Cyber Insurance Online :: News
SHARE

Share this news item!

Insurers Seek Government Partnership to Tackle Insurance Costs

Insurers Seek Government Partnership to Tackle Insurance Costs

Insurers Seek Government Partnership to Tackle Insurance Costs?w=400

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
Author: Paige Estritori

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.

Share this news item:

Rate this article

0 Comments

No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts.

Insurance News

Suncorp Enhances Financial Resilience with AU$2.4 Billion Reinsurance Agreement
Suncorp Enhances Financial Resilience with AU$2.4 Billion Reinsurance Agreement
12 Jun 2026: Paige Estritori
Suncorp, a leading Australian insurer, has recently secured a substantial reinsurance agreement valued at AU$2.4 billion over a five-year period. This strategic move is designed to bolster the company's financial resilience and stability in the face of increasing natural hazard costs and a competitive insurance market. - read more
APRA Enforces AU$2 Million Capital Add-On for Sovereign Insurance Australia
APRA Enforces AU$2 Million Capital Add-On for Sovereign Insurance Australia
12 Jun 2026: Paige Estritori
The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has recently imposed an additional AU$2 million capital requirement on Sovereign Insurance Australia (SIA). This decision comes in response to identified deficiencies in SIA's risk management framework and operational risk management practices. - read more
Mecon Enhances Construction Insurance Coverage to $120 Million
Mecon Enhances Construction Insurance Coverage to $120 Million
12 Jun 2026: Paige Estritori
In a significant development for Australia's construction industry, Mecon, a specialist in construction insurance, has announced an increase in its underwriting capacity. Effective from March 10, 2026, Mecon now offers coverage up to $120 million for single projects under its material damage and public liability policy sections. This marks a substantial rise from the previous limit of $50 million. - read more
Mirabelle Unveils Lloyd's-Backed Insurance for Australia's Renewable Energy Sector
Mirabelle Unveils Lloyd's-Backed Insurance for Australia's Renewable Energy Sector
12 Jun 2026: Paige Estritori
Mirabelle Underwriting, a specialist in construction and engineering insurance, has launched a new product tailored for renewable energy operations in Australia. This initiative, backed by Lloyd's capacity, aims to address the specific risks associated with the rapidly expanding renewable energy sector. - read more
ASIC Initiates Legal Action Against RACQ for Misleading Renewal Notices
ASIC Initiates Legal Action Against RACQ for Misleading Renewal Notices
12 Jun 2026: Paige Estritori
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has commenced Federal Court proceedings against the Royal Automobile Club of Queensland (RACQ), alleging that the insurer disseminated more than 500,000 misleading insurance renewal notices to its customers. This action underscores the regulator's commitment to ensuring transparency and fairness within the insurance sector. - read more


Cyber Insurance Articles

The Essential Guide to Cyber Insurance for Australian Small Businesses
The Essential Guide to Cyber Insurance for Australian Small Businesses
In the digital age, Australian small businesses find themselves navigating a world where online presence isn't just an advantage, it’s a necessity. With this increased online activity comes heightened vulnerability to cyber threats, making the protection of digital assets an urgent priority. - read more
Cyber Insurance: Safeguarding Your Business Assets and Reputation in the Digital Age
Cyber Insurance: Safeguarding Your Business Assets and Reputation in the Digital Age
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 101: What Every Australian Business Owner Needs to Know
Cyber Insurance 101: What Every Australian Business Owner Needs to Know
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
How to Protect Your Small Business from Cyber Threats
How to Protect Your Small Business from Cyber Threats
In today's digital age, the rising importance of cybersecurity for small businesses in Australia cannot be overstated. As technology permeates every aspect of business operations, it offers tremendous advantages but also exposes small businesses to a growing array of cyber threats. These threats are increasingly targeting small companies, seeking to exploit vulnerabilities and potentially cause significant financial and reputational damage. - read more
Understanding the Cost of Cyber Attacks on Small Businesses and How to Avoid Them
Understanding the Cost of Cyber Attacks on Small Businesses and How to Avoid Them
Cybersecurity refers to the practice of protecting systems, networks, and programs from digital attacks. These cyber attacks are usually aimed at accessing, changing, or destroying sensitive information, extorting money from users, or interrupting normal business processes. - read more

Knowledgebase
Double Indemnity:
A clause or provision in a life insurance policy that doubles the payout in cases of accidental death.