Rising Home Insurance Costs Heat Up Household Finances

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.

Recent data published by the Actuaries Institute indicates a surge in financial strain among Australian households brought about by climbing home insurance premiums.

Remarkably, a staggering 1.6 million households are now feeling the pressure, marking a 30% increase over the last year, equivalent to an additional 360,000 households.

Sharanjit Paddam, who spearheaded the report at the Actuaries Institute, highlights a troubling trend: home insurance premiums are outpacing wage growth. The median premium for home insurance has soared by 9% in just one year, squeezing household budgets tightly.

One significant driver of these rising premiums, according to Paddam, is the increasingly evident impact of climate change. Extreme weather events, such as devastating bushfires and severe floods, have heightened the risk associated with insuring homes, prompting insurers to hike their prices.

Some households are responding to these changes by searching for cost-saving measures, such as increasing their deductibles or shopping for cheaper coverage options. However, others find themselves forced to forgo home insurance altogether, exposing them to far greater financial risk in case of disaster.

This trend isn't confined to Australia alone. Similar patterns can be observed globally, where rising natural disasters are causing insurance costs to escalate, putting additional financial strain on families already grappling with stagnant income growth and increasing living expenses.

The Actuaries Institute’s findings underline the pressing need for a multifaceted approach to mitigate the impacts of rising insurance costs. This approach could include:

Investing in improved climate resilience strategies to minimize the damage from natural disasters.
Proposing policy reforms to balance the insurance markets and protect consumers.
Encouraging public-private partnerships to develop affordable insurance solutions.
Enhancing consumer awareness regarding available options and making informed decisions.

The issue underscores an essential challenge for policymakers, insurers, and consumers alike. On one end, there's an urgent need to adapt to the financial reality shaped by climate change, and on the other, ensuring that essential services remain accessible without unduly burdening household finances.

Published:Tuesday, 17th Sep 2024
Source: Paige Estritori

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

Share this news item:

Insurance News

Marsh and Tokio Marine Kiln Introduce Port Disruption Insurance Amid Global Shipping Challenges

24 Nov 2025: Paige Estritori

In response to escalating global shipping challenges, leading broker Marsh and Lloyd's underwriter Tokio Marine Kiln have launched a pioneering business interruption insurance specifically designed for ports. This innovative product aims to mitigate the financial impact of trade disruptions caused by various factors, including geopolitical tensions and operational strikes. - read more

New Port Disruption Insurance Addresses Rising Global Shipping Challenges

08 Nov 2025: Paige Estritori

Marine Insurers Encouraged to Adopt AI to Mitigate Rising Industry Risks

08 Nov 2025: Paige Estritori

The International Union of Marine Insurance (IUMI) annual conference in Singapore has brought to light the critical role of artificial intelligence (AI) in transforming the marine insurance sector. Industry leaders emphasized the necessity for insurers to adopt AI technologies to effectively manage escalating risks and maintain a competitive edge. - read more

Maritime Mutual Under Investigation for Insuring Sanctioned Oil Shipments

31 Oct 2025: Paige Estritori

Recent investigations have revealed that Maritime Mutual, a New Zealand-based insurance company, has been providing coverage to tankers involved in transporting sanctioned Iranian and Russian oil. This development has sparked significant regulatory scrutiny and raised questions about compliance within the marine insurance industry. - read more

Marinex Underwriting: A New Era in Australian Marine Insurance

23 Oct 2025: Paige Estritori

In a significant development for Australia's marine insurance sector, Rhodian Group has unveiled its latest venture, Marinex Underwriting. This new agency is set to provide specialised marine insurance products tailored to the unique needs of the Australian market. - read more

Click for more Insurance News

Boat Insurance Articles

Understanding the Fine Print: A Beginner's Guide to Boat Insurance in Australia

Welcome to the nautical world of boat insurance – a crucial safeguard for any Australian skippering their own vessel. Whether you're a seasoned sailor or just beginning to dip your toes in the water, understanding the intricacies of boat insurance is essential in ensuring your maritime escapades are smooth sailing. - read more

Boat Insurance Hacks Every Aussie Skipper Needs to Know

Navigating the waves around Australia's vast coastline is a pastime many hold dear. However, with great adventure comes the responsibility of ensuring your marine vessel is insured adequately. Skippers Down Under are no strangers to the unpredictable challenges at sea, and the significance of securing a suitable insurance policy cannot be overstressed. - read more

How Proper Boat Maintenance Can Lower Your Insurance Costs

Owning a boat is a cherished luxury for many Australians, offering endless adventures on the open water. But with this privilege comes the responsibility of proper boat maintenance. Regular upkeep isn't just about preserving the longevity and performance of your vessel; it's a crucial aspect that directly impacts your insurance premiums. - read more

Top Tips for Reducing Your Boating Costs in Australia

Australia's seascape offers an idyllic backdrop for boating enthusiasts, yet it also presents unique challenges. Boating in Australia is not just a pastime; it's a lifestyle embraced by many who are drawn to the water's edge. The costs associated with this lifestyle, however, can mount quickly. From maintenance to mooring fees, the financial aspect of boating is an unavoidable reality. In this article, we will delve into ways you can trim these costs without sacrificing your experience at sea. - read more

The cost of insurance for recreational boats in Australia: What to expect

As a recreational boat owner in Australia, you are responsible for ensuring the safety of your vessel and passengers. This is where boat insurance comes in to play. Boat insurance is a type of insurance policy that can provide financial protection against damage to your boat, theft, and injury to passengers. - read more

Knowledgebase

Income Insurance:
Insures your income in the event of you being unable to work due to sickness or accident.

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.