Call for Insurance Sector to Champion Resilience Funding
Call for Insurance Sector to Champion Resilience Funding
3
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.
Insurance companies should explore innovative solutions to tackle the rising challenges of affordability and accessibility in the sector, recommends a major consumer group, Australian Consumers Insurance Advocacy.
This call emerges amidst the industry's general dependence on governmental intervention to spearhead efforts in resilience and mitigation, despite strong endorsements from insurers themselves. "It's crucial for insurers to take the initiative in this domain," stated the advocacy group.
The Advocacy’s recent submission to a Senate inquiry proposes that the Insurance Council of Australia could encourage its members to allocate around 1% of home insurance premiums into a dedicated resilience fund, potentially amassing a $100 million pool annually for private mitigation undertakings.
This proposed fund could extend interest-free loans to policyholders grappling with insurance hardships due to property defects or significant maintenance issues. Additionally, the group floated the notion of forming a specialized underwriting agency for individuals who find it financially strapped or hard to secure coverage, backed partly by profits or premiums from certain insurance categories to bolster the initiative.
"Although these measures might result in some immediate costs for insurers, likely transferred to consumers, the far-reaching repercussions of inaction far outweigh them," the submission points out.
Within the evaluation by the Senate select committee observing how climatic factors influence insurance premiums and availability, the Australian Consumers Insurance Advocacy underscores that property owners shouldn't be held entirely financially accountable for mitigation strategies. They endorse a system wherein the government matches a specified amount for each dollar investment in mitigation by property owners.
The Insurance Council’s own Senate submission highlighted the sector's collaborative efforts with governmental bodies and regulatory authorities, through avenues such as the Hazards Insurance Partnership, to address protection gaps. "One major achievement of HIP has been the sharing of information between government and industry to better comprehend issues related to affordability, under-insurance, and non-insurance, thus guiding policy and initiatives," it mentions.
The industry is actively engaging with the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority to refine its Climate Vulnerability Assessment framework for the sector and is advocating for augmented investments in preventive infrastructure like flood defenses and revising building codes and land use planning strategies.
Reflecting on previous advancements, including the federal government's $1 billion Disaster Ready Fund and state-funded resilience programs, the Insurance Council stresses that additional initiatives are necessary. "Despite these beneficial announcements, further steps are imperative," reads the council's submission.
The information is adapted from a source article originally published by the Australian Consumers Insurance Lobby.
As Australia enters the summer holiday season, insurers and transport specialists are raising alarms about heightened road risks resulting from the convergence of increased freight activity and holiday travel. This period sees a significant uptick in both passenger vehicles and heavy trucks on the roads, amplifying the potential for accidents and safety incidents. - read more
The Australian Trucking Association (ATA) has proudly announced the recipients of the 2025 National Trucking Industry Awards, recognizing outstanding contributions and achievements within the sector. These awards highlight the dedication and excellence of individuals and organizations that drive the industry forward. - read more
Australia's construction insurance market has entered a softer phase in 2025, with premiums decreasing across various lines due to heightened competition among insurers. According to Marsh's Construction Insurance Market Update 2025, premium reductions averaged between 5% and 15% in the first half of the year. - read more
In 2025, Australia's insurance industry is grappling with rising claims costs, particularly within the construction sector, due to labour shortages and supply chain disruptions. Crawford & Company's latest Claims Inflation Update highlights that construction expenses are increasing at a rate faster than general consumer prices, with the Building Cost Index (BCI) rising nearly 5% annually. - read more
Envest Group, a prominent player in Australia's insurance sector, has announced the launch of TLI Underwriting, a new agency dedicated to providing specialised insurance solutions for heavy motor fleet operators. This strategic move aims to address the unique challenges faced by larger transport businesses in Australia. - read more
The Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) has recently ruled against a trucking company after it was found to have misrepresented its insurance history and operational details when obtaining a policy from NTI. This case underscores the critical importance of transparency and accuracy when securing insurance coverage in the transport industry. - read more
In 2024, Australia's insurance industry reported an after-tax profit of $6.1 billion, a figure that is three times higher than the five-year average of $2 billion. This substantial increase is attributed to a combination of factors, including significant premium hikes and a reduction in severe weather events. - read more
Many Australian consumers are experiencing substantial increases in their insurance premiums, often without clear explanations from their providers. Reports indicate that some policyholders have faced premium hikes of 30% to 50%, with instances of increases reaching several hundred percent. - read more
Homeowners in Northern Australia are encountering rising insurance premiums, despite the establishment of a cyclone reinsurance pool intended to reduce costs. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) reports that median home and contents premiums in the Northern Territory increased by 11% during 2023. - read more
Steadfast Group, Australia's largest general insurance broker network, has recently come under scrutiny following allegations of misleading clients through undisclosed financial arrangements. These claims have prompted the company to suspend trading on the Australian Stock Exchange, leading to a significant decline in its share price. - 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 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
Term Life Insurance: A form of life insurance that is a pure protection policy with no cash or maturity value which lasts for a specific length of time, called a term.