Income Insurance NZ :: News
SHARE

Share this news item!

Key Challenges Facing Australian Insurers in 2026

Key Challenges Facing Australian Insurers in 2026

As 2026 unfolds, Australian insurers are confronting a trio of pressing challenges: premium affordability, escalating cyber threats, and difficulties in attracting and retaining skilled talent.
These issues are reshaping the industry's landscape and influencing strategic priorities.

Premium affordability has surged to the forefront, with insurers grappling with the delicate balance between covering rising costs—driven by inflation, climate-related losses, and regulatory pressures—and maintaining policies that remain accessible to consumers. This challenge is particularly pertinent for home services business owners, who must navigate the complexities of securing adequate coverage without overextending their budgets.

Cybersecurity remains a critical concern, as the increasing reliance on digital platforms exposes insurers and their clients to potential data breaches and cyberattacks. The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner reported that malicious attacks accounted for 59% of data breaches in the first half of 2025, underscoring the need for robust digital security measures.

Additionally, the industry faces a talent crunch, with changing workforce expectations and skills shortages making it challenging to attract and retain qualified professionals. This issue is compounded by the sector's ongoing digital transformation, which demands a workforce adept in both traditional insurance practices and emerging technologies.

For home services business owners, understanding these industry dynamics is crucial. Engaging with insurers who proactively address these challenges can lead to more stable premiums, enhanced digital security, and improved service quality, ultimately benefiting their business operations.

Published:Monday, 23rd Feb 2026
Source: Paige Estritori

Share this news item:

Insurance News

CHU's 2025 Report Highlights Stability in Strata Insurance Premiums CHU's 2025 Report Highlights Stability in Strata Insurance Premiums
23 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori

In its recently released 2025 State of the Strata Market report, CHU, Australia's leading strata insurance underwriting agency, provides a comprehensive analysis of the current state of the industry. The report indicates that strata insurance premiums have experienced a modest increase of 2.8%, rising from an average of $954 to $981 per lot annually in the year leading up to June 2025. This increment is notably lower than the 14% surge observed in house insurance premiums during the same period. - read more
ICA Advocates for Strata Law Reforms to Mitigate Rising Insurance Costs in Victoria ICA Advocates for Strata Law Reforms to Mitigate Rising Insurance Costs in Victoria
23 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori

The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) has recently called for substantial reforms to Victoria's strata legislation, citing a direct correlation between inadequate governance and escalating insurance premiums for residents. With approximately one in five Victorians residing in strata-titled properties, the need for effective management and oversight has become increasingly critical. - read more
Strata Communities Endorse Call for Enhanced Resilience Reforms Strata Communities Endorse Call for Enhanced Resilience Reforms
23 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori

Strata communities are at the forefront of Australia's resilience battle, facing escalating costs, declining coverage, and prolonged recovery periods following disasters. Strata Community Association Australasia (SCA) has expressed strong support for the Insurance Council of Australia's (ICA) recent call for coordinated, long-term resilience reforms to protect communities from these challenges. - read more
Allianz Australia Triumphs in 2026 Finder Home Insurance Awards Allianz Australia Triumphs in 2026 Finder Home Insurance Awards
23 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori

Allianz Australia has been honoured with the top accolade in the Comprehensive Home Insurance category at the 2026 Finder Product Awards. This recognition underscores the company's dedication to delivering high-quality insurance solutions tailored to the needs of Australian homeowners. - read more
Escalating Home Insurance Costs Deepen Australia's Protection Gap Escalating Home Insurance Costs Deepen Australia's Protection Gap
23 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori

Australian homeowners are facing a growing protection gap as escalating home insurance premiums render adequate coverage increasingly unaffordable. Recent data indicates that average home insurance premiums have risen by 16% over the past year, with some insurers implementing hikes exceeding 30%. - read more


Life Insurance Articles

Protecting Your Legacy: Estate Planning and Life Insurance for Australians Protecting Your Legacy: Estate Planning and Life Insurance for Australians
When thinking about the future, it's essential to have a comprehensive strategy that ensures the well-being of your loved ones and the security of your assets. Estate planning and life insurance are two critical pillars in safeguarding your family's financial stability. Despite the complexity often associated with these topics, understanding their importance and implementing them correctly can provide immense peace of mind. - read more
The Devil's in the Detail: What Your Income Protection Policy Really Covers The Devil's in the Detail: What Your Income Protection Policy Really Covers
In today's ever-fluctuating economic landscape, income protection insurance emerges as a vital component of comprehensive financial planning. While many understand the significance of insuring assets like homes and automobiles, securing one's income stream often gets overlooked. However, considering the life's unpredictable nature, safeguarding our ability to earn should be of utmost importance. - read more
The Single Parent’s Guide to Securing Your Child’s Financial Future The Single Parent’s Guide to Securing Your Child’s Financial Future
Single parenting brings with it a mosaic of responsibilities and challenges, not least of which is securing a stable financial future for your child. The rollercoaster of raising a child alone often means that planning for the future can take a back seat to the day-to-day demands of parenting. Unexpected illnesses and injuries can compound these challenges, causing stress to multiply and plans to go awry. - read more
The Ultimate Guide to Understanding Life Insurance in Australia The Ultimate Guide to Understanding Life Insurance in Australia
Life insurance is a contract between an individual and an insurance company. The insurer promises to pay a designated beneficiary a sum of money upon the death of the insured person. - read more
How to Compare Income Protection Policies When You Have a Medical History How to Compare Income Protection Policies When You Have a Medical History
In today's ever-changing world, financial security is a cornerstone of peace of mind, particularly for Australians grappling with medical histories. Income protection insurance emerges as a pivotal solution, safeguarding not only the individual’s fiscal health but the well-being of their dependents. This introduction explores the nuances of income protection insurance and its particular significance for those with pre-existing medical conditions. - read more

Start Here !
income insurance protection
Apply now for your free Income Insurance assessment and price comparisons!

Start Here

Monthly Income Benefit:
Postcode:

All quotes are provided free and without obligation. We respect your privacy.

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.