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.

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.

Published:Tuesday, 24th Dec 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

Clear

Why Climate Risk Is Back on the Farm Insurance Agenda

28 Jul 2026: Paige Estritori

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

What Allianz’s Farm Cover Revamp Means for Farmers

21 Jul 2026: Paige Estritori

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

What Bushfire Resilience Ratings Mean for Farmers

07 Jul 2026: Paige Estritori

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

Cyclone Pool Delivers Relief, But Farmers Still Need to Check Cover

30 Jun 2026: Paige Estritori

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission's final monitoring report on the cyclone reinsurance pool has delivered a mixed message for rural and regional northern Australia. The pool appears to have helped ease some premium pressure for medium to high cyclone-risk areas, including reductions across home, strata and small business building and contents cover. For farm families and agribusinesses in cyclone-exposed regions, that is welcome news after years of rising costs and limited choice. - read more

El Niño Outlook Puts Farm Risk Planning Back in Focus

23 Jun 2026: Paige Estritori

Australia’s latest El Niño declaration has turned seasonal risk planning into an immediate priority for many rural and regional businesses. The Bureau of Meteorology confirmed El Niño conditions in mid-June, with forecasts indicating the tropical Pacific is likely to keep warming through the coming months and remain a factor until at least the end of the year. - read more

NRMA's Departure from Farm Insurance: What It Means for Australian Farmers

16 Jun 2026: Paige Estritori

In a significant shift within the Australian insurance landscape, NRMA has announced its withdrawal from the farm insurance market, ceasing the sale of new policies as of July 1, 2025. This decision affects both Hobby Farm Insurance and Rural Farm Insurance offerings, leaving many farmers in search of alternative coverage options to safeguard their livelihoods. - read more

Click for more Insurance News