We are a proud member of the Financial Services Online network!
Connect with us on your favourite social media platform for the latest financial news, views, tips, tricks, resources and information.
Many victims of last month's floods in Australia had no insurance whatsoever, and the assessment of damage was agonisingly slow.
Secondary perils, such as flood, are a global trend in the insurance industry, characterized by localized, sudden and intense weather events.
Climate change has resulted in Australia being increasingly vulnerable to extreme weather conditions. This in turn exposes the country to financial risk and we need therefore seriously think about how to manage the financial risk of a secondary peril.
Weather index insurance is a new form of insurance that uses automatic payments to make it easier for both victims and insurers. It has been deployed in remote parts as Paraguay and Mongolia — and could work here too.
After an event, insurance companies assess damage and how the money will be distributed. This often requires victims to accurately record everything they experienced so they can make a claim. The sheer number of people who experience these events can lead to long wait times while they wait to receive their funds.
But weather index insurance, sometimes just called weather insurance, is paid when an index is reached. For example, if a certain flood level has been passed or if rainfall reaches a low point.
Insurance against fluctuating weather conditions has been trialled by farmers in remote parts of developing countries to insure crops, although it is yet to be tried on property insurance.
It's hard for insurance assessors to make the long trip out to the steppes of Mongolia or floodplains of Bangladesh to assess damages from extreme weather, but advances in remote sensing and satellite technology can help determine whether or not extreme weather has occurred.
The payouts for Weather Index Insurance are automatic and fast. When a weather event is recorded, farmers receive their money even if the crop remains unharmed. This gives the farmer an incentive to make the best decisions when it comes to ensuring that his crops survive with little damage.
Weather insurance is a kind of crop insurance that helps farmers in remote areas. The weather index is linked to specific crops and their growing conditions. This way, the weather company can predict the level of losses.
Weather index insurance has shown promise in global trials and been found viable by Australian researchers. While it is not yet widely adopted, a number of farmers have recently taken up the option.
Australian insurance providers like CelsiusPro, for example, has worked with the World Bank and other aid organisations to bring weather policies to communities in the Pacific.
Published:Wednesday, 18th May 2022
Source: Paige Estritori
| Call for Equitable Cyclone Insurance Subsidies Grows 01 May 2024: .Paige Estritori A notable Australian consumer group insists for a revision of the cyclone insurance framework to achieve better parity among affected regions. Before its scheduled review, the proposed recalibration looks to distribute fiscal pressures more evenly among Australians, possibly extending the burden of cost to regions historically less affected by cyclones, such as Sydney. - read more |
| Victorian Flood Inquiry Calls for Faster Insurance Responses 30 Apr 2024: .Paige Estritori An investigation into Victoria’s extreme flood impact reveals prolonged distress due to insurance obstacles. The Legislative Assembly's examination brings forth issues with claim resolutions and coverage gaps as critical barriers in recuperation after the devastation of October 2022. - read more |
| Antique Car Claim Hits the Brakes: Home Insurance Does Not Cover Vehicle Damage 24 Apr 2024: .Paige Estritori In an intriguing turn of events, a dedicated car enthusiast's claim for damages to his vintage vehicle under home insurance has been denied after a careful review by the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA). The individual's relic, a 1970 Mercedes-Benz 280e sedan, which was being lovingly restored and was far from operational, rolled into an adjacent van following the snap of a winch cable. - read more |
| Communities Laud Insurance Improvements Post-Flood Events 23 Apr 2024: .Paige Estritori Residents and officials from regions affected by flooding have observed a discernable shift in insurers' handling of claims following natural catastrophes, with recent proceedings reflecting a more positive trajectory. This outlook emerged during a federal inquiry session that gave a voice to flood-impacted communities in Heathcote, Victoria. - read more |
| Traveler's Appeal on Wildfire Claim Denied by Adjudicator 22 Apr 2024: .Paige Estritori An individual's anticipation of a serene vacation in Hawaii was met with a grievous twist when wildfires ravaged Maui, leading to an urgent evacuation and unplanned expenses. A customer of Mitsui Sumitomo ventured to the Pacific paradise only to have plans upended by nature's wrath. The ensuing insurance claim denial sparked a dispute which has now been resolved by the authoritative voice of the industry’s dispute resolver, leaving a glaring reminder of the importance of scrutinizing insurance options. - read more |
| Life Insurance Participation Drops By Nearly One-Fifth in Five Years 19 Apr 2024: .Paige Estritori Last year, research from a major insurance provider signaled a significant shift in the life insurance landscape within Australia, showing a marked decrease in the percentage of insured non-dependent adults of working age. Only 77% now carry some form of life insurance, a stark contrast to the 94% coverage rate recorded in 2017. Industries evolve, yet the dip in these figures marks a noteworthy trend within the life insurance sector. - read more |
| London's CFC Gears Up for Australian Expansion With Local Acquisition 18 Apr 2024: .Paige Estritori In a strategic move to fortify its Australian footprint, the prominent London-based cyber insurance firm CFC has announced the procurement of Melbourne's Solution Underwriting. Already an experienced player in the Australian insurance sector, CFC’s recent acquisition marks a significant augmentation of its local operations. - read more |
| Urgent Call for Stamp Duty Reforms as Queensland Votes Loom 18 Apr 2024: .Paige Estritori In the lead-up to the imminent Queensland state election, the Australian Consumers Insurance Lobby (ACIL) is fervently appealing to prospective legislators to prioritize an overhaul of the antiquated stamp duty regime. ACIL has pinpointed this as a critical issue, particularly in the context of the escalating costs that have disproportionately impacted residents in the north of the state. - read more |
| Clarification Call: Insurers Challenged on Confusing Terms Amid Crisis 11 Apr 2024: .Paige Estritori For two consecutive days, the flood-affected residents of Queensland have been voicing their concerns during the ongoing deliberations of a federal inquiry, tasked with examining insurers' responses to the catastrophes of 2022. The inquiry, in its concluding phase, conducted its second public hearing in the Logan area on April 10th, 2024. - read more |
| Revamping Strategies Against Climate Threats After Sky-High Weather Losses 10 Apr 2024: .Paige Estritori The undeniable escalation in weather-related calamities has thrust insurers and governmental bodies into the spotlight, urging a tactical shift in Australia's fight against nature's fury. A recent assessment by prominent insurance broker Aon sheds light on the nation's susceptibility to meteorological mishaps. - read more |
Looking for the best way to finance your Farm Equipment? Well, you need look no further! Simply submit our 2-minute business loan enquiry form … and we'll help get you qualified for the best rate Plant & Equipment loan available from our national panel of independent business finance brokers. We also have access to the best rates & options for Business Cashflow finance.
| 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
|
| 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
|
| 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
|
| 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 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
|
| From Droughts to Floods: Understanding Weather-Related Coverage in Farm Insurance Australian farmers face a unique set of challenges due to the vast and varied climate conditions that sweep across the continent. From the scorching heat and prolonged droughts of the Outback to the tropical storms and torrential rains of the northern regions, weather-related risks are an integral part of agricultural life in Australia. - read more
|
| Livestock Insurance for Aussie Farmers: What You Need to Know Livestock farming is a significant part of the Australian agriculture industry. As with any business, farmers face numerous risks such as disease, death, theft or extreme weather events, which could cause damage or loss to their livestock assets. Livestock insurance provides cover against these risks, ensuring that farmers are financially protected from any potential financial losses, which could devastate their livelihoods. - read more
|
| Navigating Farm Succession: A Step-by-Step Guide for Rural Australian Families Welcome to our comprehensive guide on navigating farm succession for rural Australian families. The journey of passing on a family farm from one generation to the next is both a critical and challenging milestone. Recognizing that every farm has its unique story and set of circumstances is fundamental to the process. - read more
|
| How to Save Money on Your Farming Insurance Premiums When looking for farming insurance, it is important to shop around for the best deals. Don't simply rely on the first insurance company that you come across. Take the time to research various companies and their policies. Compare them based on their coverage, premiums, and deductibles. - read more
|
| Customizing Your Farm Insurance: Tailoring Policies to Fit Unique Agricultural Needs Those who work the land know that every farm has its own heartbeat - its unique rhythm defined by the crops it yields, the livestock it nurtures, and the natural environment it exists within. Recognizing this individuality is crucial, especially when it comes to safeguarding your agricultural investment with the right insurance policy. In a sector where no two days are alike, a one-size-fits-all approach to insurance can leave gaps in coverage that could be financially devastating when unexpected events occur. - read more
|