Insurers Facing New Challenges After Flood Inquiry Concludes
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.
The federal inquiry examining the insurance industry's response to the devastating 2022 floods has come to a close after six intense months of hearings.
The final report is anticipated by October 18, promising significant recommendations.
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:
Stringent evaluation criteria for ensuring building codes align with current flood risk analyses.
Streamlined and more accessible complaint handling processes for consumers.
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 Source: Paige Estritori
Please Note: If this information affects you, seek advice from a licensed professional.
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
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 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
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
Australia's personal accident and health (A&H) insurance sector is poised for steady growth, with projections indicating an annual increase of over 4% through to 2030. This positive outlook is attributed to factors such as digital distribution, embedded coverage options, and heightened health concerns among the population. - read more
Life insurance is an essential safety net for families, providing financial security when it's needed the most. As your family grows, the importance of having a well-structured life insurance policy becomes even more critical. In the busy lives we lead today, it’s easy to overlook this crucial aspect of financial planning. However, ensuring your coverage meets your family's evolving needs is vital. - read more
Life insurance is a crucial consideration for middle-aged to older Australians. It provides financial security for your loved ones in the unfortunate event of your death. Understanding the various options available is vital to making an informed decision. - read more
When you’re young, life is all about new experiences and making plans for a promising future. While factors like travel, career, and relationships often take centre stage, one aspect often overlooked is life insurance. It might seem like something to consider later in life, but starting a policy while you're young can be a savvy financial move. - read more
Life insurance is a crucial part of any comprehensive financial plan, providing peace of mind that your loved ones will be financially secure in the event of your passing. - read more
The financial fabric of our lives consists of both planning and safeguarding against the unforeseen. Trauma cover, a lesser-known but crucial aspect of personal insurance, provides this protection by offering a lump sum payment upon diagnosis of specific serious illnesses or injuries. In the tapestry of financial planning, it acts as a vital safety net, ensuring that unexpected health crises do not lead to monetary distress. - read more
Start Here !
Apply now for your free Insurance assessment and price comparisons!
Knowledgebase
Indemnity: A legal principle that stipulates that insurance policies should restore the insured to the financial position they were in before the loss.