Allianz has urged homeowners to avoid complacency around property maintenance after it received 78,000 more non-catastrophe claims last year than in 2023.  

The insurer’s Home Care Report finds about 40% of homeowners have a “set and forget” approach to maintenance, with upkeep done either irregularly or not at all.    

A further 16% do maintenance work only when they remember to, while 12% do it when prompted by someone else.  

About half of the insurer’s research respondents “deal with issues as they arise”, and 42% cite cost as their reason for delaying maintenance tasks.    

However, 94% of surveyed homeowners recognise the risk of neglecting maintenance, and 89% agree it is “worth the investment”.

Allianz warns against a “reactive mindset”, noting many of the 19,000 claims it received relating to burst pipes and water damage could have been “avoided with basic maintenance”.  

“Small, regular checks can help to prevent the most common and disruptive claims we see, especially water issues,” Allianz chief GM for consumer Shez Ford said.  

Allianz says it will continue investing in its Home Health Check service following positive feedback from customers.    

In the program’s trial run, the insurer visited more than 200 homes and inspected 1948 flexi-hoses, replacing 369 that were deemed risky.

“Through initiatives like our Home Care Report and Home Health Check program, we’re offering practical guidance that may help homeowners prevent costly damage, and improve the maintenance of their homes,” Ms Ford said.