Farm Insurance :: News

Share this news item!

Financial Strain Forces Families to Drop Insurance

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.

Rising financial stress has prompted a number of families to cut back on essential insurance cover, with more than 66% of parents expressing anxiety over escalating insurance premiums.

These increases are primarily driven by more frequent and severe climate-related disasters, according to new research.

A report titled "Under Pressure," developed by Parents for Climate in collaboration with the Climate Council, reveals that Australia is now acutely feeling the impact of climate change, which has in turn pressured family budgets. This situation is exacerbated by rising oil and gas prices alongside severe weather events.

Nic Seton, CEO of Parents for Climate, noted, "It's heartbreaking to hear from so many parents through this research who have to cut back spending on essentials like food, heating, cooling and insurance just to make ends meet."

The study utilized data from a YouGov survey targeting parents with children under 25 still residing at home, examining their financial stress over the past year along with their views regarding the ramifications of climate change. Additional findings were sourced from a Parents for Climate survey.

Among the budgetary adjustments families made over the last year, 19% indicated they had foregone insurance coverage. Additional cost-saving measures included:

Two-thirds reduced home heating and cooling usage.
55% scaled back vacation expenses.
53% bought less food or opted for cheaper alternatives.
37% cut back on driving to save on fuel costs.
32% trimmed expenses on children's sports and recreational activities.
27% delayed or skipped bill payments.
21% increased credit card use or took additional loans.
14% moved in with relatives or relocated to more affordable housing.

The study highlights that renters are particularly vulnerable, being three times more likely to relocate to cut costs. They are also more likely to miss bill payments or forgo insurance.

Independent economist and Climate Council advisor Nicki Hutley commented, "Oil and gas are fuelling two crises at the same time: climate change and cost of living." She explained that the rise in global climate pollution is leading to more frequent unnatural disasters, thereby driving up insurance premiums.

The report suggests that Australians are now spending an additional $30 billion on insurance compared to ten years ago, leading to many at-risk households being priced out of the market. Research from the Actuaries Institute and Finity forecasts that premium hikes have increased home insurance affordability stress by 30%, affecting 1.6 million households in the past year.

The original source of this information is the "Under Pressure" report presented by Parents for Climate and the Climate Council.

Published:Monday, 25th Nov 2024
Author: Paige Estritori

Please Note: We do not endorse any specific products or companies. Some content is sourced from third parties, including press releases, and may not be independently verified for accuracy or completeness.

Share this news item:

Insurance News

Rising Input Costs Squeeze Margins for Australian Dairy Farmers

09 May 2026: Paige Estritori

Australian dairy producers are entering the 2026/27 season with limited margin for error, as escalating input costs continue to erode profitability. According to Rabobank's latest annual Australian Dairy Outlook, rising expenses for fuel, fertiliser, water, labour, and interest rates are placing significant pressure on the sector. - read more

Federal Government Introduces $10 Billion Package to Secure Fuel and Fertiliser Supplies

09 May 2026: Paige Estritori

In response to escalating global disruptions affecting fuel and fertiliser supplies, the Australian government has announced a $10 billion budget package aimed at securing these critical inputs for the agricultural sector. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasized the government's commitment to stabilizing supply lines and mitigating the impact of international conflicts on domestic agriculture. - read more

Queensland Farmers' Market Threatened with Eviction Over Insurance Dispute

01 May 2026: Paige Estritori

In south-east Queensland, the Three Creeks Farm Stall, a cherished farmers' market operating in Eileen Hose Park near Gympie, is confronting potential eviction due to a disagreement over public liability insurance requirements imposed by the Gympie Regional Council. - read more

Record Surge in Insurance Complaints Due to Claim Processing Delays

01 May 2026: Paige Estritori

Recent data from the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) reveals a significant increase in complaints against insurance companies, with an average of 100 complaints per day. This surge is primarily attributed to delays in processing everyday claims, affecting both home-building and motor vehicle insurance sectors. - read more

Climate Change Contributing to Rising Home Insurance Premiums in Australia

01 May 2026: Paige Estritori

Insurance Australia Group (IAG) has released a report indicating that climate change is increasingly influencing the rise in home insurance premiums across Australia. The report highlights that the frequency and severity of extreme weather events, such as severe storms and hailstorms, are escalating, particularly in densely populated regions. - read more

Queensland Farmers' Market Threatened with Eviction Over Insurance Dispute

23 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori

In a developing situation in south-east Queensland, the Three Creeks Farm Stall, a popular farmers' market operating in Eileen Hose Park near Gympie, is facing potential eviction due to a dispute over public liability insurance requirements imposed by the Gympie Regional Council. - read more

Click for more Insurance News

Farm Insurance Articles

Investing in Cybersecurity: A Crucial Step for Sustainable Farming

Cybersecurity refers to the practice of protecting systems, networks, and programs from digital attacks. In the context of agriculture, it involves safeguarding the digital solutions and technologies that have become intrinsic to modern farming operations. As technological advancements continue to revolutionize the farming landscape, the importance of cybersecurity in securing farm data and operations has become more pronounced. - read more

The Impact of Weather on Farm Insurance Rates: What You Should Know

Farming in Australia is a dynamic venture that requires careful planning and management. One of the crucial aspects every Australian farmer should consider is farm insurance. It provides a safety net against potential financial losses arising from various risks. These include natural disasters, damage to crops, livestock issues, and accidents on the farm property. - read more

Understanding Farm Equipment Insurance: What Rural Australians Need to Know

Farm equipment insurance is crucial for rural Australians who rely on their machinery for agricultural productivity. This insurance provides a safety net, helping to mitigate the financial risks associated with equipment loss or damage. - read more

The Farmer's Handbook to Quick and Effective Insurance Claims

Insurance is a vital part of safeguarding any farming operation. As a farmer, protecting your property, equipment, and livelihood from unexpected events like natural disasters, theft, or accidents is crucial. Adequate insurance coverage ensures that you can recover quickly from setbacks without enduring overwhelming financial strain. - read more

What You Need to Know About Crop Insurance for Your Farm

Farming is a risky business. As a farmer, you are at the mercy of the weather, pests, and other challenges that can threaten your crops and your livelihood. That’s where crop insurance comes in. Crop insurance can provide financial protection in case your crops are damaged or destroyed, allowing you to recover from losses and move forward with your farm business. - read more

Essential Coverage vs. Optional Add-ons: Balancing Protection and Costs

For Australian farmers, having the right insurance coverage isn't just a safety net—it's an integral part of sustaining their livelihood. Natural disasters, unpredictable climate conditions, and the inherent risks of agricultural production underline the critical importance of robust insurance for the agricultural community. As farmers navigate the complexities of insurance, understanding the basics becomes the first step toward securing their assets and ensuring the continuity of their operations. - read more

Need a Quote?

Start your free farm insurance quote comparison here.

Knowledgebase

Insurance Policy Excess:
The amount you will have to contribute when you make a claim.

This website is owned and operated by Clark Family Pty Ltd (as Trustee for the Clark Family Trust) 43 Larch Street Tallebudgera QLD 4228, A.C.N. 010281008.

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 act solely as an introducer and refer enquiries to licensed third-party brokers, insurers, and lenders. We do not provide financial product advice or credit assistance. 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 independently verify the credentials and licensing of any adviser or provider you engage. Visit the ASIC website for further information.