Life Insurance Takes Backseat in Cost-Cutting Measures
Life Insurance Takes Backseat in Cost-Cutting Measures
2
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.
As Australians tighten their belts in the face of rising living costs, life insurance is rapidly being placed on the chopping block.
The Council of Australian Life Insurers (CALI) reports that individuals are more likely to reduce life cover rather than home or car insurance.
Recent findings indicate a significant disparity between those holding different types of insurances. Approximately 79% of the population has motor insurance, yet only 34% have life insurance according to the independent research conducted by the council.
The survey, which examined the behaviors of 5,000 people, highlights a particularly stark gap among individuals aged 55 to 64. More than 80% maintain motor or home insurance, but a mere 29% have acquired life insurance. Age groups 35-54 show that 38% hold life cover whereas this number drops to 32% for younger adults.
Interestingly, working Australians are three times more likely to drop their life insurance as compared to home or car policies, underlining a trend that could have long-term financial ramifications. Additionally, about 50% of those surveyed suggest they would stop superannuation contributions if it meant reducing expenses.
According to CALI CEO Christine Cupitt, the situation accentuates the “advice accessibility crisis in this country.” She explained, "The advice needs of Australians are not being met, particularly for those who can’t afford to pay for a financial adviser in a cost-of-living crisis."
Cupitt stresses the importance of receiving proper financial guidance, stating, “Getting the right advice can set them up for the future, getting no advice can leave them with nothing to fall back on when times get tough.”
Despite recognizing the importance of advice, over 40% of respondents expressed a desire for customized financial guidance. This need could potentially be met through tranche two of the federal government’s Delivering Better Financial Outcomes reforms, designed to bridge this gap.
This push for enhanced financial advice platforms underscores a larger narrative about the necessity for accessible, affordable advisory services, especially during challenging economic climates. According to the original report covered by the Council of Australian Life Insurers, ensuring Australians are adequately insured and advised is essential.
Published:Tuesday, 3rd Dec 2024 Source: Paige Estritori
Please Note: If this information affects you, seek advice from a licensed professional.
Digital Agriculture Services (DAS) has introduced an innovative crop insurance solution in Australia, leveraging machine learning, automapping, and geospatial data to improve policy accuracy. This tool is designed to assist insurers, underwriters, brokers, and loss adjusters by precisely locating insured paddocks and identifying crop types, yields, and other critical details. - read more
WFI Insurance has reported a notable decrease in farm liability claims across most categories, including a 75% reduction in falls from height over the past year. This decline suggests that Australian farmers are adopting more effective safety practices, leading to fewer accidents and injuries. - read more
In a significant development for Australia's agricultural sector, Insurance Australia Group (IAG) has announced a strategic partnership with Ag Guard, a specialist rural underwriting agency. This collaboration will see Ag Guard managing the underwriting for IAG-owned CGU and WFI's crop insurance portfolios starting June next year. - read more
In a move to promote sustainable agriculture, WFI Insurance has partnered with AgCarE, a certification program developed by AgForce, to offer premium reductions to farmers who achieve AgCarE certification. This collaboration aims to enhance financial, environmental, and social outcomes for Australian farmers and rural communities. - read more
The landscape of Australian agriculture is undergoing a significant transformation as small commercial farms increasingly diversify their operations to enhance income and sustainability. This shift presents both challenges and opportunities for insurance brokers, as new ventures introduce complex risk management needs. - read more
In 2024, Australian agriculture faced a significant safety crisis, recording 72 farm-related fatalities-the highest in over two decades. This alarming statistic underscores the urgent need for enhanced safety protocols and awareness within the farming community. - read more
The world of farming is one filled with uncertainties. Weather conditions, market prices, and various other factors can create a highly volatile income stream for those within the agricultural sector. This unpredictability can lead to financial instability that impacts not only the farmers themselves but also their families and the larger rural community. - read more
When looking for farming insurance, it is important to shop around for the best deals. Don't simply rely on the first insurance company that you come across. Take the time to research various companies and their policies. Compare them based on their coverage, premiums, and deductibles. - read more
Livestock farming is a significant part of the Australian agriculture industry. As with any business, farmers face numerous risks such as disease, death, theft or extreme weather events, which could cause damage or loss to their livestock assets. Livestock insurance provides cover against these risks, ensuring that farmers are financially protected from any potential financial losses, which could devastate their livelihoods. - read more
Whether you're a seasoned farmer or just starting out, understanding farm insurance is crucial. It's more than just a safety net; it's a way to ensure that your farming business can withstand unforeseen challenges. By safeguarding your livelihood, farm insurance offers peace of mind amidst uncertainties. - read more
For farmers across rural Australia, the unyielding dry spells brought on by persistent drought conditions are not just an environmental concern but a significant financial challenge. Effective financial planning becomes a cornerstone strategy for ensuring the resilience and longevity of these crucial agricultural businesses. The prickling heat and parched earth serve as stark reminders of nature's capacity to impact livelihoods, especially when the rain doesn't grace the farmlands for extended periods. - read more
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
Need a Quote?
Start your free farm insurance quote comparison here.
Knowledgebase
Public Liability Insurance: A very broad term for insurance covering liability exposures for individuals and business owners. It provides broad coverage, generally including all exposures for property damage and bodily injury.