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

EQT Proposes $3.41 Billion Acquisition of AUB Group

08 Nov 2025: Paige Estritori

In a significant development within the Australian insurance industry, Swedish private equity firm EQT has made a takeover offer for AUB Group, valuing the company at A$5.25 billion (US$3.41 billion). This proposal includes a price of A$45 per share, representing a 25.1% premium over AUB's last closing price. The offer follows an earlier bid of A$43 per share, indicating EQT's strong interest in expanding its footprint in the Australian market. - read more

AIA Australia Unveils Innovative Member Insurance Portal

08 Nov 2025: Paige Estritori

AIA Australia has launched a cutting-edge Member Insurance Portal designed to provide a streamlined insurance experience for group insurance customers. This digital initiative aims to optimize the claims process, offering members the ability to track their claims throughout the entire lifecycle, thereby ensuring transparency and simplicity during potentially challenging times. - read more

Australian Insurers Achieve $6.1 Billion Profit Amid Rising Premiums

08 Nov 2025: Paige Estritori

Australia's insurance industry has reported an after-tax profit of $6.1 billion for the year 2024, a figure that is three times higher than the five-year average of $2 billion. This substantial increase is attributed to significant premium hikes and a relatively benign year for natural disasters. - read more

EQT's $3.41 Billion Bid for AUB Group: A Game-Changer in Australian Insurance

31 Oct 2025: Paige Estritori

In a significant development within the Australian insurance sector, Swedish private equity firm EQT has proposed a takeover of AUB Group, valuing the company at A$5.25 billion (US$3.41 billion). This offer represents a 25.1% premium over AUB's last closing price, indicating EQT's strong interest in expanding its footprint in the Australian market. - read more

AIG Australia Penalised for Breaching Insurance Code Obligations

31 Oct 2025: Paige Estritori

The Insurance Code Governance Committee has imposed a $30,000 penalty on AIG Australia for breaching its obligations under the insurance code. The breaches pertain to the insurer's failure to inform customers about delays in handling their complaints and neglecting to notify them of their right to escalate matters to the ombudsman. - read more

Click for more Insurance News

Insurance Articles

How to Compare Truck Insurance Policies in Australia: A Guide for Drivers

When it comes to navigating the sprawling roads of Australia, truck drivers bear a significant responsibility. Not only are they tasked with the safe transportation of goods across vast distances, but they must also protect themselves and their vehicles from the unforeseeable. This is where the crucial role of truck insurance comes into play, providing a safety net that can make all the difference in the face of adversity. - 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 Misconceptions About Home Insurance in Australia

Home insurance is an essential safety net for Australians, providing financial protection against unexpected events that could damage your most significant asset—your home. It ensures that you have the necessary support to rebuild or repair in the event of disasters like storms, fire, or theft. For Australian homeowners, having the right insurance means peace of mind. - read more

Business Insurance in Australia: How to Ensure You're Fully Covered

Embarking on the journey of entrepreneurship entails foreseeing and mitigating risks before they turn into setbacks for your business. In Australia, safeguarding your enterprise with adequate business insurance is not just a regulatory requirement, but also a strategic move to protect your company's future. In this article, we delve into the importance of being fully covered and guide you through the myriad of insurance options suitable for your business venture. - 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

Knowledgebase

Insurance:
In law and economics, insurance is a form of risk management primarily used to hedge against the risk of potential financial loss.

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.