Climate change is amplifying extreme weather events, leading to substantial infrastructure damage. In response, insurance companies are recalibrating premiums to reflect the increased risk, not only in high-risk flood-prone zones but also across broader regions.
Statistics from the Actuaries Institute indicate a 9% rise in median insurance premiums within a year, with marked surges of 30% in cyclone and flood-prone areas.
Living in the outskirts of south Brisbane, Ms. Systa frequently contends with storms, a threat she identified as particularly perilous, especially those involving hail and intense winds. "We're getting more extreme storms, and it’s that kind of damage that I am probably most concerned about."
A recent survey conducted by Parents for Climate in collaboration with the Climate Council reveals a concerning trend: 71% of parents express anxiety over the escalating cost of insurance driven by climate impacts.
Economist and Climate Councillor Nicki Hutley noted that energy reliance on oil and gas is exacerbating both climate and cost-of-living crises. "Aussies feel the strain every time we fill up cars with pricey petrol or use expensive gas to heat our homes," she explained. "These polluting products are increasingly being reflected in inflation charts."
The survey, covering 1590 participants, discovered that nearly 30% of parents are now finding it difficult to pay for basic necessities, including groceries, utilities, and insurance premiums.
The unfolding scenario underscores a rising urgency for cleaner energy solutions. Households seeking to alleviate costs have shown a growing interest in sustainable alternatives like rooftop solar panels, household batteries, and energy-efficient appliances. Ms. Systa, although benefiting from solar provisions, stressed the need for greater governmental intervention to alleviate the costs of purchasing electric vehicles.
"We have two gas-guzzling cars that are both costly to maintain and environmentally damaging. I'd love the chance to switch to an EV, but it's currently beyond our financial reach," she said.
As reported by AAP, these insights highlight the increasingly intertwined nature of climate consciousness and financial realities, igniting public discourse on feasible solutions amid pressing environmental changes.
Published:Thursday, 14th 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 |
The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Travel Insurance for Your Australian Adventure Embarking on an Australian adventure can ignite excitement in the heart of any traveller, but being prepared for the unexpected should be top of mind. Travel insurance is an essential travel companion that safeguards your journey from unforeseeable circumstances. Whether confronting flight cancellations, medical emergencies, or lost luggage, the right travel insurance policy can make a world of difference, offering peace of mind to fully immerse in the Aussie adventure experience. - read more
|
Navigating Business Interruption Insurance: A Lifeline for SMEs Understanding the safeguards available to protect businesses during times of unexpected adversity is crucial, especially for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs). Chief among these safeguards is business interruption insurance. This form of coverage is designed to offer financial assistance to businesses that endure losses due to unforeseeable disruptions. - read more
|
Unlocking the Best Business Insurance: A Guide for Aussie Entrepreneurs Welcome to the guide designed to navigate Australian entrepreneurs through the intricate world of business insurance. In an era where risks are as diverse as they are frequent, choosing the right insurance is not just prudent—it's a critical element of sustaining and growing your enterprise. - read more
|
Income Protection: How to Safeguard Your Earnings in Uncertain Times In the landscape of personal financial planning, income protection insurance emerges as a critical safeguard against the unpredictable nature of life's many uncertainties. As we navigate through economic turbulence and job market volatility, the importance of income protection becomes ever more apparent. This type of insurance serves as a financial backstop, designed to provide a stable flow of income when you're unable to work due to sickness or injury. - read more
|
How to Save Money on Your Boat Insurance Premiums Boat ownership comes with many responsibilities, including obtaining adequate insurance coverage. However, as with any type of insurance, boat insurance premiums can quickly become costly. It's essential to save as much as possible on your policy without sacrificing the necessary protection it provides. - read more
|
Comparing Boat Insurance Policies: Which One is Right for Your Needs? As recreational boating continues to grow in popularity, boat insurance has become an important consideration for boat owners. Boat insurance provides protection for your vessel in case of accidents, theft, or damage. However, with so many different types of policies available, it can be difficult to determine which one is right for your needs. - read more
|
Navigating Business Interruption Insurance: A Lifeline for SMEs Understanding the safeguards available to protect businesses during times of unexpected adversity is crucial, especially for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs). Chief among these safeguards is business interruption insurance. This form of coverage is designed to offer financial assistance to businesses that endure losses due to unforeseeable disruptions. - read more
|
Deciphering Policy Jargon: A Beginner's Guide to Australian Insurance Terms Welcome to the world of insurance in Australia - a realm where jargon often clouds the true meaning of policies, leaving many bewildered. But fret not! This guide is here to shine a light through the haze, demystifying the language that stands between you and informed insurance decisions. Whether you're starting a business, buying a home, or simply safeguarding your family's future, understanding insurance terminology is pivotal. - read more
|
How to Save Money on Your Boat Insurance Premiums Boat ownership comes with many responsibilities, including obtaining adequate insurance coverage. However, as with any type of insurance, boat insurance premiums can quickly become costly. It's essential to save as much as possible on your policy without sacrificing the necessary protection it provides. - read more
|
The Comprehensive Comparison: Evaluating Different Insurance Providers in Australia Welcome to the comprehensive guide on evaluating different insurance providers in Australia. Navigating through the plethora of insurance options can be overwhelming. With a market full of competing insurers, choosing the right provider is critical to ensuring ample protection for your assets, health, and peace of mind. This introduction aims to underscore the significance of this decision for Australian consumers. - read more
|