Insurers Facing New Challenges After Flood Inquiry Concludes

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 sessions have highlighted the profound consequences potential adjustments to construction standards could have on how insurers assess and manage flood risks. Hydrologists also provided valuable insights into the complexities of their decision-making processes during these events.

Commenced on January 31, the inquiry has been a platform for various stakeholders, including consumer advocates, regulatory bodies, insurance companies, and communities directly affected by the floods, to voice their concerns and experiences.

Participants have underscored the need for improved expert assessments, enhanced complaint resolution mechanisms, and strategies to address the growing issue of affordability in flood-prone regions. These elements are poised to be key focus areas in the forthcoming set of recommendations.

According to insights gathered from the original article, the industry's anticipation centers around the proposed reforms and how they could reshape the landscape of flood risk management and insurance practices.

Overall, the inquiry is expected to prompt a comprehensive evaluation and overhauls in several domains:

1. Stringent evaluation criteria for ensuring building codes align with current flood risk analyses.
2. Streamlined and more accessible complaint handling processes for consumers.
3. Strategies to enhance the affordability and accessibility of insurance in high-risk areas.

The permanent transformation of these aspects intends to mitigate future risks and assures that communities can recover more swiftly from such catastrophic events.

Published:Thursday, 8th Aug 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

Clear

Café's Underinsurance Leads to Reduced Payouts After Storm Damage

21 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori

In February 2026, a café and catering business faced significant financial challenges after a storm caused extensive damage, leading to a prolonged closure. The Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) ruled that the café's underinsurance resulted in reduced claim payouts, highlighting the critical need for businesses to ensure their insurance coverage accurately reflects their risk exposure. - read more

Arson Claim Approved for Restaurant Despite Director's Undisclosed Criminal Record

21 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori

In June 2025, the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) ruled in favor of a restaurant's arson claim, despite the director's failure to disclose his criminal history during the policy's inception. This decision highlights the complexities surrounding disclosure obligations and the importance of clear communication between insurers and policyholders. - read more

Undisclosed Religious Meetings Result in Denied Theft Claim for Landlord

21 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori

In December 2025, the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) upheld AIG's decision to deny a landlord's theft claim, citing the landlord's failure to disclose that the leased property was used for religious meetings. This case highlights the paramount importance of accurate disclosure regarding property use in insurance agreements. - read more

NSW Productivity Commissioner Calls for Immediate Ban on Strata Manager Commissions

21 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori

In a significant development for New South Wales' strata sector, Productivity Commissioner Peter Achterstraat has recommended the prompt prohibition of commissions received by strata managers. This move aims to safeguard the interests of apartment owners, especially as strata living becomes increasingly prevalent in Sydney. - read more

CHU's 2025 Report Shows Stability in Strata Insurance Premiums

21 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori

CHU, Australia's leading strata insurance underwriting agency, has released its 2025 State of the Strata Market report, providing a comprehensive analysis of the current state of the industry. The report indicates that strata insurance premiums have experienced a modest increase of 2.8%, rising from an average of $954 to $981 per lot annually in the year leading up to June 2025. This increment is notably lower than the 14% surge observed in house insurance premiums during the same period. - read more

Click for more Insurance News