New Alliances for Restoration: RACQ Joins RIA Australasia
New Alliances for Restoration: RACQ Joins RIA Australasia
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.
In a significant development for the restoration industry in Australia, RACQ Insurance has become the latest insurer to align with the Restoration Industry Association (RIA) Australasia.
This follows closely behind Suncorp's recent membership, highlighting a trend of increased insurer involvement in the sector.
Brodie West, Chair of RIA Australasia, expressed optimism about the future of these collaborations. She stated, “We are in discussions with additional insurers and anticipate further interest in joining our initiative." This growing engagement underscores a collective push to enhance the standards and practices within the industry.
The introduction of an inaugural code of practice is on the horizon, set for launch in early 2025. This code aims to establish a framework that promotes professionalism and accountability among restoration service providers. West added, “RACQ Insurance is an important partner, and its support emphasizes the significance of our upcoming code." This collaborative effort reflects a commitment to improving outcomes for clients and reinforcing the integrity of the restoration process.
Insights gained from recent technical roadshows and strategic consultations have already proven valuable to participating insurers. The rich knowledge base and expertise of RIA members are poised to enhance claims management practices across the spectrum of general insurance. This partnership approach signals a proactive stance toward addressing current challenges faced in the industry, including frequent adverse weather incidents.
Lachlan Patch, a leader in property assessing and repair operations at RACQ Insurance, underscored the urgency of these partnerships, especially in light of the increasing severity of weather events. “With the increasing frequency of severe weather events, collaborations like this are essential to ensure the industry is well-prepared to meet the growing demand for restoration services,†he stated. This sentiment resonates with many in the sector who recognize the necessity for readiness against climate-related disruptions.
RIA, which boasts a foundation dating back to its establishment in the United States, claims to be the oldest and largest non-profit trade organization in the field of restoration. Since launching RIA Inc Australasia in 2019, the organization has focused on expanding its influence and operational support across the region.
This growing momentum among insurers to engage with a trade body dedicated to restoration services reflects a broader shift within the insurance industry. By fostering a collaborative environment, insurers like RACQ and Suncorp are advocating for more streamlined processes and better service provision in the face of climate change challenges.
As the restoration sector navigates through evolving demands, partnerships with dedicated associations like RIA Australasia are likely to play an instrumental role. The combination of technical knowledge, operational experience, and collective industry insights can only serve to enhance the overall resilience of restoration services moving forward.
This partnership development was originally reported by Insurance News Magazine, emphasizing the significance of these newly formed alliances in navigating the complexities of the restoration landscape.
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.
Recent complaints data from the Australian Financial Complaints Authority has again highlighted a pressure point that matters to rural Australia: insurance claims can become difficult when expectations, policy wording and evidence do not line up. While the figures cover the wider insurance market rather than farms alone, the themes are highly relevant for agricultural businesses dealing with storm damage, fire losses, machinery failures, fencing repairs or interrupted operations. - read more
Australia's latest seasonal weather signals have again pushed rainfall risk into the foreground for rural and regional businesses. While conditions vary sharply between districts, a wetter outlook for parts of the country is a useful reminder that risk planning should not wait until paddocks are already saturated, creek crossings are cut or machinery is bogged at harvest. - read more
Fresh insurance industry concern about underinsurance is especially relevant for Australian farmers as rebuilding and replacement costs remain stubbornly high. While the issue is often discussed in relation to houses, the same pressure applies across rural assets: sheds, fencing, pumps, tanks, grain storage, livestock yards, irrigation equipment and machinery can all cost significantly more to replace than they did when a policy was first arranged. - read more
Australia's general insurance sector has again put natural hazard resilience at the centre of the affordability debate, with fresh industry commentary warning that floods, bushfires, storms and cyclones are continuing to reshape how risk is priced. For farmers, this is not an abstract policy discussion. It goes directly to the cost and availability of farm insurance, particularly for properties with older buildings, exposed machinery, flood-prone access roads, boundary fencing, stored fodder or high-value livestock. - read more
Allianz Australia has refreshed its farm pack insurance, with the updated product announced on 20 July 2026. For farmers and rural property owners, the significance is less about one insurer changing a product and more about what it signals across the broader farm insurance market: insurers are trying to make cover easier to understand while adjusting policy features to better match modern farming operations. - read more
More Australian insurers are now recognising household bushfire resilience ratings, a development rural and regional property owners should watch closely as risk-based pricing becomes more visible across the insurance market. NAB and CommBank insurance brands have joined the program, alongside existing participants including NRMA Insurance and Suncorp, meaning a significant share of the home insurance market is now engaging with assessed bushfire mitigation. - 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
Farm insurance in Australia is usually built from several cover sections rather than one standard policy. This guide explains common inclusions, optional covers, limits and exclusions to check before comparing policies. - read more
The threat of bushfires looms large over the vast expanses of rural Australia, shaping the reality of farming in this sunbaked landscape. The risk, always present, escalates as the climate warms and dry conditions persist. It's not a matter of if, but when the land will be tested by fire's wrath. In this environment, the armor of insurance isn't just recommended; it's critical for survival. - read more
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
Welcome to our comprehensive guide on navigating farm succession for rural Australian families. The journey of passing on a family farm from one generation to the next is both a critical and challenging milestone. Recognizing that every farm has its unique story and set of circumstances is fundamental to the process. - read more
Welcome to our definitive guide for Australian farmers on managing one of the most crucial aspects of their business: insurance. As a cultivator of the land, you're no stranger to the unpredictability of nature and the market. From intense weather events to fluctuating market demands, your line of work comes with its unique set of risks. Hence, safeguarding your livelihood with the right insurance is not just important—it's essential. - read more
Need a Quote?
Start your free farm insurance quote comparison here.
Knowledgebase
Insurance broker: An agent acting on behalf of the insured (not the insurance company) who negotiates the terms and cover provided by the insurer in the insurance policy.
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts.