Victorian Insurance Premiums Spike Amidst Industry Turbulence

5

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.

Michael Keynes, a spokesperson for VMIA, stated that the raises, which see premiums leaping by an average of 53%, are a necessary measure to accommodate the recent flood of claims. "A record number of domestic building insurance claims have been resolved over the past year." Since July 1, the insurer has settled over 4000 claims.

Specifically, premiums for new single and multi-unit constructions will surge by 65%, while structural and non-structural renovations along with swimming pools will face a 20% rise. The charges for owner-builders are also set to increase by 65%.

Keynes attributes this spike to several intersecting issues: "We are dealing with the compounded effects of builder insolvencies, high inflation, and an ongoing shortage of skilled workers, all of which drive up building costs. As a result, VMIA needs to adjust premiums to ensure continued protection for homeowners when builders can't complete or rectify constructions."

In response, industry watchdogs, such as the Housing Industry Association (HIA), have been vocal about their objections. Keith Ryan, the executive director of HIA Victoria, warned that these increased premiums will further dent housing affordability in the state. "Victorian home builders and their clients are already grappling with soaring costs. This increase is an additional burden which hits new homebuyers the hardest," Ryan said in a statement.

The new premiums add to the already heavy financial load confronting new home buyers. "In Melbourne, nearly half of the cost of a new house and land package is swallowed up by taxes, fees, and related charges - effectively putting homeownership out of reach for many Victorians," Ryan elaborated.

Ryan also expressed disappointment that higher premiums were not coupled with enhanced insurance benefits for homeowners. He cautioned that builders, already stretched by increased material and labor costs, will ultimately pass these added expenses on to customers.

While premium hikes are aimed at safeguarding homeowners in these turbulent times, it’s clear that the cascading costs and their effects on housing affordability will spark further debate. This article incorporates information originally reported by insuranceNEWS.com.au.

Published:Monday, 17th Jun 2024
Source: Paige Estritori

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

Share this news item:

Insurance News

Clear

Australian Insurance Market Anticipates Slower Premium Growth in 2025

31 Jan 2026: Paige Estritori

In recent years, Australia's insurance sector has experienced substantial premium hikes, largely attributed to inflationary pressures and the financial repercussions of natural disasters. However, industry analysts now predict a slowdown in premium growth for 2025, indicating a potential shift in the market dynamics. - read more

Australian Insurance Industry Faces Challenges in Cybersecurity Readiness

31 Jan 2026: Paige Estritori

The Australian insurance sector is currently grappling with significant challenges in cybersecurity preparedness, as highlighted by the latest PwC Insurance Banana Skins Survey. This comprehensive study, which gathered insights from 698 insurance executives across 42 territories, including 37 from Australia, underscores a concerning lag in the industry's readiness to tackle emerging digital threats. - read more

Australian Insurance Leaders and Regulators Convene to Streamline Regulations

31 Jan 2026: Paige Estritori

In a concerted effort to enhance regulatory efficiency within the general insurance sector, the Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) recently hosted a pivotal roundtable in Sydney. This gathering brought together senior executives from the insurance industry alongside representatives from the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) and the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC). - read more

IAG CEO Predicts Ongoing Insurance Premium Rises

31 Jan 2026: Paige Estritori

Insurance Australia Group (IAG) has reported a significant 91% increase in net profit for the first half of the 2024-2025 financial year, reaching $778 million. Despite this profit surge, IAG's CEO, Nick Hawkins, has indicated that insurance premiums are expected to continue rising, though at a more moderate pace compared to previous years. ([abc.net.au](https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-02-14/iag-ceo-nick-hawkins-warns-of-further-premium-increases/104931074?utm_source=openai)) - read more

Rising Insurance Costs Challenge Australian Hospitality Sector

31 Jan 2026: Paige Estritori

The Australian hospitality industry is currently facing significant challenges due to escalating insurance premiums. Business owners report substantial increases in their insurance costs, which are becoming one of the largest expenses alongside wages, rent, and the rising cost of goods. ([au.finance.yahoo.com](https://au.finance.yahoo.com/news/aussie-hotel-owner-reveals-insane-48000-cost-behind-alarming-small-businesses-trend-040048130.html?utm_source=openai)) - read more

Click for more Insurance News