Brisbane-based insurer Suncorp is encouraging Queensland customers to “build back better” after releasing information on household claims it has dealt with over the past five years.

It says more than 136,390 claims were lodged by Suncorp customers in Queensland during the past five years following natural hazard events.

Queensland experienced more than 40 natural hazards over the period.

Suncorp research found that living near trees and powerlines is the top concern for Queensland homeowners. This is followed by concerns about living in high wind areas, uncleared leaves in guttering, worn and damaged roofs, flimsy windows and doors, and poor-condition cladding.

The insurer is now calling on Queensland homeowners who are customers to build stronger homes after an insurance claim. Its Build it Back Better initiative provides up to $10,000 to eligible customers to help improve resilience to natural hazards, water damage, fire and theft.

Build it Back Better allows Suncorp customers who make an eligible claim to make simple measures such as installing cyclone shutters or metal roller blinds, draught-stoppers and gutter guards which prevent water, wind and fire from getting inside a home.

Other options are swapping carpet for tiles or raising air-conditioning units, hot water systems and pool pumps.

More than half of Queensland homeowners admit they haven’t thought about how to protect their homes from significant weather events. Cost, time and having other priorities were identified as barriers to taking action.

“With this new product feature we’re offering our customers the chance to build their homes back better – strengthening and better protecting themselves from natural disasters,” Suncorp Head of Insurance Paige Vincent said.