Consumer Advocates Criticise Insurers Over 'Poverty Premiums' and 'Loyalty Taxes'
Consumer Advocates Criticise Insurers Over 'Poverty Premiums' and 'Loyalty Taxes'
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.
Consumer advocacy groups have voiced strong opposition to the insurance industry's decision to reject recommendations designed to eliminate practices that disadvantage consumers, including charging higher rates for monthly bill payments and increasing renewal premiums for loyal customers.
The Financial Rights Legal Centre has cited ongoing reports from consumers being adversely affected by these pricing practices, which they refer to as a "poverty premium" and a "loyalty tax."
The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) recently published an action plan in response to 150 recommendations from the parliamentary floods inquiry and a comprehensive review of the industry code of practice. Despite the consensus among both reviews that insurers should not charge more for monthly payments than they do for annual ones, and renewal premiums should not surpass those offered to new customers, the ICA asserts that enforcing pricing policies is not within the code's remit due to competition law restrictions.
Continuous concerns have been raised about the code's enforceability and the numerous recommendations the ICA did not fully endorse. Financial Rights Legal Centre's Drew MacRae stated that around 38 recommendations are still under consideration, or have been delegated to individual companies to decide upon.
Financial Counselling Australia has expressed significant concern that the ICA's action plan does not actively address inequitable pricing practices. According to their disaster recovery co-ordinator, Louise Hayes, it is essential for insurers to address these unfair practices and incorporate them into the industry code to ensure accountability and equity.
While the ICA's action plan includes some positive initiatives, such as a framework for assisting vulnerable customers, it also drew criticism for lacking a firm commitment to enforceability. The recommendations from the inquiry suggested these policies should be embedded contractually within product disclosure statements to strengthen consumer protection.
Stephanie Tonkin, CEO of Consumer Action Law Centre, highlights the importance of rebuilding consumer trust, especially following the response to the 2022 floods. She stresses that the industry's focus should shift more towards customer welfare rather than profitability, with enforceable actions driving this change.
ICA CEO Andrew Hall noted that the action plan aims to guide industry changes over the coming years with a central focus on enhancing the customer experience. He acknowledged the necessity of collaborating with consumer advocates, regulators, and the government to tackle the underlying issues cited in the reviews.
Please Note: We do not endorse any specific products or companies. Some content is sourced from third parties, including press releases, and may not be independently verified for accuracy or completeness.
A recent quad bike fatality case in New South Wales has put farm safety, workplace liability and risk management back under close attention. ABC Rural reported on 2 July 2026 that Wumbulgal Agriculture Pty Ltd was fined $555,000 after an 82-year-old worker died in a quad bike accident at Yenda in the Riverina in February 2023. The company was found to have breached work health and safety obligations. - read more
Australian farmers now have clearer, but tighter, rules for two widely used knockdown herbicides after the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority finalised its review of paraquat and diquat on 23 June 2026. The chemicals have not been removed from the market, but their continued use will sit behind significant new conditions affecting application rates, equipment, handling systems and worker protection. - read more
A reported ransomware incident affecting Mackay Sugar has put agricultural cyber risk back in the spotlight, this time with a clear lesson for producers who depend on processors, contractors and shared infrastructure. ABC Rural reported on 18 June 2026 that a Russian-speaking ransomware operation known as The Gentlemen had claimed responsibility for a cyber attack that disrupted two Mackay Sugar mills, with the company working to verify the claim and restart Farleigh and Racecourse mills in stages. - read more
In a significant shift within the Australian insurance landscape, NRMA has announced its withdrawal from the farm insurance market, ceasing the sale of new policies as of July 1, 2025. This decision affects both hobby and commercial farm insurance policies, leaving many farmers in search of alternative coverage options. - read more
Achmea Farm Insurance and Protected Cropping Australia (PCA) have announced a strategic partnership aimed at bolstering risk mitigation and resilience within Australia's protected cropping sector. This collaboration seeks to empower greenhouse and glasshouse growers by providing tailored insurance solutions and fostering knowledge exchange on best practices. - read more
Allstate Underwriting Agencies Pty Ltd and Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Co., Ltd have announced a multi-year capacity agreement, marking the beginning of a strategic partnership aimed at bolstering farm insurance offerings in Australia. This collaboration focuses on providing additional capacity to the medium, small, and hobby farm sector, addressing the unique needs of these operations. - read more
In a significant development for Australia's agricultural sector, Harland Green, a newly established Lloyd's coverholder, has unveiled an all-risk farm insurance package specifically designed for large commercial farming operations. This initiative aims to address the complex and evolving needs of the agricultural industry by offering comprehensive coverage that encompasses various aspects of farm operations. - read more
In the face of increasing climate volatility, Australian farmers are shifting their approach to risk management by integrating sustainability into their core business strategies. This evolution reflects a broader recognition that environmental stewardship and economic resilience are deeply interconnected. - read more
Australian farmers are currently navigating a complex landscape marked by escalating input costs, driven by global conflicts and economic volatility. The recent Middle East conflict has notably disrupted energy and shipping markets, leading to increased prices for essential farm inputs such as diesel and fertiliser. This surge in costs is placing significant pressure on farm margins and influencing operational decisions across the sector. - read more
The integration of digital technologies into Australian farming practices has revolutionised the sector, enhancing efficiency and productivity. However, this digital transformation has also introduced significant cybersecurity risks, which many farmers may not be fully prepared to address. - read more
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
Welcome to the defining era where technology and agriculture entwine, bringing forth the digital farmer's era. With the evolution of agribusiness in the tech age, comes an array of new tools, opportunities, and risks. As a custodian of the earth and steward of the latest innovations, safeguarding your digital farm is just as crucial as nurturing your crops and livestock. - read more
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
Farm liability insurance is a type of coverage that protects farmers from financial losses due to legal claims and lawsuits. This insurance is crucial for safeguarding your farm against various liabilities that may arise from farm operations. - read more
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
Farming is inherently risky. With factors like weather, pests, and market fluctuations affecting crops, it's crucial to manage these risks effectively. - read more
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
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
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
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
Need a Quote?
Start your free farm insurance quote comparison here.
Knowledgebase
Occupational Hazard: A risk associated with the nature of a particular occupation, which may affect insurance premiums.
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts.