Flood victims receive $6 million in compensation from insurance companies following complaints

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 AFCA's lead ombudsman for insurance, Emma Curtis, acknowledged that the scale of natural disasters in Australia, combined with shortages of labor and materials, have caused delays in insurers assessing claims and completing repair work. She emphasized the importance of insurers promptly assessing claims, informing customers about expected time frames, and clearly communicating about claims options.

Victorian Nationals leader Peter Walsh also commented on the issue, noting that there has been a substantial increase in insurance policy premiums for postcodes threatened by floods since the 2022-23 Victorian and New South Wales flood crisis. He highlighted the need for healthy competition among insurance companies to keep prices reasonable in flood-prone areas.

In response, a spokesperson for the Victorian government stated that they are working with the Commonwealth government and the Insurance Council of Australia to explore ways to make insurance more affordable and accessible to residents of Victoria.

Published:Friday, 27th Jan 2023
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

What a Softer Insurance Market Could Mean for Tradies

15 Jul 2026: Paige Estritori

Australian businesses may be entering a more buyer-friendly phase for several commercial insurance classes, with recent market commentary pointing to stronger insurer competition, more available capacity and improved appetite for well-managed risks. For tradies and small trade businesses, that could make the next renewal period a useful time to reassess whether existing policies still match the way the business operates. - read more

Longer Lives, Higher Claims: What Chronic Illness Means for Employers

15 Jul 2026: Paige Estritori

New research from Zurich has sharpened the focus on a major issue for Australian employers: people are living longer, but many are spending more of those years managing chronic illness. For businesses that rely on experienced staff, directors and key revenue-generating employees, this is not just a health trend. It is a workforce, productivity and insurance planning issue. - read more

Why Chronic Illness Is Now a Business Continuity Issue

15 Jul 2026: Paige Estritori

New Zurich research has put a sharper lens on a risk many business owners already sense in their teams and families: Australians are living longer, but more of those years may be affected by chronic illness. For SMEs, this is not only a health story. It is a continuity, productivity and financial resilience story. - read more

What Canstar’s 2026 Life Insurance Ratings Mean for Key Person Cover

15 Jul 2026: Paige Estritori

Canstar’s latest 2026 life insurance research has put fresh numbers around a familiar pressure point for Australians: premiums are still rising, even if the increase is relatively modest. Based on Canstar’s direct life insurance rating work, average life insurance costs were reported to be $14.60, or 0.84%, higher in 2026 compared with the previous year’s national averages. - read more

ASIC’s Latest Levy Estimates Put Insurance Costs Under the Spotlight

15 Jul 2026: Paige Estritori

ASIC’s latest 2025-26 industry funding estimates have put fresh attention on the cost of regulating Australia’s insurance and financial advice sectors. Released on 13 July 2026, the figures show ASIC expects to recover $400.5 million across regulated industries for the financial year, up 19 per cent on the previous year. Final levies are due in December 2026, with invoices expected between January and March 2027. - read more

Click for more Insurance News