Farm Insurance Australia :: News
SHARE

Share this news item!

Insurers Facing New Challenges After Flood Inquiry Concludes

Insurers Facing New Challenges After Flood Inquiry Concludes

Insurers Facing New Challenges After Flood Inquiry Concludes?w=400

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:

  1. Stringent evaluation criteria for ensuring building codes align with current flood risk analyses.
  2. Streamlined and more accessible complaint handling processes for consumers.
  3. 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

Suncorp Reaches Maximum Reinsurance Retention Following Severe Storms in Queensland and NSW
Suncorp Reaches Maximum Reinsurance Retention Following Severe Storms in Queensland and NSW
11 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori
Recent supercell thunderstorms in South East Queensland and northern New South Wales have led to a surge in insurance claims, prompting Suncorp to reach its maximum reinsurance retention of $350 million. The insurer has reported over 10,000 claims related to these events, with approximately half pertaining to home damages and the other half to motor vehicles. - read more
NTARC Report Identifies Inattention and Speed as Primary Factors in Major Truck Crashes
NTARC Report Identifies Inattention and Speed as Primary Factors in Major Truck Crashes
11 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori
The National Truck Accident Research Centre (NTARC) has released its latest Major Incident Investigation Report, highlighting inattention, distraction, and inappropriate speed as the most frequent human factors behind major truck crashes in Australia. While there has been a modest reduction in these incidents compared to previous years, they continue to pose significant risks to road safety. - read more
Rising Mental Health Claims Reshape Australia's Insurance Landscape
Rising Mental Health Claims Reshape Australia's Insurance Landscape
10 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori
The Australian insurance industry is witnessing a significant shift as mental health conditions have become the leading cause of total and permanent disability (TPD) claims. Recent data from the Council of Australian Life Insurers (CALI) indicates that mental health issues now account for nearly one-third of all TPD claims, marking a substantial change in the industry's claim patterns. - read more
Australian General Insurers Achieve $6 Billion Profit Amid Fewer Natural Disasters
Australian General Insurers Achieve $6 Billion Profit Amid Fewer Natural Disasters
10 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori
In a remarkable turnaround, Australian general insurers have reported a combined profit of $6.1 billion over the past year. This substantial increase is attributed to a period of relative calm in natural catastrophes and robust investment returns. - read more
Australian Life Insurers Under Review for Mental Health Exclusion Practices
Australian Life Insurers Under Review for Mental Health Exclusion Practices
10 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori
Recent findings have revealed that certain Australian life insurers continue to implement blanket exclusions for mental health conditions, a practice that contravenes the industry's code of practice. This has raised significant concerns about the fairness and legality of such exclusions. - read more
Marinex Underwriting Sets Sail in Australian Marine Insurance Market
Marinex Underwriting Sets Sail in Australian Marine Insurance Market
10 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori
In a significant development for Australia's marine insurance sector, Rhodian Group has announced the launch of Marinex Underwriting, a specialised agency dedicated to addressing the complex insurance needs of the marine industry. This initiative marks Rhodian's third agency launch, following the establishment of Halo Underwriting and Batch Underwriting in previous years. - read more
Markel Insurance Strengthens Australian Presence with New Marine Leadership
Markel Insurance Strengthens Australian Presence with New Marine Leadership
10 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori
Markel Insurance has announced the appointment of Tim Wills as Head of Marine for Australia, signalling the company's strategic expansion into the Australian marine insurance market. Based in Sydney, Wills will spearhead the launch of Markel's marine products in the region, beginning with marine cargo insurance. - read more
GT Insurance Provides Flexible Solutions Amid Global Trade Shifts
GT Insurance Provides Flexible Solutions Amid Global Trade Shifts
10 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori
As global trade dynamics undergo significant shifts, GT Insurance is reaffirming its commitment to supporting marine clients navigating these challenges. The recent imposition of US tariffs-25% on Australian steel and aluminium, and 10% on other exported goods-has introduced new uncertainties for local exporters, particularly in sectors like beef and bulk freight. These tariffs, effective from April 5, 2025, have prompted concerns about declining export volumes and reduced freight margins. - read more
QBE Insurance Faces Market Challenges as Premium Growth Slows
QBE Insurance Faces Market Challenges as Premium Growth Slows
10 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori
QBE Insurance Group, Australia's largest insurer by market value, recently experienced a significant decline in its share price, reaching a seven-month low. This downturn is primarily attributed to a noticeable slowdown in the company's premium rate growth during the third quarter of the 2025 fiscal year. - read more
Surge in Profits for Australian Insurers Amid Rising Premiums
Surge in Profits for Australian Insurers Amid Rising Premiums
10 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori
In 2024, Australia's insurance industry reported a collective after-tax profit of $6.1 billion, a significant increase from the five-year average of $2 billion. This surge is attributed to substantial premium hikes and a relatively quiet year for natural disasters. - read more


Farm Insurance Articles

Future-Proofing the Farm: What Every Tech-Savvy Australian Farmer Needs to Know About Insurance
Future-Proofing the Farm: What Every Tech-Savvy Australian Farmer Needs to Know About Insurance
Welcome to the first steps in future-proofing your farming legacy. When we think about the hustle and bustle of daily farm life, it's easy to overlook the critical importance of estate planning. For the Australian farmer, estate planning is not just a matter of securing your assets; it's about ensuring the survival and progression of your hard-earned labour to the next generation. - read more
Understanding Farm Equipment Insurance: A Breakdown for Australian Farmers
Understanding Farm Equipment Insurance: A Breakdown for Australian Farmers
In the dynamic world of Australian agriculture, farm equipment plays a crucial role in the day-to-day operations of farms. From tractors to harvesters, having the right machinery means managing your farm more efficiently. However, the high value of this equipment makes it essential to protect it adequately through insurance. - read more
How to Safeguard Your Farm: A Guide for Australian Farmers
How to Safeguard Your Farm: A Guide for Australian Farmers
Farming is inherently risky. With factors like weather, pests, and market fluctuations affecting crops, it's crucial to manage these risks effectively. - read more
The Modern Farmer's Checklist for Assessing Farm Equipment Insurance Needs
The Modern Farmer's Checklist for Assessing Farm Equipment Insurance Needs
As the backbone of Australian agriculture, farm equipment plays an essential role in day-to-day operations across our expansive and diverse landscapes. From the vast wheat belts to the tropical fruit farms, machinery ensures efficiency and productivity in the face of constant challenges. But with reliance on such equipment comes significant risk—the financial burden of damage or loss can be devastating to a farmer's livelihood. - read more
Agroforestry Insurance Guide: Protecting Your Investment in Australia's Sustainable Future
Agroforestry Insurance Guide: Protecting Your Investment in Australia's Sustainable Future
Agroforestry is a transformative approach to land management that integrates trees into agricultural landscapes. In Australia, where farmers contend with variable climates and environmental challenges, agroforestry offers a resilient pathway to productivity and sustainability. - read more
What Australian Farmers Should Know About Crop Insurance
What Australian Farmers Should Know About Crop Insurance
Crop insurance is a type of insurance policy designed to protect farmers from the financial losses that arise from damages to their crops. This could be due to various risks, including adverse weather conditions, pests, and diseases. - read more
Proven Strategies for Australian Farmers to Reduce Farm Insurance Premiums
Proven Strategies for Australian Farmers to Reduce Farm Insurance Premiums
Welcome to our comprehensive guide on navigating the complexities of farm insurance for Australian farmers. As an integral part of the agricultural industry, insurance provides a safety net that helps secure the livelihood of farmers against unpredictable events that can lead to financial hardship. From property damage due to natural disasters to loss of livestock or crops, having adequate farm insurance can make all the difference in keeping a farming operation afloat in times of crisis. - read more
How to Protect Your Harvest: Tips for Choosing the Right Crop Insurance
How to Protect Your Harvest: Tips for Choosing the Right Crop Insurance
Farming, at its core, is an enterprise fraught with uncertainty. Weather calamities, pests, diseases, and fluctuating market conditions can all impact the output and quality of produce. This is where crop insurance proves its worth, serving as a safety net for farmers against the myriad risks they face each season. - read more
Insurance for Hobby Farms: Finding the Right Coverage
Insurance for Hobby Farms: Finding the Right Coverage
Hobby farming has become increasingly popular in Australia, with many individuals and families embracing the joys of growing their own produce, raising livestock, and enjoying a rural lifestyle. Whether it's a small vegetable garden, a few chickens, or a larger mixed farming operation, hobby farms offer both relaxation and a connection to nature. - read more
Building Resilience Against Natural Disasters: Practical Steps for Aussie Farmers
Building Resilience Against Natural Disasters: Practical Steps for Aussie Farmers
Australian farmers face an array of natural disasters that can threaten livelihoods and disrupt the delicate balance of agricultural ecosystems. From devastating bushfires and droughts to powerful storms and floods, these catastrophic events pose serious risks to the farming community. Understanding and preparing for these forces is not just about survival; it's about building a sustainable future for farms across the continent. - read more


Need a Quote?
Start your free farm insurance quote comparison here.
Farm Type:
Postcode:

All quotes are provided free and without obligation by a Specialist from our National Broker referral panel. See our Privacy Statement for more details.


Knowledgebase
Underwriting:
The process by which an insurer determines the risk of insuring a client and decides the terms of coverage.