Income Insurance Australia :: News
SHARE

Share this news item!

Insurance Challenges Loom for Property Owners with Faulty Infrastructure

Insurance Challenges Loom for Property Owners with Faulty Infrastructure

Insurance Challenges Loom for Property Owners with Faulty Infrastructure?w=400

The information on this website is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Consider seeking personal advice from a licensed adviser before acting on any information.

In a troubling situation affecting many Western Australian families, defective plumbing is creating significant financial and emotional distress, as insurers increasingly shy away from covering homes plagued by repeated water leaks.

A particular type of resin-based plumbing, Iplex’s Pro-fit Typlex 1050, has been identified as a repeat offender in this scenario, with homeowners finding themselves in a bind when it comes to home and contents insurance. Prominent insurers such as RAC and QBE have notably declined to continue coverage for properties where these pipes frequently fail, leading to damaging and disruptive water bursts.

The issue was first reported by The West Australian, shedding light on the growing population of homeowners grappling with denied insurance renewals. The severity of financial setbacks has prompted many affected families to seek alternative solutions to rectify these faulty installations swiftly.

It is not just a looming threat to homeowners’ peace of mind; this situation further inhibits property sales. Prospective buyers are deterred by the potential liability and subsequent insurance hurdles, thereby adding to the woes faced by current homeowners. This dynamic introduces an unexpected twist into the property market, where selling typically gives rise to new beginnings rather than fresh complications.

The impacts of faulty infrastructure extend beyond inconvenience. Affected homeowners are forced to undertake immediate renovation works to replace these pipes, often shouldering hefty costs. This predicament is particularly harsh in cases where properties could otherwise gain quick market traction. Recent examples illustrate situations where real estate sales came late in the process, once all essential rectifications and confirmations of insurance renewals were in place.

To mitigate these risks, experts recommend a proactive approach of engaging qualified inspectors to ascertain potential liability points in plumbing systems during pre-purchase inspections, an extra safeguard for both buyers and sellers.

Simultaneously, organizations servicing the plumbing industry emphasize the need for increased regulatory scrutiny and manufacturer guarantees on fittings and materials. By addressing these root causes, the cycle of insurance denial can be broken, fostering greater stability in property transactions.

The urgency to remove faulty piping systems quickly reflects not only residents' frustration but also the necessity for changes within the industry, aiming to alleviate the burden on those caught in this web of insurance and infrastructure woes.

Published:Tuesday, 15th Oct 2024
Author: Paige Estritori

Please Note: We do not endorse any specific products or companies. Some content is sourced from third parties, including press releases, and may not be independently verified for accuracy or completeness.

Share this news item:

Insurance News

AustralianSuper Announces Significant Insurance Premium Increases
AustralianSuper Announces Significant Insurance Premium Increases
24 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori
AustralianSuper, one of Australia's largest superannuation funds, has announced substantial increases in insurance premiums, effective June 2026. This decision affects approximately 1.7 million members and is primarily driven by a notable rise in mental health and disability claims. - read more
Escalating Insurance Premiums Pose Challenges for Australian Retirees
Escalating Insurance Premiums Pose Challenges for Australian Retirees
24 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori
For many Australian retirees, the dream of a comfortable and secure retirement is being overshadowed by the escalating costs of home insurance. Over the past five years, the average cost of home insurance in Australia has surged by 51%, according to analytics firm Finity. This substantial increase is placing considerable financial pressure on retirees, many of whom are on fixed incomes and find it challenging to accommodate these rising costs. - read more
Australian Insurers Navigate Rising Claims and Cost-of-Living Challenges
Australian Insurers Navigate Rising Claims and Cost-of-Living Challenges
24 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori
As Australian households grapple with escalating cost-of-living pressures, the insurance industry is facing the dual challenge of maintaining coverage affordability while managing an uptick in claims, particularly related to mental health and disability. Recent research from national insurance provider Youi highlights that over two in five Australians (42%) report a deterioration in their financial position over the past two years, with 66% indicating they are just keeping up or likely to struggle if faced with unexpected expenses. - read more
Understanding AustralianSuper's Income Protection Reduction
Understanding AustralianSuper's Income Protection Reduction
16 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori
AustralianSuper, one of Australia's largest superannuation funds, has announced a significant change to its default income protection insurance. Effective from 28 February 2026, the fund will reduce the default income protection cover to $1,000 per month. This adjustment aims to align insurance coverage with members' actual income levels and prevent over-insurance, which can erode retirement savings. - read more
CareSuper Enhances Income Protection Benefits for Members
CareSuper Enhances Income Protection Benefits for Members
16 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori
CareSuper has announced an enhancement to its income protection insurance offerings. Starting 1 April 2026, members can apply for income protection cover up to 87% of their current income, including up to 12% super contributions. This is an increase from the previous limit of 85% of income, which included up to 10% super contributions. - read more


Life Insurance Articles

The Essential Role of Income Insurance in Your Financial Plan
The Essential Role of Income Insurance in Your Financial Plan
An income insurance policy, often referred to as income protection insurance, is a financial safety net designed to provide you with a steady income stream if you're unable to work due to illness or injury. It ensures that you can still support yourself and your family, even when unforeseen medical conditions prevent you from earning a salary. This policy typically covers a percentage of your pre-tax income, helping to alleviate the financial burden during recovery periods. - read more
Income Protection Insurance vs. Total Permanent Disability: What’s the Difference?
Income Protection Insurance vs. Total Permanent Disability: What’s the Difference?
When life throws unexpected challenges your way, being financially prepared can make all the difference. This is where Income Protection Insurance and Total Permanent Disability (TPD) Insurance come into play. These two types of insurance provide a crucial safety net, ensuring that you and your family remain financially stable even when you're unable to work due to illness or injury. - read more
Common Pitfalls in Income Insurance Claims and How to Avoid Them
Common Pitfalls in Income Insurance Claims and How to Avoid Them
Income insurance is a critical component of financial planning, offering a safety net when life's uncertainties impact your income stream. It ensures that you can continue meeting your financial obligations even if you're unable to work due to illness or injury. This peace of mind is invaluable, especially in an unpredictable job market. - read more
Income Insurance: Common Misunderstandings that Could Cost You
Income Insurance: Common Misunderstandings that Could Cost You
When life throws unexpected challenges your way, income insurance can be a financial lifesaver. Essentially, it's a policy designed to replace a portion of your income if you're unable to work due to illness or injury. Imagine not having to worry about bills piling up while you focus on recovery. That's the peace of mind income insurance aims to provide. - read more
How Income Protection Insurance Can Safeguard Your Financial Future
How Income Protection Insurance Can Safeguard Your Financial Future
Income protection insurance is a type of insurance policy designed to replace a portion of your income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury. This financial safety net can help cover essential living expenses, such as mortgage repayments, utility bills, and daily costs, ensuring you maintain your standard of living during tough times. - read more


Start Here !
disability protection
Apply now for your free Insurance assessment and price comparisons!

Start Here

Monthly Income Benefit:
Postcode:

All quotes are provided obligation-free by a participating broker from our national referral partner network. We respect your Privacy.