Storms, floods and fires have accounted for more than 78% of school property insurance claims over the past decade, according to data from QBE.

The figures feature in the insurer’s Safeguarding Australian Schools report examining challenges and mitigation efforts required in the sector.

“A series of severe weather systems driven by record-breaking La Nina rain events coupled with dry El Nino weather patterns have impacted our schools by damaging classrooms, destroying sports grounds and impairing key infrastructure,” QBE Australia Pacific commercial GM Pat Priest said.

February is the most damaging month, accounting for more than one-quarter of all claims lodged, and 2022 was the most expensive year, with nearly $40 million paid to schools by QBE alone.

Queensland has the highest average claim, followed by Tasmania and NT, while NSW has produced the highest number of claims.

Ms Priest says schools must ensure they have resilience measures in place and regularly check on property maintenance.

“We know extreme weather events are increasing in severity and frequency, so it’s important for schools to get proactive with their maintenance, with many storm-related claims potentially avoided through routine upkeep such as clearing gutters and drains,” Ms Priest said. 

“The true extent of the severe weather isn’t realised in many instances until teachers and students head back to school after the summer break to discover leaking roofs, damaged carpets, equipment failures and maintenance issues that have been left unattended over the holidays.”