Sharanjit Paddam, who spearheaded the report at the Actuaries Institute, highlights a troubling trend: home insurance premiums are outpacing wage growth. The median premium for home insurance has soared by 9% in just one year, squeezing household budgets tightly.
One significant driver of these rising premiums, according to Paddam, is the increasingly evident impact of climate change. Extreme weather events, such as devastating bushfires and severe floods, have heightened the risk associated with insuring homes, prompting insurers to hike their prices.
Some households are responding to these changes by searching for cost-saving measures, such as increasing their deductibles or shopping for cheaper coverage options. However, others find themselves forced to forgo home insurance altogether, exposing them to far greater financial risk in case of disaster.
This trend isn't confined to Australia alone. Similar patterns can be observed globally, where rising natural disasters are causing insurance costs to escalate, putting additional financial strain on families already grappling with stagnant income growth and increasing living expenses.
The Actuaries Institute’s findings underline the pressing need for a multifaceted approach to mitigate the impacts of rising insurance costs. This approach could include:
The issue underscores an essential challenge for policymakers, insurers, and consumers alike. On one end, there's an urgent need to adapt to the financial reality shaped by climate change, and on the other, ensuring that essential services remain accessible without unduly burdening household finances.
Published:Tuesday, 17th Sep 2024
Source: Paige Estritori
| AFCA Upholds Policyholder's Income Protection Benefits Against Zurich 12 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori The Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) has recently ruled against Zurich Insurance, instructing the insurer to maintain the current income protection benefits for a policyholder after an 11-year delay in proposing a reduction. This decision underscores the critical importance of timely and transparent communication between insurers and their clients. - read more |
| Neos Recognized as Leading Income Protection Insurer in 2025 12 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori In the 2025 Life Insurance Awards presented by Money Magazine, Neos has been honored as the top provider in the Income Protection Insurance category. This accolade reflects Neos's commitment to delivering comprehensive and reliable income protection solutions to Australians. - read more |
| Northern Australian Marinas Struggle with Rising Insurance Costs 12 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori Marina operators in Northern Australia are confronting a significant crisis as insurance premiums escalate dramatically, with some experiencing increases exceeding 300% over recent years. This surge in costs is placing immense financial strain on the industry, prompting urgent calls for government intervention. - read more |
| GT Insurance Provides Flexible Solutions Amid Global Trade Shifts 12 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori As global trade dynamics undergo significant shifts, GT Insurance is reaffirming its commitment to supporting marine clients navigating these challenges. The recent imposition of US tariffs—25% on Australian steel and aluminium, and 10% on other exported goods—has introduced new uncertainties for local exporters, particularly in sectors like beef and bulk freight. These tariffs, effective from April 5, 2025, have prompted concerns about declining export volumes and reduced freight margins. - read more |
| Dispelling the Myths: Why Income Protection is More Accessible Than You Think Income protection insurance serves as a financial safety net, designed to support individuals in the event that they are unable to work due to illness or injury. The significance of this type of insurance lies in its ability to provide a continuation of income during tough times, ensuring that one's financial responsibilities are taken care of. - read more
|
| Estate Planning and Insurance: Safeguarding Your Legacy in Australia Estate planning is a critical process often overlooked, yet it serves as the cornerstone of ensuring that your legacy is protected and seamlessly passed on to your loved ones. It's about securing your financial future and guaranteeing that the assets you've toiled to amass are distributed according to your wishes. In the intricate world of asset protection and family security, being well-informed can make all the difference. - read more
|
| Understanding Income Replacement Benefits: A Complete Guide for Australians Income replacement benefits are designed to provide financial support when you're unable to earn a salary due to illness or injury. They act as a safety net, ensuring you can maintain your lifestyle and meet ongoing expenses during unexpected interruptions. - read more
|
| Self-Employed? Here's How to Determine Your Income Insurance Coverage Needs In recent times, the allure of being your own boss has led to a significant shift towards self-employment in Australia. This growing trend reflects a desire for greater flexibility and autonomy in one's career. However, amidst this independence lie uncertainties and financial risks unique to those who venture out on their own. - read more
|