you know what's covered if a storm hits while you're gone.
If it's not up to scratch, you can compare home insurance policies before storm season really kicks in.
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