Significant Increases in Australian Home Insurance Premiums
Significant Increases in Australian Home Insurance Premiums
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Australian homeowners are experiencing substantial increases in home insurance premiums, with the average premium rising by 16% over the past year.
Consumer advocacy group Choice reports that some insurers, including Kogan, RAC, and Honey, have raised their rates by more than 30%.
These hikes are attributed to various factors, including high supply chain inflation, increased claims costs, and higher reinsurance expenses due to severe weather events.
For instance, Kogan, underwritten by QBE, saw an average price jump of 37.9%, while RAC and Honey increased their average quotes by 32.6% and 30.7%, respectively. These significant increases have raised concerns about the affordability of home insurance, especially in regions prone to natural disasters.
To mitigate the impact of rising premiums, homeowners are advised to shop around when renewing their policies, as sticking with the same insurer may result in a 'loyalty penalty.' Additionally, adjusting the excess amount can influence premium costs; increasing the excess by $500 can potentially reduce the premium by approximately 10%. However, it's essential to ensure that the chosen excess is affordable in the event of a claim.
The surge in insurance premiums has also caught the attention of policymakers. Opposition leader Peter Dutton proposed market interventions to prevent Australians from being 'ripped off' by insurance companies, while the Greens suggested scrapping stamp duty on home and car insurance to alleviate financial pressures on consumers.
As the industry grapples with these challenges, it's crucial for insurers to balance the need for sustainable business practices with the affordability and accessibility of insurance for Australian homeowners.
Published:Saturday, 7th Feb 2026 Source: Paige Estritori
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Underwriting: The process by which an insurer determines the risk of insuring a client and decides the terms of coverage.
