Compare Life Insurance :: News
SHARE

Share this news item!

Climate Change Threatens Australian Suburbs with Unaffordable Insurance

Climate Change Threatens Australian Suburbs with Unaffordable Insurance

More than 4% of Australian properties are currently facing heightened risks from natural hazards exacerbated by climate change, rendering insurance coverage often unaffordable or unavailable, according to recent findings by Climate Valuation.
An analysis of over 15 million properties across 15,000 suburbs also highlights that an additional 10% are at moderate risk from disasters such as floods, bushfires, tropical cyclones, coastal inundation, and extreme winds.

Properties identified as high-risk are likely to encounter skyrocketing insurance costs, according to the report commissioned by the Climate Council. Karl Mallon, the founder of Climate Valuation, emphasized the immediacy of the threat posed by climate change, urging decision-makers to address the concerning statistics detailed in the research.

The climate group's modelling identifies 86 suburbs as "critical climate risk zones," wherein 80% to 100% of properties are at risk of becoming financially uninsurable if current trends persist.

The escalating risks and rising cost of insuring these properties underscore the broader financial repercussions of climate change on Australian communities. The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) has noted that insurers have long cautioned about these escalating risks, tying rising insurance premiums to extreme weather events, which have resulted in $4.5 billion insured costs annually over the past five years. This marks a nearly 70% increase compared to the previous five-year period, with projected costs reaching $35 billion by 2050 if no mitigating actions are undertaken.

The report highlights the potential backlash on the economy if insurance becomes inaccessible, with valuable community resilience being the key to maintaining affordability and availability of coverage.

The ICA advocates for significant investments in resilience and mitigation, such as a proposed $30 billion investment in flood defenses. It also urges the removal of unfair state insurance taxes and the promotion of household resilience measures, which some insurers already incentivize through premium reductions.

Climate Valuation additionally suggests several measures including retrofitting homes, relocating properties in extreme cases, halting development in high-risk areas, and ensuring that new constructions are climate-resilient as per the National Construction Code adaptation. These steps, it argues, would not only protect communities but also relieve pressure on insurance premiums, delivering what they describe as a "double dividend."

The report calls for a comprehensive integration of "climate proofing" into national standards to prevent placing more Australians in harm's way and to foster the development of sustainable, resilient infrastructure.

Published:Thursday, 17th Apr 2025
Source: Paige Estritori

Share this news item:

Insurance News

NSW Strata Commission Ban: A Catalyst for Industry Reform NSW Strata Commission Ban: A Catalyst for Industry Reform
07 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori

The New South Wales (NSW) government's proposal to ban commissions on strata insurance has ignited a contentious debate between consumer advocacy groups and industry leaders. This reform aims to eliminate potential conflicts of interest and enhance transparency within the strata management sector. - read more
Queensland Strata Owners Advised to Leverage New Premium Reduction Programs Queensland Strata Owners Advised to Leverage New Premium Reduction Programs
07 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori

Strata property owners in North and Central Queensland are being encouraged to take advantage of newly introduced federal and state initiatives designed to reduce insurance premiums and enhance cyclone resilience. These programs offer financial incentives for property upgrades that can lead to significant savings on insurance costs. - read more
Australian Insurers Struggle to Keep Pace with Emerging Risks Australian Insurers Struggle to Keep Pace with Emerging Risks
07 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori

Recent findings from the PwC Insurance Banana Skins Survey reveal that Australian insurers are trailing their global counterparts in risk preparedness. The survey, which gathered insights from 698 insurance executives across 42 territories, indicates that Australian insurers scored 6.6% lower on the Preparedness Index compared to the global average. This gap is particularly concerning as the industry faces escalating challenges from cyber threats and the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI). - read more
Significant Increases in Australian Home Insurance Premiums Significant Increases in Australian Home Insurance Premiums
07 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori

Australian homeowners are experiencing substantial increases in home insurance premiums, with the average premium rising by 16% over the past year. Consumer advocacy group Choice reports that some insurers, including Kogan, RAC, and Honey, have raised their rates by more than 30%. These hikes are attributed to various factors, including high supply chain inflation, increased claims costs, and higher reinsurance expenses due to severe weather events. - read more


Life Insurance Articles

Income Protection vs. Life Insurance: Why You Need Both Income Protection vs. Life Insurance: Why You Need Both
Insurance plays a crucial role in safeguarding our financial future. It serves as a safety net, ensuring that we can manage unexpected events without severely impacting our financial stability. For Australian adults, having the right types of insurance coverage is essential for peace of mind and financial security. - read more
The Importance of Comparing Health Insurance Extras for Maximum Savings The Importance of Comparing Health Insurance Extras for Maximum Savings
Health insurance is more than just a precautionary measure; it's a vital component in managing both your health and financial well-being. In Australia, where healthcare costs can quickly escalate, health insurance extras serve as a buffer, ensuring that services like dental, optical, and physiotherapy remain within reach. These extras can significantly reduce the out-of-pocket expenses you might otherwise encounter for non-hospital treatments. - read more
Unexpected Illness & Injury: Navigating Financial Security for Your Family Unexpected Illness & Injury: Navigating Financial Security for Your Family
Life is an unpredictable journey filled with twists and turns that can challenge even the most prepared among us. Sudden illnesses and unexpected injuries are just some of the uncertainties that can disrupt the harmony of family life. The emotional turmoil brought on by these circumstances is often compounded by the financial strain they can cause. It's during these trying times that the true value of peace of mind becomes clear. - read more
Understanding Your Insurance Needs at Every Life Stage Understanding Your Insurance Needs at Every Life Stage
Navigating the complex world of insurance can often feel daunting, but understanding the importance of life stage consideration when choosing life insurance is essential. As we journey through the various chapters of our lives, our financial responsibilities, dependents, and personal circumstances evolve. These changes invariably have significant implications for our insurance needs. - read more


Start Here !
life insurance
Apply now for your free Insurance assessment and price comparisons!

Start Here

Life Cover Amount:
Postcode:


All quotes are provided free and without obligation. We respect your privacy.
Knowledgebase
Subrogation:
The process by which an insurance company seeks to recover the amount paid to the policyholder from a third party responsible for the loss.