Insurance Online :: News

Share this news item!

Life Insurance Takes Backseat in Cost-Cutting Measures

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.

As Australians tighten their belts in the face of rising living costs, life insurance is rapidly being placed on the chopping block.

The Council of Australian Life Insurers (CALI) reports that individuals are more likely to reduce life cover rather than home or car insurance.

Recent findings indicate a significant disparity between those holding different types of insurances. Approximately 79% of the population has motor insurance, yet only 34% have life insurance according to the independent research conducted by the council.

The survey, which examined the behaviors of 5,000 people, highlights a particularly stark gap among individuals aged 55 to 64. More than 80% maintain motor or home insurance, but a mere 29% have acquired life insurance. Age groups 35-54 show that 38% hold life cover whereas this number drops to 32% for younger adults.

Interestingly, working Australians are three times more likely to drop their life insurance as compared to home or car policies, underlining a trend that could have long-term financial ramifications. Additionally, about 50% of those surveyed suggest they would stop superannuation contributions if it meant reducing expenses.

According to CALI CEO Christine Cupitt, the situation accentuates the “advice accessibility crisis in this country.” She explained, "The advice needs of Australians are not being met, particularly for those who can’t afford to pay for a financial adviser in a cost-of-living crisis."

Cupitt stresses the importance of receiving proper financial guidance, stating, “Getting the right advice can set them up for the future, getting no advice can leave them with nothing to fall back on when times get tough.”

Despite recognizing the importance of advice, over 40% of respondents expressed a desire for customized financial guidance. This need could potentially be met through tranche two of the federal government’s Delivering Better Financial Outcomes reforms, designed to bridge this gap.

This push for enhanced financial advice platforms underscores a larger narrative about the necessity for accessible, affordable advisory services, especially during challenging economic climates. According to the original report covered by the Council of Australian Life Insurers, ensuring Australians are adequately insured and advised is essential.

Published:Tuesday, 3rd Dec 2024
Source: Paige Estritori

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

Share this news item:

Insurance News

Australian Insurers Face Challenges in Cyber and AI Risk Preparedness

03 Jan 2026: Paige Estritori

Recent findings from the PwC Insurance Banana Skins Survey indicate that Australian insurers are trailing their global counterparts in preparedness for emerging risks, particularly in the realms of cyber threats and artificial intelligence (AI). This lag poses significant challenges as the industry confronts an increasingly complex risk landscape. - read more

AI and Machine Learning Revolutionise Australian Insurance Industry

03 Jan 2026: Paige Estritori

Australia's insurance sector is undergoing a significant transformation as companies increasingly adopt artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) technologies to enhance operations, improve customer service, and strengthen fraud detection capabilities. This shift comes in response to mounting regulatory pressures, escalating climate-related risks, and the need to modernise legacy systems. - read more

Australian Insurers Falling Behind in Cyber Risk Preparedness

26 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori

Recent findings from the PwC Insurance Banana Skins Survey reveal that Australian insurers are trailing their global counterparts in preparedness for emerging risks, particularly in the realms of cyber threats and artificial intelligence (AI). This lag poses significant challenges as the industry confronts an increasingly complex risk landscape. - read more

Australian General Insurers Report Decade-High Return on Equity

26 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori

Australia's general insurance industry has reported a remarkable 19% return on equity (ROE) for the financial year 2025 (FY25), marking the highest level in a decade. This significant achievement is detailed in the latest Optima Report by actuarial consultancy Finity, which attributes the strong performance to a combination of favorable factors. - read more

Australian Life Insurance Market Set for Steady Growth

26 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori

Australia's life insurance sector is on track for moderate expansion over the next four years, with gross written premiums (GWP) forecasted to increase from $26.2 billion in 2025 to $30.5 billion by 2029. This represents a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.9%, according to recent analysis by GlobalData. - read more

Click for more Insurance News

Insurance Articles

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 Comprehensive, Third Party, and Third Party Fire and Theft: Which Car Insurance is Right for You?

Car insurance is a crucial aspect of vehicle ownership in Australia, offering protection and peace of mind in the event of an accident or other unforeseen circumstances. However, with numerous options available on the market, choosing the right policy can be overwhelming. In this article, we'll explore the main types of car insurance available to help you understand your choices. - read more

Protecting Your Legacy: Estate Planning and Life Insurance for Australians

When thinking about the future, it's essential to have a comprehensive strategy that ensures the well-being of your loved ones and the security of your assets. Estate planning and life insurance are two critical pillars in safeguarding your family's financial stability. Despite the complexity often associated with these topics, understanding their importance and implementing them correctly can provide immense peace of mind. - read more

Common Cyber Threats Facing Small Businesses and How Insurance Can Help

In today's digital age, cybersecurity has become a critical factor for businesses of all sizes. Small businesses, in particular, are increasingly targeted by cybercriminals due to their perceived vulnerabilities. Cybersecurity involves implementing measures to protect computer systems, networks, and data from malicious attacks. Ensuring robust cybersecurity can significantly reduce the risks of data breaches, ransomware, and other cyber threats that could disrupt business operations. - read more

Understanding Home Insurance Coverage Options: What Protects Your Property?

Home insurance is a critical element for any Australian homeowner, providing financial protection against an array of unexpected events. Essentially, it's a policy that covers losses and damages to an individual's residence, along with furnishings and other assets in the home. This type of insurance also offers liability coverage against accidents in the home or on the property. - read more

Knowledgebase

Coverage:
The amount of risk or liability covered for an individual or entity by way of insurance services.

This website is owned and operated by Clark Family Pty Ltd (ACN 010 281 008) as Trustee for the Clark Family Trust (ABN 35 957 893 714), 43 Larch Street Tallebudgera QLD 4228. Clark Family Pty Ltd is an Authorised Representative (AR 1298860) of Unique Group Broker Services Pty Ltd (AFSL 509434) for financial product referrals and an Authorised Credit Representative (ACR 401491) of Saccasan Pty Ltd (ACL 386297). Check our licensing details on the ASIC registers: Clark Family Pty Ltd ACR, Clark Family Pty Ltd AR, Saccasan Pty Ltd, Unique Group Broker Services.

IMPORTANT: We do not provide financial product advice or credit assistance. We act solely as an introducer and refer enquiries to licensed third-party intermediaries, insurers, and lenders - with whom you can then deal directly. We may receive a fee or commission from these third parties in consideration for the referral. Before any action is taken to obtain a product or service referred to by this website, advice should be obtained (from either the third party to whom we refer you or from another qualified intermediary) as to the appropriateness of obtaining those products having regard to your objectives, financial situation and needs. Whilst we have our own process for validating the legitimacy of our referral partners, you should always verify the credentials of your financial adviser before proceeding with recommendations that they may present. Visit the ASIC website for further information.