We are a proud member of the Financial Services Online network!
Connect with us on your favourite social media platform for the latest financial news, views, tips, tricks, resources and information.
Michael Keynes, a spokesperson for VMIA, stated that the raises, which see premiums leaping by an average of 53%, are a necessary measure to accommodate the recent flood of claims. "A record number of domestic building insurance claims have been resolved over the past year." Since July 1, the insurer has settled over 4000 claims.
Specifically, premiums for new single and multi-unit constructions will surge by 65%, while structural and non-structural renovations along with swimming pools will face a 20% rise. The charges for owner-builders are also set to increase by 65%.
Keynes attributes this spike to several intersecting issues: "We are dealing with the compounded effects of builder insolvencies, high inflation, and an ongoing shortage of skilled workers, all of which drive up building costs. As a result, VMIA needs to adjust premiums to ensure continued protection for homeowners when builders can't complete or rectify constructions."
In response, industry watchdogs, such as the Housing Industry Association (HIA), have been vocal about their objections. Keith Ryan, the executive director of HIA Victoria, warned that these increased premiums will further dent housing affordability in the state. "Victorian home builders and their clients are already grappling with soaring costs. This increase is an additional burden which hits new homebuyers the hardest," Ryan said in a statement.
The new premiums add to the already heavy financial load confronting new home buyers. "In Melbourne, nearly half of the cost of a new house and land package is swallowed up by taxes, fees, and related charges – effectively putting homeownership out of reach for many Victorians," Ryan elaborated.
Ryan also expressed disappointment that higher premiums were not coupled with enhanced insurance benefits for homeowners. He cautioned that builders, already stretched by increased material and labor costs, will ultimately pass these added expenses on to customers.
While premium hikes are aimed at safeguarding homeowners in these turbulent times, it’s clear that the cascading costs and their effects on housing affordability will spark further debate. This article incorporates information originally reported by insuranceNEWS.com.au.
Published:Monday, 17th Jun 2024
Source: Paige Estritori
| Brokers Tackle Compliance Surge Amid New Regulations 28 Sep 2024: Paige Estritori The National Insurance Brokers Association (NIBA) has reaffirmed its members’ dedication to adhering to their code of practice commitments in response to a notable surge in reported breaches. This development follows the committee’s latest call for enhanced compliance and reporting standards. - read more |
| 360 Commercial Motor Launches New Claims Team 27 Sep 2024: Paige Estritori Specialty underwriting agency 360 Commercial Motor has announced the formation of a dedicated in-house claims team, marking a significant effort to upgrade services for their broking partners. - read more |
| New Cyber Defence Solutions for Sports Clubs 27 Sep 2024: Paige Estritori Businesses in the sports and leisure sectors now have access to enhanced digital safeguards. Sportscover Australia, in collaboration with Beazley, has rolled out a comprehensive cyber breach response insurance designed specifically for this industry. - read more |
| Federal Court Dismisses Class Actions for COVID Business Interruption Claims 24 Sep 2024: Paige Estritori The Federal Court has determined that business interruption claims related to COVID-19, involving four insurers, should not proceed as class actions. This ruling obliges individual policyholders to pursue their cases separately if they wish to proceed. - read more |
| Top Crash Trends: Insights from AAMI Data 24 Sep 2024: Paige Estritori Male drivers lead in the unfortunate statistics, being responsible for 54% of vehicle accidents according to an extensive analysis of 4.3 million claims in the AAMI Decade of Driving Report. - read more |
| Strengthen Your Defences: Implementing Effective Cybersecurity Protocols 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
|
| Best Practices for Securing Your Small Business in the Digital Age Cybersecurity refers to the measures and practices put in place to protect digital information and systems from attacks, unauthorized access, damage, and disruption. - read more
|
| Understanding the Risks: How Cyber Threats Can Cripple Your Business 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
|
| Navigating the Aftermath: Your Cyber Attack Recovery Roadmap In an age where digital presence intertwines with daily operations, the threat landscape in Australia has magnified, exposing businesses to an evolving array of cyber threats. From sophisticated phishing attempts to ransomware attacks, the risk of digital insecurity looms large. Australia, with its growing technological adoption, finds itself facing an upsurge in cyber threat incidents year over year. - read more
|
| Protect Your Data: Cyber Security Measures Every Aussie Company Must Implement 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
|
|
From Phishing to Hacking: Examining the Coverage Options of Cyber Insurance Policies 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
|
|
Understanding the Importance of Cyber Insurance in the Digital Age As we dive deeper into the digital era, the topic of cyber security becomes increasingly critical. With businesses and individuals relying heavily on digital technologies, the threat of cyber attacks looms larger than ever. This introductory section aims to unpack the concept of cyber insurance as a tool to mitigate these risks. - read more
|
|
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 Claims: What Small Business Owners Need to Know 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
|
|
|
Navigating the Aftermath: Your Cyber Attack Recovery Roadmap In an age where digital presence intertwines with daily operations, the threat landscape in Australia has magnified, exposing businesses to an evolving array of cyber threats. From sophisticated phishing attempts to ransomware attacks, the risk of digital insecurity looms large. Australia, with its growing technological adoption, finds itself facing an upsurge in cyber threat incidents year over year. - read more
|