Suncorp has joined forces with James Cook University to study what makes houses resilient to cyclone damage.

A company spokesman told insuranceNEWS.com.au the project’s scope is still being determined “but the aim is to help both us and our customers determine exactly how resilient their properties are to cyclone, and ultimately what steps can be taken to bring down the cost of insurance in cyclone-prone areas”.

James Cook’s Cyclone Testing Station in Townsville has previously studied how garage roller doors and solar panels cope in cyclones and how home inspections can identify hidden hazards, such as loose roofing nails, that increase vulnerability.