Gina Cass-Gottlieb, the Chair of ACCC, acknowledges the beneficial impact of the cyclone reinsurance pool, although it has been limited by external cost pressures, leading to only partial relief on insurance premiums which remain "significantly high" for many across Australia.
"We are hopeful that the pool provides a measure of protection for those particularly vulnerable to cyclones, yet it isn't a comprehensive solution for the wider insurance affordability issues," stated Cass-Gottlieb at the Gilbert + Tobin Financial Services Forum. She insists that, "As climate change accelerates, it reshapes not just our weather but our entire approach to managing risk."
The ACCC emphasizes the importance of Northern Australia Insurance Inquiry recommendations, suggesting these could overhaul consumer interaction with insurance markets, enhancing both accessibility and transparency. Cass-Gottlieb also notes corroborating findings from government and industry reports urging continued reforms.
Her vision involves a collaborative approach with all stakeholders, including the government and regulatory bodies, to equip communities, particularly those bearing the brunt of climate changes, with affordable insurance solutions.
The ACCC's Northern Australia inquiry, concluded in 2020, offered insights such as simplifying policy comparisons, addressing conflicts of interest, safeguarding consumer rights, and promoting risk mitigation strategies like better infrastructure.
The federal government has tasked the ACCC with ongoing data collection and monitoring concerning the cyclone pool's effectiveness in delivering savings to policyholders in target regions, evaluating its tangible benefits.
Cass-Gottlieb mentions that global reinsurance markets' current dynamics, alongside soaring costs of building materials and labor, compound the challenge. "Consumers frequently report that exorbitant insurance costs force difficult decisions—either inadequately insuring their property or choosing no insurance at all," she mentioned.
This article reinterprets an original piece noted in Insurance News Magazine, which underscores the pressing demands on the insurance industry amid growing criticisms and external pressures.
Published:Monday, 4th Nov 2024
Source: Paige Estritori
Insurers Face Intense Scrutiny Over Quake Claim Rejections 21 Nov 2024: Paige Estritori In recent months, Muswellbrook, a town in New South Wales, has experienced a series of earthquakes that have left residents grappling with both physical destruction and emotional distress. Criticism is mounting against insurers as more than 600 claims have emerged, following these seismic events, yet many remain unresolved or denied. - read more |
AI Regulations: A Web of Complications 20 Nov 2024: Paige Estritori The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) has raised concerns about the potential fallout from a fragmented regulatory approach to artificial intelligence and automated decision-making in the industry. There is fear that this patchwork of reforms could result in conflicting requirements, heavier compliance burdens, and increased industry confusion. - read more |
APRA Survey Reveals Impact of Climate Change on Insurance Industry Practices 19 Nov 2024: Paige Estritori A recent analysis by the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) reveals that over 90% of general insurers and reinsurers anticipate climate change will influence their underwriting procedures, posing new challenges to the industry. - read more |
Fraudulent Claims Lead to Complete Denial of Compensation 18 Nov 2024: Paige Estritori In a remarkable case highlighting the severe consequences of insurance fraud, an individual's attempt to inflate a theft insurance claim has resulted in the total denial of compensation. Despite a significant portion of the claim being genuine, fraudulent actions negated any potential payout. - read more |
Soaring Insurance Premiums Amid Changing Climate 14 Nov 2024: Paige Estritori As climate change persists, the impact of severe weather on insurance premiums is becoming more evident, pushing affordability out of reach for many Australians. Bernadette Systa, a mother of five, faced an undeniable financial strain as her annual home and contents insurance costs surged from a modest amount to more than twice what she initially paid. This experience echoes a growing dilemma faced by households across the country. - read more |
Cut Costs, Not Experiences: How to Plan a Budget-Friendly Australian Road Trip Australian landscapes are a canvas of breathtaking vistas, and road tripping offers an intimate brush with this vast, picturesque continent. The allure of the open road, the freedom to explore quirky roadside attractions, and the opportunity to discover secluded spots creates an excitement unique to this mode of travel. - read more
|
Travel Troubles: How Travel Insurance Protects You from Unexpected Events Abroad For many Australian travellers, setting off on a global adventure is an exciting prospect. Yet, amidst this excitement, it's crucial to acknowledge the unexpected twists and turns that could arise. That's where travel insurance steps in. Not just a safety net, it serves as a vital component of travel planning, providing peace of mind as you explore the world. - read more
|
Japanese Cherry Blossoms: An Aussie’s Seasonal Packing List for Spring Japan's springtime is an unfolding story of colour and culture that captures the hearts of travellers worldwide. As the winter snow melts away, the country is draped in a vibrant pink hue, heralding the arrival of the much-anticipated Sakura season. This period is not just a natural spectacle but also a timeless symbol of renewal and hope in Japanese culture. - read more
|
Clever Ways to Save on Accommodation: Budget Travel Hacks for Aussies The concept of travel in Australia inherently brings to mind sweeping landscapes, rugged coastlines, and vast outback adventures. For many Australians, the dream of traversing this scenic wonderland is often tempered by the cold reality of expenses, with accommodation often being a prominent budgetary concern. Yet, far from dimming the wanderlust, this challenge invites a more clever approach to journeying through the land Down Under. - read more
|
Your Complete Guide to Understanding Travel Insurance Coverage Imagine you're on a dream holiday in Europe and suddenly fall ill. Without travel insurance, this unforeseen mishap could turn your trip into a financial nightmare. Unexpected travel mishaps can occur, from medical emergencies to lost luggage, and having travel insurance can provide a safety net. - read more
|
The Essential Guide to Travel Insurance for Australian Travelers Planning a trip is always an exciting experience, but it’s essential to be prepared for unexpected events. This is where travel insurance comes in. For Australian travelers, having the right travel insurance can make all the difference, offering peace of mind and financial protection. - read more
|
The Savvy Traveller's Checklist for Affordable Travel Insurance Travel insurance is an indispensable component for any savvy traveller from Australia, playing a protective role in a myriad of situations that may occur away from home. Whether it's encountering flight delays, requiring medical assistance, or facing luggage theft, having a solid travel insurance policy can convert potential nightmares into manageable inconveniences. Yet, despite its importance, the process of finding a policy that won't break the bank is increasingly challenging. - read more
|
Travel Troubles: How Travel Insurance Protects You from Unexpected Events Abroad For many Australian travellers, setting off on a global adventure is an exciting prospect. Yet, amidst this excitement, it's crucial to acknowledge the unexpected twists and turns that could arise. That's where travel insurance steps in. Not just a safety net, it serves as a vital component of travel planning, providing peace of mind as you explore the world. - read more
|
The Essential Guide to Travel Insurance for Australians on a Working Holiday in Canada Welcome to your guide to embark on an amazing journey from Australia to the breathtaking landscapes of Canada on a working holiday. This adventure presents an inviting blend of work and travel, allowing you to immerse yourself fully in Canadian culture while supporting your explorations financially. - read more
|
How to Save Money on Travel Insurance Without Compromising on Coverage Travel insurance is an essential component of any trip, providing protection and peace of mind for Australian travelers. Whether you are planning a short weekend getaway or an extended overseas adventure, unforeseen circumstances such as medical emergencies, trip cancellations, or lost luggage can quickly derail your plans and drain your finances. - read more
|