Homeowners vs. Extreme Weather: Year-Over-Year Trends [2025]

Waterfront houses surrounded by palm trees and storm clouds overhead.

As billion-dollar storms, floods, and wildfires become a staple of every season, extreme weather is no longer an outlier—it’s a defining challenge of modern homeownership. And yet, despite the mounting risks, many homeowners aren’t taking steps to prepare.

Our 2025 Extreme Weather Survey reveals a critical gap between rising climate threats and stagnant preparedness behaviors. By comparing year-over-year data with our 2024 Severe Weather Prep Report, we uncover key insights into how homeowners are adapting in the face of growing environmental volatility.

Key takeaways

  • Preventative upgrades are slipping: Just 33% of homeowners made home improvements to reduce severe weather risks, down from 39% in 2024.
  • Cost is a major roadblock: 21% of homeowners say cost is the main reason they haven’t made climate-related upgrades. Meanwhile, urgent repairs are taking priority: 46% spent over $5,000 on unexpected fixes in 2024, up from 36% the year prior.
  • Flood risk awareness is low: Nearly half (47%) of homeowners haven’t explored tools like FEMA flood maps, and 21% are unaware they even exist. This is alarming, given that over 53 million Americans live in flood-risk zones.
  • Climate concerns are reshaping home buying: While 73% of homeowners had regrets about their home purchase in 2024—often tied to surprise maintenance costs—more than half (54%) now list climate risk as a top factor when shopping for a home.

Homeowner preparedness stalls despite rising weather threats

Despite a record-setting year of billion-dollar disasters, homeowner readiness for extreme weather remains flat on average—raising concerns about a widening gap between risk and response.

In 2025, only 33% of homeowners reported taking proactive steps like trimming trees or reinforcing windows to reduce storm damage, down from 39% the year prior. The number of homeowners who reviewed their insurance policies also declined slightly (30%, down from 32%), as did those building emergency funds (22% in 2024 vs. 19% in 2025).

While the annual Hippo Housepower Report found that 42% of homeowners engage in some form of home protection, this broader measure includes general upkeep—not just weather-specific precautions. The new survey narrows in on climate-related preparedness, painting a more urgent picture: most homeowners are still underprepared as climate risks intensify.

That risk is real. In 2024, the U.S. experienced 27 billion-dollar weather events, and 42% of homeowners reported increased flood exposure. Without a shift toward more proactive behaviors, the cost of inaction may continue to rise.
A graphic illustrates the percentage of homeowners who have made efforts to prepare for severe weather damage to their homes
A graphic illustrates the percentage of homeowners who have made efforts to prepare for severe weather damage to their homes

Cost remains a major barrier to climate preparedness

Despite growing climate threats, many homeowners delay taking action—often because they simply can’t afford to. 1 in 5 homeowners say cost is the top barrier to making climate-related home improvements, while 13% admit they won’t invest in upgrades until after their home has been damaged by severe weather. 

Our 2024 Financial Goals Report suggests that financial strain and uncertainty drive this inaction. Rising insurance costs, inflation’s toll on savings, and a lack of clear guidance on which improvements offer the best protection may all be slowing down preparedness. 

Adding pressure, the cost of unplanned repairs is climbing. According to our 2025 Housepower Report, 46% of homeowners spent more than $5,000 on surprise fixes in 2024, up from 36% in 2023. This reactive spending underscores the growing financial burden facing homeowners as severe weather becomes more frequent and costly.
A graphic highlights the top barriers preventing homeowners from making climate-related upgrades to protect their homes
A graphic highlights the top barriers preventing homeowners from making climate-related upgrades to protect their homes

Bridging the awareness gap for effective preparedness

More than 53 million Americans live in high flood risk areas—yet nearly half of homeowners (47%) have never used tools like FEMA flood maps to assess their vulnerability. Even more concerning, 21% are completely unaware that these free resources exist. 
A graphic reveals the percentage of homeowners using FEMA flood maps to understand their home’s risk of flood damage
A graphic reveals the percentage of homeowners using FEMA flood maps to understand their home’s risk of flood damage
This knowledge gap undermines preparedness. An additional 10% of homeowners say they are uncertain which home upgrades are necessary, and 9% question whether those improvements would make a real difference.

But even small, budget-friendly actions can go a long way. In 2025, 33% of homeowners took proactive steps like trimming trees, reinforcing windows, or checking drainage, and 27% invested time in learning DIY home maintenance skills. 

Resources such as FEMA flood maps, the National Weather Service's Storm Prediction Center, and the U.S. Geological Survey offer homeowners critical insights into local flood, storm, and seismic risks, yet too few are taking advantage of them.

As extreme weather intensifies—highlighted by Hurricane Idalia’s storm surge, record-breaking wildfires in Maui and California, and devastating floods across the Northeast—clear guidance and access to simple, affordable solutions are more important than ever. Reinforcing doors and windows, using weather-resistant seals, and installing sump pumps can help homeowners protect what matters most.

Homebuyers weigh climate risk against affordability

As climate risks rise, homeowners are increasingly factoring them into their decisions—but affordability still dominates. According to our survey, 22% of respondents say price and affordability outweigh all climate factors when purchasing a home. 

Still, over half of potential homebuyers (54%) rank various climate factors among their top considerations. Key climate-related factors include:

  • Low risk of severe weather events: 21%
  • Energy efficiency and sustainability features: 14%
  • Climate-resilient home design: 12%
  • Access to a climate-resilient community or Homeowners Association: 7%

When asked to identify the single-most important climate factor, 1 in 5 respondents pointed to low severe weather risk, reflecting a shift in how U.S. homeowners evaluate home value amid environmental uncertainty.  
A chart reveals how homeowners rank the top climate factors they consider when buying a home
A chart reveals how homeowners rank the top climate factors they consider when buying a home

Insurance plays a critical role in climate resilience 

As climate risks grow, homeowners recognize the critical role of insurance as a frontline financial defense against severe weather. 


Our 2025 survey found that 30% of homeowners reviewed their insurance policies within the past year, specifically to assess coverage for severe weather events. Additionally, 15% reviewed or purchased additional insurance coverage, and 18% contributed to their emergency funds, pointing to a broader trend of financial preparedness.


These shifts signal that insurance is top of mind for homeowners as a financial safety net. In an era of rising flood zones, stronger storms, and unpredictable seasons, working with an insurance agency or provider that offers personalized coverage is more important than ever.


Equally essential is access to expert guidance on preventative measures that can reduce potential damage before a storm hits. Finding the right insurance provider can provide peace of mind and serve as a partner when it matters most. Our team at Hippo is here to help.

Steps to help protect your home from extreme weather

You don’t need a massive budget to boost your home’s resilience. With climate risks on the rise, even small, proactive steps can help prevent costly surprises and keep your property protected.


Start with the basics:

  • Regularly clear gutters and downspouts to prevent water damage.
  • Seal windows and doors to block drafts and leaks.
  • Schedule a professional roof inspection to catch issues early.


Manage water wisely:

  • Improve drainage by regrading your yard.
  • Extend downspouts away from the foundation to prevent water leaks.


Make smart landscaping choices:

  • Plant native, drought-resistant vegetation.
  • Trim trees and shrubs to help minimize fire and storm damage.


Invest in financial planning:

  • Invest in an emergency fund for unexpected repair costs.
  • Review your homeowners insurance coverage for severe weather events annually.
  • Consider flood insurance if you live in or near a high-risk area.


Be informed and prepared:

  • Learn about local hazards in your area using tools from FEMA, the Red Cross, and your local government. 
  • Stay ahead of seasonal weather by completing seasonal maintenance.


Proactive protection starts with a plan—and the right tools. The Hippo Home app gives you personalized checklists, helpful reminders, and DIY guides to stay ahead of the storm. 

Methodology

This survey was conducted by SurveyMonkey Audience for Hippo Insurance Services. The survey was fielded between February 20, 2025, and February 21, 2025. The results are based on 2,015 completed surveys. In order to qualify, respondents were screened to be residents of the United States, over 18 years of age, and own a home. Data is unweighted, and the margin of error is approximately +/-2% for the overall sample with a 95% confidence level.

This article is for informational purposes only and was compiled from sources not affiliated with Hippo. While we believe this information to be reliable, we do not guarantee its accuracy or completeness. The maintenance tips provided reflect general homeowner guidelines and are not professional advice. For any insurance-related decision, please consult your licensed insurance producer.

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References to “Hippo” mean Hippo Analytics Inc. d/b/a “Hippo Insurance Services” which is an insurance agency licensed in 50 states (California Lic. No. 0K96532, Texas Lic. No.2213178) that is domiciled in Delaware and has a principal place of business in California. Hippo sells property and casualty lines of insurance for affiliated and non-affiliated insurance carriers and other underwriting entities (“insurers”). Hippo receives compensation from insurers in the form of a base commission that is normally based on a predetermined percentage of the premium. You may contact Hippo for more information about compensation expected to be received by Hippo. Nothing on this site alters the terms or conditions of any insurance policy. Coverage and coverage amounts selected are the decision of the buyer. Availability and qualification for coverage, terms, rates, and discounts are subject to the insurer’s underwriting criteria, and may not be available in all states. Please read your policy for a complete description of coverage.