Queensland’s bad weather has created more than $1.4 billion in home insurance bills since October, with homebuyers feeling the pressure of rising costs.
Despite living on an acreage, homeowner Jo Southon has lived in her shed for the better part of four years.
After buying his Moreton Bay home in Ocean View in 2014, a brutal hailstorm three years later damaged his house until it was slowly rendered unlivable.
Jo Southon is one of many Queenslanders whose home was made unlivable by the severe weather event. Photo: Lachie Millard
“The house collapsed,” said Ms. Southon. “The floors fell, the roof washed away … I had to take my children out, because it was too dangerous for them.”
“I lost everything I had. I had to throw everything away … I didn’t think I would survive it.”
The Insurance Council of Australia has reported claims worth more than $1.41 billion since the start of the latest rainy season, due to two major storms affecting homes across Queensland.
Insurers reported 105,000 claims in the past three months due to the two hurricanes.
The late October spring storms that hit South-East Queensland resulted in 35,000 claims, amounting to $601 million made.
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105,000 claims have been made since October 2025 as a result of the storms across Queensland, costing $1.41 billion in claims. Credit: Daniel Wilson/Facebook
Meanwhile, in late November the storms and hail that hit the whole of Queensland, particularly on the north side, saw a massive 70,200 claims amounting to $814m in costs.
A Council spokesperson said premiums have increased across the country due to rising maintenance costs, development in high-risk areas, inflation and rising house prices.
“Home insurance is there to protect your most valuable asset in case the unexpected happens,” they said. “When taking out home and contents insurance, policyholders are encouraged to shop around to find the right policy that fits their needs … for your home and the risks you’re exposed to.”
Home insurance costs are rising due to factors such as rising maintenance costs and the growing number of homes. Image: Handout/Queensland Premier’s Office/AFP
It is understood that Ms Southon was unable to cover the cost of the repairs to her home on her own, and had a lengthy legal battle with her insurance company over the money.
When he finally received compensation in 2024, the house was already considered uninhabitable, and needed to be completely demolished and rebuilt.
“I have four dogs, I have a goose, ducks, horses,” she said. “I couldn’t just leave the place and go somewhere, so the only thing I could do was make the shed stay with me, and go into the shed. That’s where I’m still living now, in the shed.”
Ms Southon’s daughters Jazmine and Taylah could not stay in the old house. It took a long time to fight with the family’s old insurance companies before they were able to buy the new building. Photo: Lachie Millard
Ms. Southon said the seven-year ordeal with her home made her angry, and she has trouble thinking who she can trust to build her home after a long and difficult experience.
But during a short vacation to the Gold Coast, he crossed paths with construction company GJ Gardner Homes at a sales conference.
Before long, he was negotiating with the Brisbane Outer North franchise, along with its owner Chris McNeil.
“They not only earned my trust, but they gave me hope to continue,” said Ms. Southon. “Some builders said they could fix it … and I felt like they were looking at me with dollar signs.”
A house design from GJ Gardner Homes, who stepped in to help build Ms. Southon a new home in the area’s climate-resistant area.
Ms. Southon said she is comfortable working with builders who are open about their plans, who show her how they work and listen to what she wants from a new building.
“My whole life, I always wanted to live on an acreage,” he said. “The house was perfect for me and my girls.”
“It’s a very special piece of land, and it’s worth what we’re getting … it’s worth the house we’re building.”
Her new house is now under construction, due to be completed in the first quarter of 2026 – when Ms Southon will be able to leave her shed and return to a real home.
