Make insurance part of your winter planning

As summer turns to autumn and the promise of winter becomes more real, many homeowners set about getting their properties ready for the colder months of the year.

After all, rain and wind call for a lot more planning than clear blue skies. Whether it's cleaning out rain gutters, resealing doors and windows or adding insulation to a home to keep it nice and toasty, there's no shortage of ways for property owners to winterise their real estate.

However, one factor that shouldn't get lost in the shuffle is how important insurance can be during this time of year.

Weather can cause millions of dollars in property damage each and every year. That tree in your front yard? Extreme wind could see it finding a new home on top of your car.

While you may not be able to control Mother Nature, you can make sure you're properly protected, which makes this the perfect time of year to evaluate your current insurance policies and make sure you have what you need.

Proper home and contents cover will likely be your primary focus. You'll want to make sure you can count on compensation in the case of damage caused by storms and rainwater, as well as things like falling trees.

Flood cover is also part of home and contents policies, so you can have peace of mind knowing your property will be taken care of, should flooding occur.

Winter conditions aren't just a danger to homes, as vehicles and businesses can also fall victim to wet roads and extreme weather. While you're at it, why not take a look at your motor vehicle cover and business insurance options as well?