Senate Probes Climate's Toll on Insurance Costs and Access
Senate Probes Climate's Toll on Insurance Costs and Access
2
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.
The Senate has launched an investigation into the growing climate risks that are affecting insurance premiums, with a focus on affordability and accessibility.
Deputy leader of the Australian Greens and New South Wales Senator Mehreen Faruqi prompted the initiative by advocating for the formation of the Select Committee on the Impact of Climate Risk on Insurance Premiums and Availability.
This committee aims to scrutinize the challenges of insurance unaffordability affecting certain regions prone to climate-induced disasters and the barriers preventing some individuals from obtaining coverage. Additionally, it will assess how premium increases are linked to climate change and its impact on various insurance products, even those not directly exposed to climate risk.
The committee is also keen to understand the distributional effects of rising premiums across different communities, regions, and demographics. They will examine the role governments play in promoting climate adaptation and resilience measures to reduce insurance costs.
Labor Senator Tony Sheldon remarked that the committee’s efforts would help pinpoint areas where the government can support Australians facing escalating insurance rates.
"Since July 2022, more than half of Australia's local government areas have encountered natural disasters," Sheldon shared in an interview with insuranceNEWS.com.au. "Ensuring community safety before, during, and after these events is a chief concern for the Albanese administration."
The committee is scheduled to deliver its final report by November 19.
The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) plans to review the committee’s terms of reference closely. According to the ICA spokesperson, the insurance industry has been actively participating in the House Economics Committee's inquiry into the responses to the 2022 flood claims, which also considers affordability and the efficacy of mitigation strategies.
“The ICA will coordinate with the Senate committee to streamline efforts and avoid redundancies with the work being done by the House Economics Committee,” the spokesperson added.
Published:Saturday, 18th May 2024 Source: Paige Estritori
Please Note: If this information affects you, seek advice from a licensed professional.
Australia's life insurance sector is witnessing a significant transformation, with mental health conditions emerging as the predominant cause of Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) claims. Recent data from the Council of Australian Life Insurers (CALI) indicates that mental health-related TPD claims now constitute nearly one-third of all such claims, highlighting a profound shift in the factors leading Australians to exit the workforce permanently. - read more
The Australian life insurance industry has reported a remarkable financial turnaround in the fiscal year 2025, with earnings more than doubling to $360 million, according to the latest figures from the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA). This 210% increase in profit after income tax marks a significant recovery from previous years' losses and underscores the sector's resilience and adaptability. - read more
Australia's general insurance sector has reported an unprecedented after-tax profit of $6.1 billion for the year 2024, according to KPMG's General Insurance Insights report. This figure is three times higher than the five-year average of $2 billion, marking a significant milestone in the industry's financial performance. - read more
The Australian general insurance sector has reported a remarkable after-tax profit of $7.3 billion for the last financial year, marking its most substantial earnings in over ten years. This significant increase is primarily attributed to a decrease in catastrophe-related losses and robust investment returns. - read more
The Australian general insurance market is on a trajectory to see direct written premiums (DWP) exceed $144 billion by 2029, according to projections from data and analytics firm GlobalData. This anticipated growth is largely fueled by heightened demand for coverage in response to the increasing frequency of natural disasters. - read more
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
Income protection insurance is a type of coverage designed to replace a portion of your income if you're unable to work due to illness or injury. - read more
Income protection insurance is a type of insurance policy designed to provide you with a continuous flow of income in case you are unable to work due to illness or injury. It's a safety net that helps ensure you can maintain your standard of living, even when unforeseen health issues arise. - read more
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
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
Start Here !
Apply now for your free Insurance assessment and price comparisons!