Consumer Advocacy Calls for $250 Million Annual Insurer Contribution Fund
Consumer Advocacy Calls for $250 Million Annual Insurer Contribution Fund
Tyrone Shandiman, Chair of ACIL, suggests that distributing the $250 million expense across all members of the Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) would have minimal financial impact on individual insurers. He asserts that insurers have an obligation to redirect a portion of their substantial profits back to policyholders, rather than focusing solely on shareholder returns. According to Shandiman, the industry should actively participate in solutions rather than relying on government intervention alone.
The proposed funds would be allocated to support mitigation efforts in high-risk regions, offer premium relief for vulnerable consumers, create a research foundation to investigate long-term insurance affordability and availability strategies, and pilot programs that could justify significant government investment. ACIL emphasizes that insurers need to financially support these initiatives if they genuinely endorse mitigation and resilience measures.
Shandiman stresses that establishing such a fund would be a crucial step in rebuilding public trust in the insurance sector. He notes that insurers tend to propose solutions that do not require them to provide financial contributions, casting doubt on their commitment to true reform. This reluctance is juxtaposed with their record profit levels, while consumers in high-risk areas continue to face challenges in securing affordable insurance coverage.
The ACIL initiative suggests that the proposed funding could also be used to test and model strategies in support of the ICA's previously proposed $30 billion flood defense program. This program, outlined by ICA last month, calls for governmental investment over the next decade to alleviate growing concerns surrounding home insurance affordability.
The Insurance Council of Australia has acknowledged Mr. Shandiman's proposal but has not publicly committed to the initiative.
Published:Tuesday, 18th Mar 2025
Source: Paige Estritori
Share this news item:
| Steadfast Unveils Prevail: A New Era in High Net Worth and Farm Insurance 17 Jan 2026: Paige Estritori In a significant development for the Australian insurance landscape, Steadfast has announced the launch of Prevail, a new specialist agency designed to cater to high net worth individuals and the farming sector. This initiative brings together three well-established underwriting agencies—Mansions, Dawes, and Argis—under a unified brand, aiming to provide comprehensive and tailored insurance solutions. - read more |
| Harland Green Launches Comprehensive All-Risk Insurance for Large-Scale Farms 17 Jan 2026: Paige Estritori Harland Green, a newly established Lloyd's coverholder, has introduced an all-risk farm insurance package specifically designed for large commercial farming operations in Australia. This initiative aims to address the complex and evolving needs of the agricultural sector by offering comprehensive coverage that encompasses various aspects of farm operations. - read more |
| Allstate Underwriting and Mitsui Sumitomo Join Forces to Strengthen Farm Insurance Offerings 17 Jan 2026: Paige Estritori Allstate Underwriting Agencies has announced a strategic partnership with Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance (MSI) to enhance its capacity in providing insurance solutions for medium, small, and hobby farms across Australia. This collaboration is set to bolster Allstate's presence in the farm pack market, offering tailored products that meet the specific needs of these farming segments. - read more |
| Envest Group's TLI Underwriting: A New Era for Large Truck Fleet Insurance 17 Jan 2026: Paige Estritori Envest Group, a prominent entity in the insurance sector, has announced the launch of TLI Underwriting, a specialised heavy motor agency set to commence operations at the end of this month. This new venture is poised to cater specifically to the insurance needs of larger truck fleets, marking a significant expansion in Envest's service offerings. - read more |
| Disability Income Protection: What Every Hotel Operator Needs to Know Running a café is a rewarding yet challenging endeavor. With the hospitality industry being fast-paced and ever-changing, café owners often face unique financial challenges. Operating in an industry that is both physically demanding and unpredictable can sometimes lead to unforeseen circumstances that affect the stability and success of your business. - read more
|
| How Accidental Income Protection Insurance Can Provide Peace of Mind Accidental income protection insurance is a type of policy that provides financial support if you are unable to work due to an accident. Unlike regular income protection insurance, which can cover illnesses and injuries, this specific insurance focuses solely on accidents. - read more
|
| Top Strategies for Long-Term Income Protection in Australia Income protection is a safeguard that ensures you have a steady stream of income if you're unable to work due to illness or injury. This type of insurance can be a lifesaver, providing peace of mind and financial stability during challenging times. - read more
|
| Affordable Life Insurance: Finding the Right Fit for Your Family's Finances Life insurance is a crucial component in safeguarding your family's financial security. It offers peace of mind, knowing that your loved ones will be protected in the event of unexpected circumstances. Many Australians understand the value of having life insurance, but the task of finding a policy that fits within a family's budget can sometimes feel overwhelming. - read more
|
Insurance coverage that pays for the additional living expenses if your home is uninhabitable due to a covered loss.