‘A Storm Every Eight Days’: Insurance Claims Triple Amid Rising Severe Weather Events

Insurance claims from storm damage in New Zealand have surged to unprecedented levels, with the country’s largest insurer reporting more than a tripling of claims over the past year due to an average of one severe weather event every eight days.

According to data from IAG’s Wild Weather Tracker, there were 46 storms recorded between March 2025 and the end of February 2026, resulting in over 33,000 storm-related insurance claims covering rain, flood, wind and other damage. This represents a 256% increase compared to the prior year, when 9,324 claims were filed from 29 storms.

The most damaging single event was the October 2025 storm in Southland, where ferocious winds toppled trees and power lines, leaving many homes without electricity for days and prompting a state of emergency declaration for the region.

IAG climate spokesperson Bryce Davies noted that over 15 years of tracking, damaging weather events driven by strong winds or intense rainfall have increased from about one per month to three or four per month, reflecting a clear shift in climate patterns with more severe storms occurring in spring and summer months.

The surge in claims has prompted IAG to call for a systemic national response to climate-related risks, citing growing public awareness and demand for action. A nationwide survey commissioned alongside the weather tracker showed that the number of New Zealanders who have taken steps to protect their homes against natural hazards has doubled since 2022, rising from 40% to 80% of respondents.

Despite increased individual preparedness, nearly 60% of survey respondents reported experiencing storm-related anxiety, and 75% expressed support for greater investment in climate risk management and resilience infrastructure.

More than 5,000 claims were lodged with AMI, State and NZI — the three insurance brands underwritten by IAG — highlighting the broad impact across the insurer’s portfolio. The company emphasized that rising losses are driven not only by more frequent and severe weather but also by non-weather factors such as population growth in high-risk areas and increased construction costs.