Urgent Reforms Needed to Curb Rising Motor Insurance Premiums

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.

This call to action follows a striking 42% increase in comprehensive motor insurance premiums since 2019, with the average premium now reaching $1052 annually. The underlying cause is attributed to escalating input costs that have outpaced compensatory measures by insurers. These rising costs have also led to a decline in insurer profitability, as evidenced by the increase in claims costs ratio from 89% to 94% over the past six years.

Andrew Hall, CEO of the ICA, emphasized the industry's commitment to cutting expenses through various internal measures like optimizing operations and enhancing the repair workforce's skills. However, he points out that many cost drivers extend beyond the insurance industry's control, necessitating decisive government-led reforms.

The proposed reforms by the ICA aim to tackle multiple areas:

• Alleviating skills shortages in motor trades by expanding skilled migration pathways, increasing investment in training for electric vehicle repairs, and boosting apprenticeship completion rates.
• Enhancing the automotive supply chain’s resilience by ensuring independent repairers have access to essential parts and obligating manufacturers to guarantee part availability.
• Regulating credit hire and accident management companies to protect consumers from misleading practices and inflated prices.
• Implementing regulations on towing and storage fees, following Queensland's model to cap excessive charges and effectively enforcing reforms like WA’s Towing Services Bill 2024.
• Strengthening efforts to combat insurance fraud by improving collaboration between insurers and law enforcement and enhancing fraud detection initiatives.
• Revising written-off vehicle rules in NSW to allow repairable vehicles to be re-registered after passing stringent safety checks, aligning them with practices in other states.

The ICA's proposed roadmap highlights necessary steps to streamline processes, eliminate systemic inefficiencies, and deliver fairer costs across the insurance landscape, thereby relieving pressure on consumers. The suggested interventions, if adopted, could lead to a more sustainable and balanced market, benefiting both insurers and policyholders.

Published:Tuesday, 25th Mar 2025
Source: Paige Estritori

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

Share this news item:

Insurance News

Clear

Federal Court Denies Truck Driver's Insurance Appeal

25 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori

In a recent legal development, the Federal Court of Australia dismissed an appeal by Bradley Henschke, a logging truck driver, concerning his insurance claim against the Australian Retirement Trust. The court's decision, delivered on February 12, 2026, underscores the critical importance of active insurance coverage for workers in high-risk occupations. - read more

Heightened Road Risks Amid Holiday Freight Traffic Surge

25 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori

As the Australian summer holidays approach, insurers and transport specialists are raising alarms about increased road risks due to the convergence of peak freight activity and heightened passenger vehicle travel. This period traditionally sees a surge in both freight movements and family road trips, leading to congested roads and a higher potential for accidents. - read more

InfoAgent Launches Advanced Vehicle Data Services for Heavy Trucks

25 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori

Australian vehicle data provider InfoAgent has unveiled two innovative services designed to deliver accurate and detailed information for heavy commercial trucks and trailers. These services aim to address critical challenges in industries such as insurance, roadside assistance, fleet management, and logistics by simplifying processes and enabling better decision-making. - read more

Rising Insurance Premiums: A Growing Concern for Australians

25 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori

In recent times, Australian consumers have been grappling with substantial increases in insurance premiums, prompting widespread concern and scrutiny. Reports indicate that some policyholders have experienced premium hikes ranging from 30% to 50%, with certain cases witnessing even more significant surges. This trend has raised questions about the affordability and transparency of insurance pricing in the country. - read more

Navigating the Surge in Insurance Risks for Australian Businesses

25 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori

Australian businesses are currently grappling with a complex landscape of escalating insurance risks, driven by factors such as increased litigation, rapid technological advancements, supply chain disruptions, catastrophic events, and geopolitical tensions. These challenges necessitate a proactive approach to risk management and insurance coverage. - read more

The Delicate Balance: Australian Insurance Industry's Response to Rising Costs

25 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori

The Australian insurance industry is currently navigating a delicate balancing act, striving to maintain profitability amidst rising claims costs while ensuring that insurance remains affordable for consumers. This challenge is compounded by factors such as increased natural disasters, inflationary pressures, and evolving regulatory requirements. - read more

BizCover and BHSI Collaborate to Provide Professional Indemnity Insurance for SMEs

25 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori

In a significant development for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Australia, BizCover has been appointed as the exclusive direct online distributor for Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance's (BHSI) professional indemnity (PI) insurance products. This partnership, effective from 1 October 2025, enables SMEs to access BHSI's PI coverage directly through BizCover's digital platform. - read more

Sterling Insurance Enhances PI Offerings with New Lloyd's Binding Authority

25 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori

Sterling Insurance has recently secured a new professional indemnity (PI) binding authority with Lloyd's, a move that promises to provide Australian brokers with greater control over product offerings and pricing structures. This development is part of Sterling's ongoing commitment to delivering tailored insurance solutions that meet the specific needs of niche and complex risk sectors. - read more

Arch Insurance Australia Strengthens PI Team with Senior Underwriter Appointment

25 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori

Arch Insurance Australia has announced the appointment of Jacqueline Kilday as Senior Professional Indemnity (PI) Underwriter for the Northern Region, effective immediately. This strategic hire underscores Arch's commitment to expanding its professional indemnity capabilities and providing comprehensive coverage solutions to clients across New South Wales, Queensland, the Australian Capital Territory, and the Northern Territory. - read more

NSW Enforces Stricter Strata Maintenance Laws

25 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori

New South Wales has introduced a series of reforms aimed at strengthening the maintenance and repair obligations of strata properties, enhancing the safety and integrity of these communities. Effective from November 2025, these changes grant NSW Fair Trading the authority to issue compliance notices and enter enforceable undertakings with owners' corporations that fail to meet their maintenance responsibilities. - read more

Click for more Insurance News