Insurance Online :: News
SHARE

Share this news item!

Financial Strain Forces Families to Drop Insurance

Financial Strain Forces Families to Drop Insurance

Financial Strain Forces Families to Drop Insurance?w=400

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.

Rising financial stress has prompted a number of families to cut back on essential insurance cover, with more than 66% of parents expressing anxiety over escalating insurance premiums.
These increases are primarily driven by more frequent and severe climate-related disasters, according to new research.

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
Source: Paige Estritori

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

Share this news item:

Insurance News

Impact of Victorian Bushfires on Home Insurance Costs
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
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
Medibank's Profit Surge Amidst Rising Health Insurance Premiums
Medibank's Profit Surge Amidst Rising Health Insurance Premiums
08 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori
Medibank Private, one of Australia's leading health insurers, has reported a notable increase in its interim net profit, attributed to a rise in the number of Australians taking out health insurance policies. This development comes amidst a backdrop of escalating health insurance premiums, raising questions about the dynamics between insurer profitability and consumer affordability. - read more
Australians File Record 111,373 Financial Complaints in 2025
Australians File Record 111,373 Financial Complaints in 2025
28 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori
In 2025, Australians lodged a record 111,373 complaints with the financial watchdog, marking a 14% increase from the previous year. This surge underscores growing consumer dissatisfaction and challenges within the financial services sector. - read more
Australian Home Insurance Premiums Soar by 51% Over Five Years
Australian Home Insurance Premiums Soar by 51% Over Five Years
28 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori
Australian homeowners have experienced a significant surge in home insurance premiums, with an average increase of 51% over the past five years. This substantial rise has placed a considerable financial burden on many households, particularly those in regions prone to natural disasters. - read more


Insurance Articles

The Ultimate Guide to Understanding Life Insurance in Australia
The Ultimate Guide to Understanding Life Insurance in Australia
Life insurance is a contract between an individual and an insurance company. The insurer promises to pay a designated beneficiary a sum of money upon the death of the insured person. - read more
Navigating Business Interruption Insurance: A Lifeline for SMEs
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
The Role of Life Insurance in Your Overall Financial Strategy
The Role of Life Insurance in Your Overall Financial Strategy
Financial planning plays a pivotal role in managing your economic resources effectively. By assessing your income, expenses, and goals, you can create a plan that helps achieve financial security. A comprehensive financial plan covers saving, investing, budgeting, and managing liabilities to secure your future. - read more
Starting Out: How to Pick the Right Insurance As a Young Professional in Australia
Starting Out: How to Pick the Right Insurance As a Young Professional in Australia
Welcome to the journey of safeguarding your future! As a young professional in Australia, you're likely juggling the demands of a burgeoning career with personal goals and financial responsibilities. Navigating the world of insurance is critical in creating a safety net around these aspirations. But why exactly is insurance a cornerstone for those entering the professional realm, and how do you discern which coverage best aligns with your unique pathway? - read more
Unlocking the Best Business Insurance: A Guide for Aussie Entrepreneurs
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


Your free insurance quote comparison starts here!
First Name:
Postcode:

All quotes are provided free and without obligation by a Specialist from our National Broker referral panel. See our Privacy Statement for more details.


Knowledgebase
Proximate Cause:
The primary cause of loss in an insurance claim, which sets in motion a chain of events leading to the damage or injury.