Despite last year's unprecedented bushfires, millions of Australians are not taking measures to protect their homes, according to new research.

A new Finder survey shows that 51 per cent of respondents living in regional areas, which are often at much greater risk, are not prepared for the bushfire season.

Insurance Council of Australia data shows last year's bushfire season cost insurers $13.5 billion in claims, making it one of the most costly in Australian history.

Kate Browne, personal finance expert at Finder, says that while it's looking as if the bushfire conditions won't be as bad as last year, it's risky to be complacent.

"If you live in regional Australia - or in an area prone to bushfires - now is the time to prepare," she says.

One the flip side, 49 per cent of regional Australians are taking measures to protect their homes.

Of these people, more than one in four (28 per cent) are cleaning up their gardens and removing dry leaf matter. More than one in five (23 per cent) have an evacuation plan, and one in 10 (9 per cent) have purchased such items as fire blankets and extinguishers.

"Make your property as fire safe as possible. Small changes - such as cutting back the trees on your property - can make a big difference," Ms Browne says.

"Get your evacuation plan in order, clean up your garden and invest in fire protective gear such as longer hoses and fire blankets."