Insurers Seek Government Partnership to Tackle Insurance Costs
Insurers Seek Government Partnership to Tackle Insurance Costs
31
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.
Published:Friday, 24th May 2024 Source: Paige Estritori
Please Note: If this information affects you, seek advice from a licensed professional.
Australia's life insurance sector is witnessing a significant transformation, with mental health conditions emerging as the predominant cause of Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) claims. Recent data from the Council of Australian Life Insurers (CALI) indicates that mental health-related TPD claims now constitute nearly one-third of all such claims, highlighting a profound shift in the factors leading Australians to exit the workforce permanently. - read more
The Australian life insurance industry has reported a remarkable financial turnaround in the fiscal year 2025, with earnings more than doubling to $360 million, according to the latest figures from the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA). This 210% increase in profit after income tax marks a significant recovery from previous years' losses and underscores the sector's resilience and adaptability. - read more
Australia's general insurance sector has reported an unprecedented after-tax profit of $6.1 billion for the year 2024, according to KPMG's General Insurance Insights report. This figure is three times higher than the five-year average of $2 billion, marking a significant milestone in the industry's financial performance. - read more
In 2024, Australia's insurance industry reported an after-tax profit of $6.1 billion, a significant increase from the five-year average of $2 billion. This surge in profitability is attributed to substantial premium hikes and a year with fewer severe weather events. - read more
Recent data indicates a significant rise in insurance premiums across Australia, with home insurance premiums increasing by 16% on average over the past year. Some insurers, such as Kogan, RAC, and Honey, have raised rates by over 30%, leading to growing concerns about affordability for consumers. - read more
In today's digital age, understanding the cyber threat landscape in Australia is not just important—it's essential. Cyber attacks are becoming more sophisticated and are affecting businesses and individuals at an alarming rate. Common types of cyber attacks include phishing, ransomware, and data breaches, each with the potential to cause significant harm. The impact of cybersecurity breaches on both the economy and the reputation of affected entities is profound, ranging from financial loss to long-lasting reputational damage. - 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
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
Cyber Insurance is a type of insurance policy that protects businesses against internet-based risks and threats. This policy covers damages and losses caused by cyber attacks, such as theft of customer information, network downtime, and damage to reputation. - 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
Knowledgebase
Insurable Interest: A financial or other kind of interest in the insured item or person, necessary for a valid insurance contract.