PERILS raises October Australia east coast SCS losses 37% to A$1.512bn

Catastrophe data aggregator PERILS has updated its estimate of insurance industry losses from the severe convective storms (SCS) that struck Australia’s East Coast in late October, lifting the total almost 37% to AU $1.512 billion (approx US $1.05bn).

PERILS came out with its initial insurance industry loss estimate for these severe convective storms back in December, putting the total at AU $1.108 billion.

With claims having continued to be filed, the total has risen meaningfully now, increasing 37% to AU $1.512 billion for the second industry loss estimate.

The loss estimate is based on data gathered from impacted insurers, including losses from property and motor hull lines of business.

Darryl Pidcock, Head of Asia Pacific & Cyber at PERILS, stated, “Australia experienced two episodes of SCS activity in the spring of 2025. The first one in late October, the second in late November. Together, insurance losses from these two episodes add up to more than AUD 4 billion.

“This is a significant amount and given the observed increase in the October event, which is entirely driven by increases in loss estimates provided by participating insurers, these losses have the potential to grow further.

“SCS events can involve a tumultuous mixture of loss-driving causes. Hail, high winds, flying debris and overblown trees, coupled with super-intense precipitation can act simultaneously and contribute to damage to properties and cars. Loss estimations for SCS events are therefore rather demanding, even more so given the fact that the vulnerability of insured risk is changing with new cladding and roofing materials being used and more solar panels being installed.”

Back in late October 2025, the Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) declared the hailstorm that impacted the wider Brisbane region on October 26th a significant event, as the east coast of Australia experienced an extended duration of SCS activity until November 1st.

Australia experienced further severe weather losses in November which PERILS had initially estimated at AU $2.663 billion.

The severe and convective weather related losses have driven some reinsurance recoveries for the major Australian insurers.