Income Insurance Australia

... helping Australians to secure a prosperous future

Income Insurance Australia :: News

Share this news item!

Levies on Fire Services: New Approaches Could Impact Commercial Property Costs

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.

Upcoming modifications to New Zealand's emergency services funding methodology might result in notable levy increases for commercial real estate owners, consequently hiking non-insurance risks, according to industry experts.

According to projections by the Insurance Brokers Association of New Zealand (IBANZ), total levies across commercial properties could see a dramatic rise, potentially doubling under the current consultation proposals.

"Our members are already observing clients either cancel coverage or decrease their coverage level as they attempt to navigate prolonged high inflation and higher insurance premiums," says Mel Gorham, CEO of IBANZ.

"This new approach will likely make premiums less affordable, leading to more instances of underinsurance or decisions to forego insurance altogether," she further added.

The revised framework for the Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) levy is scheduled to begin on July 1, 2026, but critical decisions regarding its collection methodology are required by December 2023 to give the insurance sector ample time to implement the changes.

The suggested revision includes switching the calculation base for the levy from the current indemnity value method to the sum insured typically used in insurance policies. Presently, the current levy for commercial building insurance is calculated based on indemnity value.

Gorham points out that for older or poorly maintained buildings, the indemnity value can sometimes be as low as 25% of the sum insured, and the proposed model hasn’t thoroughly considered the full impact of this shift.

"We have been highlighting the potential affordability issues if the disparity between sum insured and indemnity value isn't taken into account," she mentioned to insuranceNEWS.com.au.

IBANZ has raised alarms that building value increases could lead to levy spikes by up to 400% by the time the changes are fully implemented in July 2026 if properties are to stay adequately insured.

The consultation document notes that the non-residential property rate would decrease marginally to NZ11.51 cents per $NZ100 insured from NZ11.95 cents. However, Gorham maintains that this reduction falls short of mitigating the comprehensive impacts, which also include expanding the levy to currently exempt assets where FENZ services are less likely to be utilized.

Aircraft
Marine vessels docked at wharves or marinas, or tethered at sea
Crops and livestock situated far from fire stations
Water tanks and retaining walls typically not susceptible to fire damage

It's worth noting that several New Zealand airports maintain their own crash firefighting capabilities funded through landing fees. Levy application to search and rescue helicopters could also increase their insurance costs.

"Search and rescue helicopters often support FENZ with firefighting operations, so the levy might ultimately be passed back to FENZ through the fees charged for their services," IBANZ indicates.

FENZ stated that it will compile the feedback received to aid the Minister of Internal Affairs in making informed recommendations. The consultation paper’s submission period concluded last week.

Published:Monday, 27th May 2024
Source: Paige Estritori

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

Share this news item:

Insurance News

Beauty Therapist Successfully Challenges Insurer Over Flood Damage Claim

23 Nov 2025: Paige Estritori

In a significant ruling, a beauty therapist has achieved partial coverage for damages after contesting her insurer's application of a flood exclusion clause. This case underscores the complexities beauticians face when navigating insurance claims related to water damage. - read more

ASIC Intensifies Oversight on Insurance Pricing and Claims Handling

23 Nov 2025: Paige Estritori

The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has unveiled new enforcement priorities for the upcoming year, placing a spotlight on insurance pricing, claims handling, and complaints processes. This move aims to enhance consumer protection and ensure fair practices within the insurance industry. - read more

Melbourne Hairdresser Successfully Claims Business Interruption Due to Pandemic

23 Nov 2025: Paige Estritori

A Melbourne-based hairdressing salon has won a business interruption (BI) insurance dispute after demonstrating that a local COVID-19 outbreak led to a significant decline in revenue, even before government-imposed lockdowns. - read more

Revolutionising Crop Insurance: DAS Unveils Cutting-Edge Data Tool

22 Nov 2025: Paige Estritori

Digital Agriculture Services (DAS) has introduced an innovative crop insurance solution in Australia, leveraging machine learning, automapping, and geospatial data to improve policy accuracy. This tool is designed to assist insurers, underwriters, brokers, and loss adjusters by precisely locating insured paddocks and identifying crop types, yields, and other critical details. - read more

Significant Drop in Farm Liability Claims Reflects Improved Safety Measures

22 Nov 2025: Paige Estritori

WFI Insurance has reported a notable decrease in farm liability claims across most categories, including a 75% reduction in falls from height over the past year. This decline suggests that Australian farmers are adopting more effective safety practices, leading to fewer accidents and injuries. - read more

Click for more Insurance News

Life Insurance Articles

Why Every Australian Entrepreneur Needs Income Protection Insurance

Entrepreneurship in Australia - a landscape overview: The allure of entrepreneurship in Australia is undeniable, with the promise of innovation, personal autonomy, and potentially limitless earnings. However, the path of an entrepreneur is often unpaved and unpredictable. Without the safety nets traditionally provided by corporate employment, Australian entrepreneurs must proactively safeguard their personal finances against the capricious winds of business fortune. - read more

Understanding the Process: A Beginner's Guide to Income Insurance Claims

Income insurance, an often-overlooked component of financial security, is gaining traction among Australia's burgeoning self-employed population. In an economy where traditional employment is no longer the sole path to success, this form of insurance has become a cornerstone for proactive financial planning. Touted as a safety net, it ensures that personal livelihoods and business operations remain secure in the face of adversity. - 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

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

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

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.