Insurers Facing New Challenges After Flood Inquiry Concludes

The information on this website is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Consider seeking personal advice from a licensed adviser before acting on any information.

The federal inquiry examining the insurance industry's response to the devastating 2022 floods has come to a close after six intense months of hearings.

The final report is anticipated by October 18, promising significant recommendations.

Recent sessions have highlighted the profound consequences potential adjustments to construction standards could have on how insurers assess and manage flood risks. Hydrologists also provided valuable insights into the complexities of their decision-making processes during these events.

Commenced on January 31, the inquiry has been a platform for various stakeholders, including consumer advocates, regulatory bodies, insurance companies, and communities directly affected by the floods, to voice their concerns and experiences.

Participants have underscored the need for improved expert assessments, enhanced complaint resolution mechanisms, and strategies to address the growing issue of affordability in flood-prone regions. These elements are poised to be key focus areas in the forthcoming set of recommendations.

According to insights gathered from the original article, the industry's anticipation centers around the proposed reforms and how they could reshape the landscape of flood risk management and insurance practices.

Overall, the inquiry is expected to prompt a comprehensive evaluation and overhauls in several domains:

Stringent evaluation criteria for ensuring building codes align with current flood risk analyses.
Streamlined and more accessible complaint handling processes for consumers.
Strategies to enhance the affordability and accessibility of insurance in high-risk areas.

The permanent transformation of these aspects intends to mitigate future risks and assures that communities can recover more swiftly from such catastrophic events.

Published:Thursday, 8th Aug 2024
Source: Paige Estritori

Please Note: If this information affects you, seek advice from a licensed professional.

Share this news item:

Insurance News

Call for Enhanced Support for Indigenous Insurance Customers

09 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori

The Life Code Compliance Committee has identified significant gaps in support for Indigenous customers within the insurance sector, following an audit of three major insurers representing two-thirds of the market. The analysis reveals that these insurers lack adequate procedures for safe self-identification, a critical step towards ensuring cultural inclusivity and accessibility. - read more

Australian Insurtech Startups: Pioneering the Future of Insurance

09 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori

The Australian insurtech sector is experiencing significant growth, with startups introducing innovative solutions that enhance efficiency, security, and customer engagement within the insurance industry. A recent report titled 'Insurtech Down Under: Trends, Tech and Triumphs' highlights the pivotal role these companies play in reshaping the market. - read more

Australian Insurers Address Surge in Mental Health Claims

09 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori

The Australian insurance industry is facing unprecedented challenges due to a significant rise in mental health-related claims. The Council of Australian Life Insurers reports that mental health has become the leading cause of total and permanent disability claims, accounting for nearly one in three payouts. - read more

Calls for Overhaul in Australian Insurance Claims Handling Processes

09 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori

Australian consumer advocacy groups are intensifying their calls for substantial reforms in the insurance industry's claims handling processes. The Australian Consumers Insurance Lobby (ACIL) has criticised the current system, highlighting ongoing issues that compromise consumer outcomes. - read more