Climate Change Threatens Australian Suburbs with Unaffordable Insurance

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.

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

Please Note: If this information affects you, seek advice from a licensed professional.

Share this news item:

No news available under the category: insurance.

Life Insurance Articles

Preparing for the Unexpected: Why Income Protection is Essential for Financial Security

Life's unpredictability can often bring unforeseen challenges, particularly when it comes to our finances. One day you might be climbing the career ladder, the next you could find yourself unable to work due to illness or injury. This is where income protection insurance steps in, serving as a financial safety net that ensures you can continue to meet your living expenses, even when the unexpected happens. - read more

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 Insurance: The Safety Net for Your Financial Goals in Australia

Financial security is pivotal for anyone striving to meet their life goals, be it owning a home, educating children, or ensuring a comfortable retirement. In Australia, where uncertainties can disrupt our best laid-out financial plans, having a safety net in place is essential. Income insurance offers just that—protection against the unforeseen events that could impact your income earning abilities. - read more

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

Income Protection Insurance: A Must-Have for Australian Adults

Insurance is a crucial component of financial planning. While many Australians understand the importance of life insurance, there's another vital type of coverage that often gets overlooked: income protection insurance. - read more

Start Here !

Apply now for your free Insurance assessment and price comparisons!

This website is owned and operated by Clark Family Pty Ltd (ACN 010 281 008) as Trustee for the Clark Family Trust (ABN 35 957 893 714), 43 Larch Street Tallebudgera QLD 4228. Clark Family Pty Ltd is an Authorised Representative (AR 1298860) of Unique Group Broker Services Pty Ltd (AFSL 509434) for financial product referrals and an Authorised Credit Representative (ACR 401491) of Saccasan Pty Ltd (ACL 386297). Check our licensing details on the ASIC registers: Clark Family Pty Ltd ACR, Clark Family Pty Ltd AR, Saccasan Pty Ltd, Unique Group Broker Services.

IMPORTANT: We do not provide financial product advice or credit assistance. We act solely as an introducer and refer enquiries to licensed third-party intermediaries, insurers, and lenders - with whom you can then deal directly. We may receive a fee or commission from these third parties in consideration for the referral. Before any action is taken to obtain a product or service referred to by this website, advice should be obtained (from either the third party to whom we refer you or from another qualified intermediary) as to the appropriateness of obtaining those products having regard to your objectives, financial situation and needs. Whilst we have our own process for validating the legitimacy of our referral partners, you should always verify the credentials of your financial adviser before proceeding with recommendations that they may present. Visit the ASIC website for further information.