Liability Insurance :: News
SHARE

Share this news item!

Rising Home Insurance Costs Heat Up Household Finances

Rising Home Insurance Costs Heat Up Household Finances

Rising Home Insurance Costs Heat Up Household Finances?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.

Recent data published by the Actuaries Institute indicates a surge in financial strain among Australian households brought about by climbing home insurance premiums.
Remarkably, a staggering 1.6 million households are now feeling the pressure, marking a 30% increase over the last year, equivalent to an additional 360,000 households.

Sharanjit Paddam, who spearheaded the report at the Actuaries Institute, highlights a troubling trend: home insurance premiums are outpacing wage growth. The median premium for home insurance has soared by 9% in just one year, squeezing household budgets tightly.

One significant driver of these rising premiums, according to Paddam, is the increasingly evident impact of climate change. Extreme weather events, such as devastating bushfires and severe floods, have heightened the risk associated with insuring homes, prompting insurers to hike their prices.

Some households are responding to these changes by searching for cost-saving measures, such as increasing their deductibles or shopping for cheaper coverage options. However, others find themselves forced to forgo home insurance altogether, exposing them to far greater financial risk in case of disaster.

This trend isn't confined to Australia alone. Similar patterns can be observed globally, where rising natural disasters are causing insurance costs to escalate, putting additional financial strain on families already grappling with stagnant income growth and increasing living expenses.

The Actuaries Institute’s findings underline the pressing need for a multifaceted approach to mitigate the impacts of rising insurance costs. This approach could include:

  • Investing in improved climate resilience strategies to minimize the damage from natural disasters.
  • Proposing policy reforms to balance the insurance markets and protect consumers.
  • Encouraging public-private partnerships to develop affordable insurance solutions.
  • Enhancing consumer awareness regarding available options and making informed decisions.

The issue underscores an essential challenge for policymakers, insurers, and consumers alike. On one end, there's an urgent need to adapt to the financial reality shaped by climate change, and on the other, ensuring that essential services remain accessible without unduly burdening household finances.

Published:Tuesday, 17th Sep 2024
Source: Paige Estritori

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

Share this news item:

Insurance News

AFCA Upholds Policyholder Rights in Income Protection Case
AFCA Upholds Policyholder Rights in Income Protection Case
27 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori
In June 2025, the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) ruled in favour of a policyholder in a dispute over the duration of income protection payments. The case involved Resolution Life Australasia and centred on the insurer's decision to cease payments earlier than the policyholder expected. - read more
Swiss Re Advocates for Sustainable TPD Insurance Amid Rising Claims
Swiss Re Advocates for Sustainable TPD Insurance Amid Rising Claims
27 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori
In October 2025, Swiss Re, a leading global reinsurer, announced a temporary halt on accepting new life insurance business in Australia. This decision aims to address concerns over the sustainability of Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) products in the market. - read more
Suncorp's Strategic Reinsurance Program Enhances Financial Resilience
Suncorp's Strategic Reinsurance Program Enhances Financial Resilience
27 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori
Suncorp has successfully finalised its catastrophe reinsurance program for the financial year 2026, achieving a reduction in costs due to improved market conditions. This strategic move is set to bolster the insurer's financial resilience and operational efficiency. - read more
Australia's General Insurance Market Poised for Significant Growth
Australia's General Insurance Market Poised for Significant Growth
27 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori
The Australian general insurance industry is on a trajectory for substantial growth, with direct written premiums (DWP) projected to exceed $144 billion by 2029. This forecast, provided by data and analytics firm GlobalData, reflects a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) driven by increasing demand for coverage in response to the rising frequency of natural disasters. - read more


Business Insurance Articles

The Importance of Documentation in Public Liability Claims
The Importance of Documentation in Public Liability Claims
Public liability insurance is an essential part of any business's risk management strategy, especially for those operating in Australia. It's designed to protect businesses when they're found legally responsible for injury or damage to third parties due to their operations. But what happens when you need to make a claim? That's where understanding the claims process becomes vital. - read more
The Impact of Environmental Liability on Australian Business Operations
The Impact of Environmental Liability on Australian Business Operations
In today's ever-evolving business landscape, the significance of environmental sustainability and legal accountability is increasingly paramount. Australian enterprises, in particular, are encountering a growing need to understand and manage environmental liability. This reality not only influences corporate image but also carries substantial financial and legal ramifications. - read more
The Top 5 Risks Small Businesses Face and How to Mitigate Them
The Top 5 Risks Small Businesses Face and How to Mitigate Them
Running a small business can be both rewarding and challenging. One of the key challenges is the variety of risks that can arise unexpectedly. These risks can range from financial uncertainties to operational hiccups, each potentially impacting your business's success. Understanding these risks and preparing for them is crucial for the longevity and sustainability of any small enterprise. - read more
The Essential Guide to Liability Insurance for Freelancers
The Essential Guide to Liability Insurance for Freelancers
Liability insurance is a type of coverage designed to protect you from claims arising out of injuries or damages to other people or property. For freelancers, who often juggle multiple projects and clients, liability insurance can offer a safety net that reduces financial risk and instability. - read more


Start Here !
Start here!
Cover Amount:
Postcode:

All quotes are provided free and without obligation by a specialist from our national broker referral panel. See our privacy statement for more details.


Knowledgebase
Term Life Insurance:
A type of life insurance policy that provides coverage for a specified period, such as 10 or 20 years.