Financial Strain Forces Families to Drop Insurance

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.

A report titled "Under Pressure," developed by Parents for Climate in collaboration with the Climate Council, reveals that Australia is now acutely feeling the impact of climate change, which has in turn pressured family budgets. This situation is exacerbated by rising oil and gas prices alongside severe weather events.

Nic Seton, CEO of Parents for Climate, noted, "It's heartbreaking to hear from so many parents through this research who have to cut back spending on essentials like food, heating, cooling and insurance just to make ends meet."

The study utilized data from a YouGov survey targeting parents with children under 25 still residing at home, examining their financial stress over the past year along with their views regarding the ramifications of climate change. Additional findings were sourced from a Parents for Climate survey.

Among the budgetary adjustments families made over the last year, 19% indicated they had foregone insurance coverage. Additional cost-saving measures included:

• Two-thirds reduced home heating and cooling usage.
• 55% scaled back vacation expenses.
• 53% bought less food or opted for cheaper alternatives.
• 37% cut back on driving to save on fuel costs.
• 32% trimmed expenses on children's sports and recreational activities.
• 27% delayed or skipped bill payments.
• 21% increased credit card use or took additional loans.
• 14% moved in with relatives or relocated to more affordable housing.

The study highlights that renters are particularly vulnerable, being three times more likely to relocate to cut costs. They are also more likely to miss bill payments or forgo insurance.

Independent economist and Climate Council advisor Nicki Hutley commented, "Oil and gas are fuelling two crises at the same time: climate change and cost of living." She explained that the rise in global climate pollution is leading to more frequent unnatural disasters, thereby driving up insurance premiums.

The report suggests that Australians are now spending an additional $30 billion on insurance compared to ten years ago, leading to many at-risk households being priced out of the market. Research from the Actuaries Institute and Finity forecasts that premium hikes have increased home insurance affordability stress by 30%, affecting 1.6 million households in the past year.

The original source of this information is the "Under Pressure" report presented by Parents for Climate and the Climate Council.

Published:Monday, 25th Nov 2024
Author: Paige Estritori

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

Share this news item:

Insurance News

Clear

Understanding the 4.41% Increase in Private Health Insurance Premiums from April 2026

24 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori

From 1 April 2026, Australian private health insurance premiums are set to increase by an average of 4.41%, marking the most significant rise since 2017. This adjustment reflects the escalating costs associated with medical and hospital services, which saw a 5% increase in the last financial year. - read more

The 51% Surge in Australian Home Insurance Premiums Over the Past Five Years

24 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori

Over the past five years, Australian homeowners have experienced a substantial 51% increase in home insurance premiums. This surge is largely attributed to the escalating frequency and severity of natural disasters, coupled with rising construction costs. - read more

Navigating the Challenges of Premium Affordability in Australia's Insurance Sector

24 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori

In 2026, Australian insurers are confronting significant challenges related to premium affordability and insurability. Factors such as escalating claims costs, climate-related losses, and the advent of technology-enabled fraud are influencing pricing strategies, underwriting practices, and capital allocation. - read more

Impact of Victorian Bushfires on Home Insurance Costs

08 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori

Recent bushfires in Victoria have caused significant devastation, leading to concerns about rising insurance premiums for homeowners in affected areas. The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) has declared the fires a catastrophic event, with over 2,600 claims already lodged. This situation underscores the financial challenges faced by residents in regions prone to natural disasters. - read more

Rising Home Insurance Costs Affect 1.6 Million Australian Households

08 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori

A recent report by the Actuaries Institute has highlighted a concerning trend: approximately 1.6 million Australian households are now facing home insurance affordability stress. This marks a significant increase from the 1.24 million reported the previous year, indicating a growing financial burden on homeowners due to escalating insurance premiums. - read more

Click for more Insurance News