- Rising Insurance Costs Amidst Climate Change: What Homeowners Need to Know
Australian homeowners are experiencing significant increases in home insurance premiums, largely due to the escalating risks associated with climate change. Recent analyses reveal a national average premium hike of 14%, translating to an additional $343 annually for policyholders.
- Competitive Market Dynamics Drive Down Construction Insurance Costs
The Australian construction insurance market has entered a notably softer phase in 2025, characterized by a significant reduction in premiums across various lines. This shift is primarily attributed to increased competition among insurers, offering clients more options and driving down costs.
- QBE Insurance Faces Market Challenges with Slower Premium Growth
QBE Insurance Group, Australia's largest insurer by market value, recently reported a slowdown in premium rate growth, leading to a significant decline in its share price. The company's global average premium rate increased by only 1.
- EQT's Bid to Acquire AUB Group: Implications for the Insurance Sector
In a significant move within the Australian insurance industry, Swedish private equity firm EQT has extended a takeover offer for AUB Group, valuing the company at A$5.25 billion. This proposal includes a price of A$45 per share, representing a 25.1% premium over AUB's last closing price.
- Australian Insurers Report Record Profits Amid Market Dynamics
Australia's general insurance industry has reported a return on equity (ROE) of 19% for the 2025 financial year, marking the highest in a decade. This impressive performance is attributed to a combination of factors, including benign weather conditions, strong investment gains, and the continued flow-through of premium increases.
- Australian Insurers Report Record Profits Amid Public Scrutiny
The Australian general insurance industry has reported an after-tax profit of $7.3 billion for the last financial year, marking its strongest performance in over a decade. This significant profit surge is attributed to lower-than-expected catastrophe losses and robust investment returns.
- ASIC Highlights Compliance Risks in Insurers' Claims Handling Practices
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has identified significant weaknesses in the claims handling practices of several insurers, raising concerns about potential compliance breaches. The regulator's recent review points to deficiencies in the oversight of expert reports and inadequate communication with consumers regarding cash settlement offers.
- Australian Insurers Brace for Earnings Slowdown After Record Profits
After achieving a return on equity (ROE) of 19% in the last financial year—the highest in a decade—Australian general insurers are preparing for a moderation in earnings growth.
- EQT Proposes A$5.25 Billion Acquisition of AUB Group
In a significant development within the Australian insurance sector, Swedish private equity firm EQT has extended 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.
- Australian Insurers Achieve Record Profits Amid Rising Premiums
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.
- Australia Reports 25% Reduction in Natural Catastrophe Insured Losses
The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) has reported a 25% decrease in total insured losses from natural catastrophe events over the 12 months to 30 June 2025. The losses fell from $2.61 billion in 2023–24 to $1.
- Significant Rise in Home Insurance Premiums Poses Challenges for Australian Homeowners and Lenders
Recent reports indicate that Australian home and contents insurance premiums have surged by up to 65% over the past five years. This substantial increase is outpacing both general consumer inflation and wage growth, leading to significant financial strain for homeowners and potential risks for mortgage lenders.
- Insurance Council Advocates for Strata Law Reforms to Mitigate Rising Premiums and Building Defects
The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) has called for urgent reforms to strata laws in response to escalating insurance premiums and the financial burden of building defects, which are costing residential apartment owners approximately $1.3 billion annually.
- AI Integration Transforms Australian Insurance Industry
The Australian and New Zealand insurance sectors are undergoing a significant transformation, driven by the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. This shift aims to enhance operational efficiency, improve customer experiences, and address evolving market challenges.
- APRA Calls for Robust Insurance Operations Before 2025 Reforms
The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) is urging insurers to fortify their operational foundations in anticipation of significant regulatory changes slated for 2025. This proactive approach aims to ensure the industry's resilience and sustainability amidst evolving market dynamics.
- Reinsurance: A Vital Safeguard for Australian Insurers
In the face of increasing natural disasters and major claims, Australian general insurers have turned to reinsurance as a critical financial safeguard. In the last financial year, insurers invested approximately AUD 2.5 billion in reinsurance, effectively shielding themselves from potential losses estimated at up to AUD 70 billion.
- Potential Decrease in Australian Insurance Premiums Amid Global Market Downturn
Recent developments in the global financial markets have sparked discussions about potential benefits for Australian insurance policyholders. A significant sell-off in the insurance sector on Wall Street has led analysts to speculate that Australian insurance premiums could see a reduction in the near future.
- Climate Change Threatens Insurability of Australian Homes by 2050
A recent National Climate Risk Assessment has raised significant concerns about the future insurability of Australian homes. The comprehensive government report warns that by 2050, approximately one million homes could be classified as 'very high risk' due to climate change, potentially rendering them uninsurable.
- Rising Home Insurance Premiums in Australia Amidst Extreme Weather Events
Australian homeowners are experiencing a significant rise in home insurance premiums, driven by an increase in extreme weather events. The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) reports that in the first half of 2025 alone, severe weather incidents, including ex-tropical cyclone Alfred, resulted in $1.8 billion in insurance claims.
- Aon and REISA Forge Partnership to Support South Australian Real Estate Professionals
In a strategic move to bolster support for real estate professionals, Aon has announced a partnership with the Real Estate Institute of South Australia (REISA). This collaboration is set to provide REISA members with specialised insurance and risk advisory services, addressing the unique challenges faced by the industry.
- Queensland Implements Mandatory Seller Disclosure to Boost Transparency
Effective 1 August 2025, Queensland has introduced a mandatory seller disclosure scheme under the Property Law Act 2023. This legislation requires sellers to provide prospective buyers with a comprehensive disclosure statement and relevant certificates before contract signing or auction.
- Rising Cyber Threats Pose Challenges for Australian Real Estate Agencies
Australian real estate agencies are encountering a surge in cyber threats, with incidents affecting businesses every six minutes, according to the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC). This alarming trend underscores the critical need for robust cybersecurity measures and comprehensive insurance coverage within the industry.
- Australian Homeowners Face 28% Increase in Insurance Premiums
Recent data reveals a significant 28% increase in Australian home insurance premiums over the past year, marking the most substantial rise in two decades. This surge has placed considerable financial pressure on homeowners nationwide.
- QBE Insurance Faces Legal Action Over Alleged Misleading Discounts
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has commenced Federal Court proceedings against QBE Insurance, alleging that the insurer misled over half a million customers about pricing discounts between July 2017 and September 2022.
- Property Council Raises Alarm Over Insurance Costs Impacting Housing Affordability in ACT
The Property Council of Australia has expressed concerns that escalating insurance premiums, coupled with proposed regulatory changes, could further strain housing affordability in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT).
