Life Insurance Australia

Australian Life Insurance Quotes and Resources

Life Insurance Australia :: News

Share this news item!

Flood Damage: A Disproportionate Risk to Known Exposure

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.

Flood events have accounted for a staggering 54% of losses from declared insurance events in the past five years.

Surprisingly, these losses occur even though only a small percentage of properties are known to be at risk, according to a submission by the Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) to a parliamentary inquiry.

Australia has over 674,000 properties facing a risk of 1-in-100, 1-in-50, or 1-in-20-years. Out of these, 229,455 properties are at a 1-in-20-year risk, equivalent to a 5% annual exceedance probability.

Andrew Hall, CEO of the ICA, expresses the industry's commitment to improve flood response and appreciates the opportunity to submit their findings to the House of Representatives economics committee.

"Our data analysis also reveals that flood damage is wildly disproportionate to the number of exposed properties. By focusing our mitigation efforts on the most affected areas, we can alleviate the burden for everyone," says Andrew Hall, ICA CEO.

Floods often lead to costly insurance claims and have been the primary cause of losses in recent years, mainly due to weather conditions influenced by climate drivers that cause increased rainfall in eastern Australia.

An analysis of the National Flood Information Database shows that more than half of the properties at a 1-in-20-year risk are located in New South Wales, with the majority of the remaining properties in Queensland and Victoria.

The ICA's submission to the committee inquiry on insurers' responses to last year's floods announces the release of a series of policy papers in the coming months. These papers will examine the nation's "protection gap" and affordability of insurance coverage.

In their submission, the ICA highlights key findings from the recent Deloitte report commissioned by the industry, focusing on the floods that occurred in NSW and Queensland in February and March. The report includes recommendations that have been accepted in principle by the ICA.

The ICA emphasizes the need for action to reduce risks, including increased spending on resilience, improved land use planning, and reforms to building codes. Additionally, they draw attention to the impact of insurance taxes on premiums.

The final report from the inquiry is expected by the end of September next year. A hearing, originally scheduled for Wednesday, has been postponed to the new year.

Published:Tuesday, 5th Dec 2023
Source: Paige Estritori

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

Share this news item:

Insurance News

Leadership Transition at NTI: Janelle Greene Named New CEO

13 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori

National Transport Insurance (NTI), Australia's premier transport and logistics insurance provider, has announced the appointment of Janelle Greene as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective July 1. Greene, who currently serves as NTI's Chief Customer Officer, will succeed Tony Clark, who has led the company for the past 18 years. - read more

Decade-Long Battle Ends in TPD Payout for Injured Truck Driver

13 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori

In a significant ruling by the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA), a truck driver has been awarded a total and permanent disability (TPD) benefit, concluding a protracted dispute that spanned over a decade. - read more

NHVR's Revised Master Code: Broader Safety Guidelines for Heavy Vehicle Users

13 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori

The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) has recently updated its Master Code of Practice, marking the first revision since its initial release in 2018. This comprehensive update extends its reach beyond traditional road transport businesses to encompass a wider array of industries that utilise heavy vehicles, including manufacturing, construction, mining, retail, and logistics. - read more

AFCA Upholds Policyholder's Income Protection Benefits Against Zurich

12 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori

The Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) has recently ruled against Zurich Insurance, instructing the insurer to maintain the current income protection benefits for a policyholder after an 11-year delay in proposing a reduction. This decision underscores the critical importance of timely and transparent communication between insurers and their clients. - read more

Neos Recognized as Leading Income Protection Insurer in 2025

12 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori

In the 2025 Life Insurance Awards presented by Money Magazine, Neos has been honored as the top provider in the Income Protection Insurance category. This accolade reflects Neos's commitment to delivering comprehensive and reliable income protection solutions to Australians. - read more

Click for more Insurance News

Life Insurance Articles

How to Review and Update Your Life Insurance Policy as Your Family Grows

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

The Impact of Parenthood on Your Life Insurance Choices

Life insurance, a contract between an insurer and a policyholder, is designed to provide financial protection to loved ones in the event of the policyholder's death. For parents, this protection takes on a new level of significance. The birth of a child heralds a profound shift in priorities, with a focus on safeguarding the future of one's family. Hence, understanding life insurance options becomes a crucial aspect of responsible parenting. - read more

Maximize Your Safety Net: Top Tips for Optimizing Income Protection Benefits

Welcome to a pivotal guide dedicated to empowering you with the essentials of income protection insurance in Australia. As we navigate through times of uncertainty, safeguarding your financial wellbeing becomes not just a priority, but a necessity. Income protection insurance stands as one of the key pillars of financial security, ensuring a steady flow of income during periods when you're unable to work due to illness or injury. - read more

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Comparing Life Insurance Policies

Choosing the right life insurance policy is one of the most important decisions for Australians, especially for those who are middle-aged or older. Life insurance provides financial security for your loved ones in the event of your passing, ensuring that they are not burdened with financial hardships. - read more

Life After You: Planning Ahead With Quality Life Insurance for Your Family

Life insurance is a fundamental component of a robust financial plan, yet its significance is often underestimated. It serves as a safety net, ensuring that your loved ones are financially secure in the event of your absence. Understanding life insurance is the first step towards safeguarding your family’s future. - read more

Start Here !

Apply now for your free Insurance assessment and price comparisons!

Knowledgebase

Insurance Underwriter:
An insurance company, a financial institution that sells insurance.

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.