According to IAG's chief financial officer, William McDonnell, the risk to communities has intensified as the climate warms, with severe storms, including hailstorms, predicted to affect densely populated regions in southern Australia. This development underscores the urgent need for both the insurance industry and homeowners to adapt to the evolving climate landscape.
McDonnell emphasised that while various factors influence insurance pricing, the component related to natural perils is gradually increasing, particularly in areas more exposed to these risks. He highlighted the importance of taking proactive steps to enhance resilience, such as improving building codes, land use planning, and flood defences.
The 'Severe Weather in a Changing Climate' report, published by IAG in collaboration with the US National Science Foundation's National Centre for Atmospheric Research, indicates a noticeable rise in large hail events, especially in major urban areas. The report suggests a southward expansion of hail-prone regions and more hail days along the Melbourne–Sydney–Brisbane corridor, pointing to atmospheric conditions becoming increasingly favourable for hail over the past 30 years in Australia's most densely populated regions.
In light of these findings, IAG calls for urgent action to improve the resilience of buildings and infrastructure to reduce risks in the long run. The insurer advocates for a collective effort to transition to a low-carbon economy and implement measures that help Australia adapt and be resilient in the face of climate change.
For tradespeople and small business owners in the trades sector, these developments highlight the importance of securing comprehensive insurance coverage that accounts for the heightened risks associated with climate change. Ensuring that policies are up-to-date and provide adequate protection against natural disasters is crucial in safeguarding businesses from potential financial losses.
