Rising Home Insurance Costs Heat Up Household Finances

4

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.

Sharanjit Paddam, who spearheaded the report at the Actuaries Institute, highlights a troubling trend: home insurance premiums are outpacing wage growth. The median premium for home insurance has soared by 9% in just one year, squeezing household budgets tightly.

One significant driver of these rising premiums, according to Paddam, is the increasingly evident impact of climate change. Extreme weather events, such as devastating bushfires and severe floods, have heightened the risk associated with insuring homes, prompting insurers to hike their prices.

Some households are responding to these changes by searching for cost-saving measures, such as increasing their deductibles or shopping for cheaper coverage options. However, others find themselves forced to forgo home insurance altogether, exposing them to far greater financial risk in case of disaster.

This trend isn't confined to Australia alone. Similar patterns can be observed globally, where rising natural disasters are causing insurance costs to escalate, putting additional financial strain on families already grappling with stagnant income growth and increasing living expenses.

The Actuaries Institute’s findings underline the pressing need for a multifaceted approach to mitigate the impacts of rising insurance costs. This approach could include:

• Investing in improved climate resilience strategies to minimize the damage from natural disasters.
• Proposing policy reforms to balance the insurance markets and protect consumers.
• Encouraging public-private partnerships to develop affordable insurance solutions.
• Enhancing consumer awareness regarding available options and making informed decisions.

The issue underscores an essential challenge for policymakers, insurers, and consumers alike. On one end, there's an urgent need to adapt to the financial reality shaped by climate change, and on the other, ensuring that essential services remain accessible without unduly burdening household finances.

Published:Tuesday, 17th Sep 2024
Source: Paige Estritori

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

Share this news item:

Insurance News

Clear

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

Northern Australian Marinas Struggle with Rising Insurance Costs

12 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori

Marina operators in Northern Australia are confronting a significant crisis as insurance premiums escalate dramatically, with some experiencing increases exceeding 300% over recent years. This surge in costs is placing immense financial strain on the industry, prompting urgent calls for government intervention. - read more

GT Insurance Provides Flexible Solutions Amid Global Trade Shifts

12 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori

As global trade dynamics undergo significant shifts, GT Insurance is reaffirming its commitment to supporting marine clients navigating these challenges. The recent imposition of US tariffs-25% on Australian steel and aluminium, and 10% on other exported goods-has introduced new uncertainties for local exporters, particularly in sectors like beef and bulk freight. These tariffs, effective from April 5, 2025, have prompted concerns about declining export volumes and reduced freight margins. - read more

Business NSW Advocates for Urgent Insurance Reforms to Alleviate Rising Premiums

12 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori

Business NSW, the leading business advocacy group in New South Wales, has raised alarms over the escalating insurance premiums that are placing significant financial strain on businesses across the state. Recent findings from their Business Conditions Survey reveal that nearly 80% of businesses have encountered double-digit increases in insurance costs over the past year, with one in three reporting hikes of 30% or more. These surges starkly contrast with the annual inflation rate of 2. - read more

Click for more Insurance News