Victorian Insurance Premiums Spike Amidst Industry Turbulence
Victorian Insurance Premiums Spike Amidst Industry Turbulence
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
Share this news item:
| ICA Advocates for Strata Law Reforms to Address Rising Insurance Costs in Victoria 03 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) has recently called for substantial reforms to Victoria's strata legislation, citing a direct correlation between inadequate governance and escalating insurance premiums for residents. With approximately one in five Victorians residing in strata-titled properties, the need for effective management and oversight has become increasingly critical. - read more |
| CHU's 2025 Report Shows Stability in Strata Insurance Premiums Amid Climate and Regulatory Shifts 03 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori CHU, Australia's leading strata insurance underwriting agency, has released its 2025 State of the Strata Market report, providing a comprehensive analysis of the current state of the industry. The report offers valuable insights into premium movements, the impact of weather events, regulatory developments, and emerging risks affecting strata insurance. - read more |
| PICA Group Highlights Potential Risks to Strata Industry Viability 03 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori Bobby Lehane, CEO of PICA Group, has issued a cautionary statement regarding the future of the strata management sector in Australia. He emphasized that eliminating insurance commissions could pose a significant threat to the industry's viability, drawing parallels to the challenges faced by the aged care sector. - read more |
| Significant Increase in Private Health Insurance Premiums Announced for 2026 03 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori Australian private health insurance premiums are set to rise by an average of 4.41% from April 2026, marking the most substantial increase since 2017. This adjustment reflects the escalating costs associated with medical and hospital services, which have risen by 5% over the past financial year. - read more |
| Essential Coverage vs. Optional Add-ons: Balancing Protection and Costs For Australian farmers, having the right insurance coverage isn't just a safety net—it's an integral part of sustaining their livelihood. Natural disasters, unpredictable climate conditions, and the inherent risks of agricultural production underline the critical importance of robust insurance for the agricultural community. As farmers navigate the complexities of insurance, understanding the basics becomes the first step toward securing their assets and ensuring the continuity of their operations. - read more
|
| Creating a Financial Safety Net: Insurance and Savings Tips for Young Families Welcome to our blog! For young families, securing your future often requires careful planning and prudent financial decisions. One of the most crucial steps you can take in this journey is creating a financial safety net. - read more
|
| Income Protection vs. Life Insurance: Tax Differences You Should Consider Have you ever wondered how income protection insurance can affect your taxes? It's an often-overlooked aspect of managing your finances that could make a substantial difference. Understanding your insurance options is crucial in making informed decisions that benefit your long-term financial health. - read more
|
| Who Needs Disability Insurance? If you are like most people on this planet, you are not financially free. You would not be able to stop working and still support yourself and your family from your financial resources. Your continued ability to work to earn an income would therefore be one of your greatest assets. - read more
|
The concept that individuals may take on more risk when they do not bear the full consequences of that risk, often relevant in insurance scenarios.