Victorian Flood Inquiry Calls for Faster Insurance Responses

1

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 thorough review by the Legislative Council Environment and Planning Committee highlights that prompt and adequate insurance assistance is pivotal for the recoveries of individuals and communities. Their interim findings, due for a final expansion in July, point out the further dislocation caused by slow insurance processes, limited contractor availability, and material access difficulties post-disaster.

The committee, evaluating testimonies and submissions from extensive public sessions in northern Victoria and Maribyrnong, emphasizes the importance of swift insurance action to mitigate prolonged trauma effects and stresses the importance of support services provided in a timely manner.

The negative impact of sluggish claim handling and poor coverage was pronounced in the family-faced hardships documented in the report. Obstacles like these slow rebuilding and amplify the already harsh conditions for disaster-stricken residents.

Policyholder narratives included in the interim report display the extent of the strain, such as:

• the intensity of dealing with financial and emotional stress while residing in temporary homes.
• the growing despair as residents remain displaced long after the floods, feeling deserted by insurers and government alike.
• frustration with an insurance industry quick to collect premiums but slow in meeting claims, especially when determining reparability.
• the disorder within companies, leading to inefficient repair processes and bloated costs from drawn-out paperwork.
• a personal account of parents’ untenable living situation amidst arduous dealings with insurers.
• Insistence on the necessity for a defined timeframe for insurance response to hold companies accountable and facilitate disaster recovery.

The widespread community sentiment reflected an orderly call for more efficient insurance procedures to address the severe effects of disasters, with policymakers looking to refine recovery mechanisms amidst Victoria's battle with natural calamities.

Published:Tuesday, 30th Apr 2024
Source: Paige Estritori

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

Share this news item:

Insurance News

Clear

Surge in Mental Health Claims Reshapes Australia's Life Insurance Landscape

26 Jan 2026: Paige Estritori

Australia's life insurance sector is witnessing a significant transformation, with mental health conditions emerging as the predominant cause of Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) claims. Recent data from the Council of Australian Life Insurers (CALI) indicates that mental health-related TPD claims now constitute nearly one-third of all such claims, highlighting a profound shift in the factors leading Australians to exit the workforce permanently. - read more

Australian Life Insurers Report Significant Profit Growth in FY25

26 Jan 2026: Paige Estritori

The Australian life insurance industry has reported a remarkable financial turnaround in the fiscal year 2025, with earnings more than doubling to $360 million, according to the latest figures from the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA). This 210% increase in profit after income tax marks a significant recovery from previous years' losses and underscores the sector's resilience and adaptability. - read more

Australia's General Insurance Industry Achieves Record $6.1 Billion Profit in 2024

26 Jan 2026: Paige Estritori

Australia's general insurance sector has reported an unprecedented after-tax profit of $6.1 billion for the year 2024, according to KPMG's General Insurance Insights report. This figure is three times higher than the five-year average of $2 billion, marking a significant milestone in the industry's financial performance. - read more

Australian Insurers' $6.1 Billion Profit Sparks Affordability Concerns

26 Jan 2026: Paige Estritori

In 2024, Australia's insurance industry reported an after-tax profit of $6.1 billion, a significant increase from the five-year average of $2 billion. This surge in profitability is attributed to substantial premium hikes and a year with fewer severe weather events. - read more

Rising Insurance Premiums Prompt Calls for Industry Reform

26 Jan 2026: Paige Estritori

Recent data indicates a significant rise in insurance premiums across Australia, with home insurance premiums increasing by 16% on average over the past year. Some insurers, such as Kogan, RAC, and Honey, have raised rates by over 30%, leading to growing concerns about affordability for consumers. - read more

Click for more Insurance News