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.
Australia’s winter school holiday rush has put travel insurance back in the spotlight, with families heading to Bali, Fiji and Thailand, skiers travelling to New Zealand and domestic holidaymakers chasing either snow or sunshine closer to home. But this year’s peak period is unfolding against a more unsettled backdrop: geopolitical tension, airspace closures, airline disruption and a growing expectation that insurers should do more than reimburse costs after the event. - read more
The latest scrutiny of strata insurance arrangements is a timely reminder that insurance governance is no longer a back-office issue for property professionals. On 30 June 2026, the Insurance Brokers Code Compliance Committee released findings from a review of broker-agent arrangements in strata insurance. The review examined seven brokers with 1,088 strata representatives and identified weaknesses across representative agreements, remuneration disclosure, conflict management and oversight of conduct. - read more
Australia’s commercial insurance market may be softening on the surface, but the latest industry commentary suggests small businesses should be cautious about assuming every policy will automatically become cheaper. The emerging message is that the old idea of a single hard or soft insurance market is giving way to a more targeted pricing environment, where insurers assess each line of cover, occupation, location and claims history in much greater detail. - read more
Australian hospitality operators have another liability option to watch, after Haven Underwriting added broadform liability cover to its product line-up, backed by capacity from Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance. The product is aimed at several customer groups, including cafés, restaurants, wine bars and associated hospitality risks, with a stated limit of up to $20 million per policy. - read more
The ACCC’s fifth and final insurance monitoring report has given strata committees in cyclone-exposed regions a clearer view of what the Cyclone Reinsurance Pool is-and is not-achieving. Released on 25 June 2026, the report found that the pool has helped reduce or moderate premiums for policyholders in higher cyclone-risk areas, including residential strata schemes. - read more
Cyber insurance, also known as cyber liability insurance, is a type of coverage designed to protect businesses from the financial repercussions of cyber attacks and data breaches. As cyber threats become more sophisticated, the need for a safety net to mitigate the impact of such incidents has grown significantly. - read more
In today's digital age, cyber security has become a critical aspect for small businesses in Australia. As more operations move online, the potential for cyber threats increases. Small businesses are particularly vulnerable, making it essential to understand and address these risks proactively. - 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
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
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
Whole Life Insurance: A type of life insurance that provides coverage for the insured's entire lifetime, with a savings component that builds cash value.
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts.