Growing concern at extreme weather has not spurred Australians to take actions such as putting disaster response plans in place, Allianz says in a report.

About 56% of more than 1000 people surveyed say they are more concerned about weather-related risks than they were five years ago.

However, 75% do not have a severe weather or bushfire plan ready; only 18% check weather forecasts or prepare their property if severe weather is expected; and 55% have identified a home maintenance or safety issue in the past 12 months that remains unresolved.

“This disconnect between concern and preparation suggests many Australians understand the risks in principle but have not yet taken practical steps to prepare for them,” Allianz said.

The insurer released its Risk Report today, with summer less than a month away.

“With forecasts pointing to a warmer than usual summer and an increased risk of severe weather, now is the time to prepare our homes and cars,” chief GM consumer Shez Ford said.

“Our research shows that simple maintenance issues can still cause significant disruption.”

According to the report, Allianz recorded more than $385 million of home and car claims last summer – $224.28 million for home and contents, and $161.04 million for car cover.

Storms ($107.07 million), fire ($45.86 million) and burst pipes ($35.67 million) were key drivers of home insurance claims.

See the report here.