Life Insurance Takes Backseat in Cost-Cutting Measures
Life Insurance Takes Backseat in Cost-Cutting Measures
2
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.
As Australians tighten their belts in the face of rising living costs, life insurance is rapidly being placed on the chopping block.
The Council of Australian Life Insurers (CALI) reports that individuals are more likely to reduce life cover rather than home or car insurance.
Recent findings indicate a significant disparity between those holding different types of insurances. Approximately 79% of the population has motor insurance, yet only 34% have life insurance according to the independent research conducted by the council.
The survey, which examined the behaviors of 5,000 people, highlights a particularly stark gap among individuals aged 55 to 64. More than 80% maintain motor or home insurance, but a mere 29% have acquired life insurance. Age groups 35-54 show that 38% hold life cover whereas this number drops to 32% for younger adults.
Interestingly, working Australians are three times more likely to drop their life insurance as compared to home or car policies, underlining a trend that could have long-term financial ramifications. Additionally, about 50% of those surveyed suggest they would stop superannuation contributions if it meant reducing expenses.
According to CALI CEO Christine Cupitt, the situation accentuates the “advice accessibility crisis in this country.” She explained, "The advice needs of Australians are not being met, particularly for those who can’t afford to pay for a financial adviser in a cost-of-living crisis."
Cupitt stresses the importance of receiving proper financial guidance, stating, “Getting the right advice can set them up for the future, getting no advice can leave them with nothing to fall back on when times get tough.”
Despite recognizing the importance of advice, over 40% of respondents expressed a desire for customized financial guidance. This need could potentially be met through tranche two of the federal government’s Delivering Better Financial Outcomes reforms, designed to bridge this gap.
This push for enhanced financial advice platforms underscores a larger narrative about the necessity for accessible, affordable advisory services, especially during challenging economic climates. According to the original report covered by the Council of Australian Life Insurers, ensuring Australians are adequately insured and advised is essential.
Published:Tuesday, 3rd Dec 2024 Source: Paige Estritori
Please Note: If this information affects you, seek advice from a licensed professional.
The Australian general insurance industry has reported an after-tax profit of $7.3 billion for the last financial year, marking its strongest performance in over a decade. This significant profit surge is attributed to lower-than-expected catastrophe losses and robust investment returns. However, this financial success has sparked public discourse regarding the fairness of pricing practices and the overall perception of the industry. - read more
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has identified significant weaknesses in the claims handling practices of several insurers, raising concerns about potential compliance breaches. The regulator's recent review points to deficiencies in the oversight of expert reports and inadequate communication with consumers regarding cash settlement offers. - read more
After achieving a return on equity (ROE) of 19% in the last financial year-the highest in a decade-Australian general insurers are preparing for a moderation in earnings growth. Consultancy firm Finity projects that the industry's ROE will decrease by six percentage points to 13% in the current financial year, aligning with the target range of 10% to 15%. - read more
The Australian Amusement Leisure & Recreation Association (AALARA) has raised concerns over the escalating costs of public liability insurance, which are placing significant pressure on amusement and recreation operators across the country. This warning follows the Insurance Council of Australia's (ICA) recent call for reforms to civil liability laws. - read more
A recent report by the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) has revealed that small businesses in Australia are paying up to 30% more for their insurance premiums due to taxes and levies imposed by state and territory governments. This financial burden is leading to a worrying trend where an increasing number of small businesses are either underinsuring or forgoing insurance altogether. - read more
Cyber risk management involves identifying, assessing, and prioritizing potential risks to an organization's digital assets and implementing measures to mitigate these threats. - read more
In today’s digital landscape, Australian companies face an increasing threat from cyber criminals. The paramount importance of cybersecurity has never been more evident, with the surge of incidents exposing the vulnerabilities in organizations' digital defenses. As we usher into an era where data breaches and cyber attacks are commonplace, protecting digital assets becomes a crucial part of doing business. - read more
As we delve into the digital era, the number of cyber threats that challenge Australian small businesses is significantly on the rise. Cyber attacks have become more sophisticated, frequent, and continue to disrupt the operations of small enterprises, often with devastating consequences. The need to fortify defenses against such threats has never been more paramount. - read more
Cybersecurity incidents are a growing concern for small businesses. These incidents can have disastrous consequences on the affected businesses and their customers. Cyber insurance policies provide a form of financial protection for small businesses in the event of a cyber-attack. This article will provide an overview of cyber insurance claims and its importance for small business owners. - read more
In today's rapidly evolving digital landscape, Australian businesses face an ever-increasing array of cyber threats. From sophisticated phishing schemes to ransomware attacks, these dangers lurk in the virtual shadows, often going unnoticed until it's too late. Recognizing and understanding these cyber risks is not just important; it's crucial for the sustainability and success of any modern enterprise. - read more
Knowledgebase
Endorsement: An amendment or addition to an existing insurance policy that changes the terms or scope of the original policy.