Insurers Seek Government Partnership to Tackle Insurance Costs
Insurers Seek Government Partnership to Tackle Insurance Costs
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.
In a bid to tackle the skyrocketing costs of insurance, especially in high-risk flood areas, members of the Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) are considering various government intervention strategies such as a flood reinsurance pool or direct subsidies.
The Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet aims to address these affordability issues by establishing the Insurance Affordability and Natural Hazard Risk Reduction Taskforce. The ICA is actively engaging with the government to explore potential solutions.
According to ICA CEO Andrew Hall, while long-term measures like infrastructure investment, property buybacks, and updated land use planning are crucial, there’s a pressing need for short-term solutions in collaboration with the government to support those most affected.
A report from the Actuaries Institute last year highlighted that approximately 171,000 households are experiencing severe insurance affordability issues, with riverine flood risks contributing to over half of their premiums.
Hall emphasized that for residents in regions where mitigative measures might not significantly lower risk, immediate assistance is necessary. Consequently, the ICA strategy committee is contemplating partnership models.
"Collaborating with the government to explore these options is one of our key commitments," Hall stated.
The perspectives of ICA members vary considerably, ranging from support for traditional reinsurance pools to opposition to any form of intervention. However, Hall pointed out that there is a common understanding of the crucial principles: clearly identifying the problem, avoiding market distortions, and ensuring that the real risk prices are not obscured.
"There’s no set timeline for the taskforce's findings, but progress is being made," he added.
At this time, the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet has not provided additional details about the taskforce's operations.
Hall remains optimistic about the proactive discussions between insurers and the government. "Our focus is on finding ways to maintain a stable and competitive insurance market that benefits consumers. We eagerly anticipate advancing these conversations through the taskforce."
This adaptation of the news article is based on original reporting from insuranceNEWS.com.au.
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 fresh compliance review into strata insurance broking has intensified the sector’s focus on transparency, governance and the way owners corporations are supported through major insurance decisions. The National Insurance Brokers Association has responded by saying it will continue working with members and the code compliance committee after the review identified shortcomings in strata-related arrangements. - read more
Fresh scrutiny of broker conduct in the strata insurance market is a useful reminder for home service businesses that insurance advice should be transparent, documented and clearly aligned with the client’s interests. The National Insurance Brokers Association has responded to findings from the Insurance Brokers Code Compliance Committee after a review identified weaknesses in representative arrangements, remuneration disclosure, conflict management and oversight. - read more
The Insurance Council of Australia has opened public consultation on a redrafted General Insurance Code of Practice, with feedback invited until 21 July 2026. The proposal is not yet final, but it is an important development for anyone who relies on insurance to keep a small business operating, including personal trainers, fitness instructors and studio owners. - read more
Canstar’s 3 July 2026 landlord insurance comparison update gives Australian property investors a timely reminder that price is only one part of the cover decision. Its latest published figures, based on March 2026 research, show the national average annual premium for landlord building and contents cover on houses at $2,640, compared with $432 for units. The gap underlines how strongly property type, location, rebuild exposure and insured assets can influence what landlords pay. - read more
Zurich Australia is set to deepen its position in the local personal insurance market through an expanded partnership with Honey Insurance, with landlord policies included in the new arrangement. From October 2026, Zurich will underwrite and manage claims for home, landlord and motor policies distributed under the Honey brand, as well as through Bank of Queensland and other partner channels. - read more
Cyber insurance is one of the most valuable business covers available today, but it is also one of the most confusing to apply for. Many business owners expect it to work like other insurance types, where you provide basic details such as turnover, industry, and location, then receive a quote. Cyber insurance is different. It behaves less like a simple application and more like a risk interview. - read more
In today's digital landscape, Australian small businesses face a myriad of cyber risks that can threaten their operations and financial stability. From sophisticated phishing scams to debilitating hacking attacks, the need to safeguard against such digital threats has never been more pressing. This introductory guide serves to illuminate the complexities of the cyber risk environment within Australia, focusing on the small business sector's unique vulnerabilities. - read more
Remote work has seen a significant rise in Australia, especially following the COVID-19 pandemic. More businesses are embracing flexibility, allowing employees to work from home or other remote locations. - read more
In today's digital age, businesses are increasingly becoming more vulnerable to online threats. Cyber attacks are not just limited to large corporations. Small businesses are also at risk and can suffer severe financial losses due to cyber threats. It is essential for small businesses to invest in cyber insurance. Cyber insurance offers protection against online threats, providing financial assistance if a company experiences a data breach, cyber attack, or other forms of cybercrime. - read more
Cyber insurance is a type of insurance designed to protect businesses from internet-based risks and, more generally, from risks relating to information technology infrastructure and activities. It covers losses related to data breaches, cyber extortion, and other kinds of cyber attacks. - read more
Knowledgebase
Surrender Value: The amount of money an insurance policyholder will receive if they voluntarily terminate the policy before it matures.
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts.