Farm Insurance Australia :: News
SHARE

Share this news item!

Insurance Challenges Loom for Property Owners with Faulty Infrastructure

Insurance Challenges Loom for Property Owners with Faulty Infrastructure

Insurance Challenges Loom for Property Owners with Faulty Infrastructure?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.

In a troubling situation affecting many Western Australian families, defective plumbing is creating significant financial and emotional distress, as insurers increasingly shy away from covering homes plagued by repeated water leaks.

A particular type of resin-based plumbing, Iplex’s Pro-fit Typlex 1050, has been identified as a repeat offender in this scenario, with homeowners finding themselves in a bind when it comes to home and contents insurance. Prominent insurers such as RAC and QBE have notably declined to continue coverage for properties where these pipes frequently fail, leading to damaging and disruptive water bursts.

The issue was first reported by The West Australian, shedding light on the growing population of homeowners grappling with denied insurance renewals. The severity of financial setbacks has prompted many affected families to seek alternative solutions to rectify these faulty installations swiftly.

It is not just a looming threat to homeowners’ peace of mind; this situation further inhibits property sales. Prospective buyers are deterred by the potential liability and subsequent insurance hurdles, thereby adding to the woes faced by current homeowners. This dynamic introduces an unexpected twist into the property market, where selling typically gives rise to new beginnings rather than fresh complications.

The impacts of faulty infrastructure extend beyond inconvenience. Affected homeowners are forced to undertake immediate renovation works to replace these pipes, often shouldering hefty costs. This predicament is particularly harsh in cases where properties could otherwise gain quick market traction. Recent examples illustrate situations where real estate sales came late in the process, once all essential rectifications and confirmations of insurance renewals were in place.

To mitigate these risks, experts recommend a proactive approach of engaging qualified inspectors to ascertain potential liability points in plumbing systems during pre-purchase inspections, an extra safeguard for both buyers and sellers.

Simultaneously, organizations servicing the plumbing industry emphasize the need for increased regulatory scrutiny and manufacturer guarantees on fittings and materials. By addressing these root causes, the cycle of insurance denial can be broken, fostering greater stability in property transactions.

The urgency to remove faulty piping systems quickly reflects not only residents' frustration but also the necessity for changes within the industry, aiming to alleviate the burden on those caught in this web of insurance and infrastructure woes.

Published:Tuesday, 15th Oct 2024
Source: Paige Estritori

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

Share this news item:

Insurance News

Insuregroup's Remarkable Growth in Truck Insurance Policies
Insuregroup's Remarkable Growth in Truck Insurance Policies
21 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori
Insuregroup, a specialist insurance brokerage serving Australia's transport and logistics sector, has recently announced a significant milestone: processing over 10,000 insurance policies since its inception, with a 25% increase in policy volume over the past year. This growth underscores the escalating demand for comprehensive truck insurance solutions tailored to the unique needs of Australian freight operators. - read more
ICA's Strategic Plan to Combat Escalating Motor Insurance Costs
ICA's Strategic Plan to Combat Escalating Motor Insurance Costs
21 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori
The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) has unveiled a comprehensive report titled 'Motor Insurance Policy Paper - A Roadmap for Reducing Rising Premiums,' addressing the significant 42% increase in comprehensive motor insurance premiums since 2019. This surge has brought the average annual premium to $1,052 in 2024, prompting the need for coordinated action to alleviate the financial burden on consumers. - read more
Heightened Road Risks During Holiday Season: Insurers Issue Warnings
Heightened Road Risks During Holiday Season: Insurers Issue Warnings
21 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori
As the Australian summer school holidays coincide with peak freight activity, insurers and transport specialists are raising concerns about heightened road risks. The surge in freight traffic, coupled with increased holiday travel, amplifies the potential for road incidents, particularly involving heavy vehicles. - read more
AustralianSuper Announces Reduction in Default Income Protection Cover
AustralianSuper Announces Reduction in Default Income Protection Cover
20 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori
AustralianSuper, one of Australia's largest superannuation funds, has announced a significant change to its default income protection insurance. Effective from 28 February 2026, the fund will reduce the default income protection cover to $1,000 per month. This adjustment aims to align insurance coverage with members' actual income levels and prevent over-insurance, which can erode retirement savings. - read more
APRA Postpones Changes to Individual Disability Income Insurance Policy Terms
APRA Postpones Changes to Individual Disability Income Insurance Policy Terms
20 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori
The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has announced a suspension of the planned changes to individual disability income insurance (IDII) policy contract terms. Originally set to take effect from 1 October 2022, the implementation has been deferred for at least two years, providing insurers and policyholders additional time to adapt to the forthcoming regulations. - read more
Ocean Underwriting Expands Product Suite with Cyber Insurance for SMEs
Ocean Underwriting Expands Product Suite with Cyber Insurance for SMEs
20 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori
Ocean Underwriting, in collaboration with Tokio Marine Management Australasia, has launched a new cyber insurance product tailored for Australian small and medium enterprises (SMEs). This addition marks a significant expansion of Ocean's offerings, which already include property, liability, and professional indemnity insurance. - read more
Club Marine Revamps Policies to Reflect Modern Boating Innovations
Club Marine Revamps Policies to Reflect Modern Boating Innovations
20 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori
Club Marine, Australia's leading provider of recreational boat insurance, has undertaken a comprehensive review of its product disclosure statements (PDS) to better align with contemporary boating trends and technologies. This initiative reflects the company's commitment to staying at the forefront of the marine insurance industry. - read more
AUB Group's Strategic Acquisition of Prestige Marks Global Growth
AUB Group's Strategic Acquisition of Prestige Marks Global Growth
20 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori
In a strategic move to bolster its international footprint, AUB Group, a prominent Australian insurance broker, has announced the acquisition of UK-based Prestige for $432 million. This acquisition signifies a pivotal step in AUB Group's global expansion strategy, enhancing its presence in the international insurance market. - read more
ACCC Halts IAG's Proposed Acquisition of RAC Insurance
ACCC Halts IAG's Proposed Acquisition of RAC Insurance
20 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has recently opposed Insurance Australia Group's (IAG) proposed $1.35 billion acquisition of RAC Insurance. The regulator's decision is rooted in concerns that the merger could substantially reduce competition in Western Australia's home and motor insurance markets. - read more
Rising Mental Health Claims Impact Australia's Income Protection Insurance
Rising Mental Health Claims Impact Australia's Income Protection Insurance
19 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori
Recent data from the Council of Australian Life Insurers (CALI) reveals a significant increase in mental health-related claims within Australia's income protection insurance sector. In 2024, mental health conditions accounted for 20% of income protection claims, resulting in payouts totaling $887 million. This marks a substantial rise compared to previous years, indicating a growing trend that insurers and policyholders must address. - read more


Farm Insurance Articles

Risk Management and Insurance Options for Farmers
Risk Management and Insurance Options for Farmers
Risk management is the practice of identifying, assessing, and prioritizing risks followed by coordinated efforts to minimize, monitor, and control the probability or impact of unfortunate events. In farming, risk management involves various strategies to protect the financial health and operational stability of the farm. - 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
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
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
Customized Insurance Solutions: The Advantage of Specialized Farm Brokers
Customized Insurance Solutions: The Advantage of Specialized Farm Brokers
Farming in Australia is more than just a way of life; it is a critical sector that supports the nation’s economy and food supply. However, managing a farm comes with its own set of unique risks. From natural disasters to equipment failures, farmers face numerous challenges that can impact their livelihood. - read more
Protecting Your Herd: The Aussie Farmer's Guide to Livestock Insurance
Protecting Your Herd: The Aussie Farmer's Guide to Livestock Insurance
For Australian farmers, livestock is more than just a vital asset; it's the heartbeat of their livelihood. In a land where the sunburnt plains are as relentless as they are beautiful, protecting your herd isn't just a duty; it's a necessity. That's where livestock insurance comes into play—a shield against the unpredictability of Mother Nature. - read more
Tractors, Livestock, and Crops: Tailoring Your Farm Insurance to Fit Your Needs
Tractors, Livestock, and Crops: Tailoring Your Farm Insurance to Fit Your Needs
Welcome to the world of farming, where the fruits of your labor are as tangible as the soil you till. But just as the land is subject to the whims of nature, so too is the business of agriculture. This is where farm insurance becomes essential. Farmers face a set of challenges and uncertainties unlike any other industry, primarily due to the unpredictable forces of weather. - 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
Common Pitfalls to Avoid When Insuring Your Farm Equipment
Common Pitfalls to Avoid When Insuring Your Farm Equipment
In the world of agriculture, having the right insurance coverage is essential. Farming is a high-risk industry that deals with unpredictable elements, and insuring your farm equipment can safeguard your livelihood. - read more
Investing in Your Farm's Legacy: Estate Planning and Farm Insurance Combined
Investing in Your Farm's Legacy: Estate Planning and Farm Insurance Combined
Farming is much more than an occupation; it's a way of life and a heritage that often spans generations. In today's ever-evolving agricultural landscape, embracing modern practices while preserving your farm's future has never been more crucial. Estate planning emerges as a pivotal strategy for safeguarding your agricultural legacy, ensuring that your hard-earned investments and the land you hold dear are passed on according to your wishes. - 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
Incontestability Clause:
A provision in a life insurance policy that prevents the insurer from voiding coverage due to a misstatement by the insured after a certain period.