APRA's Call for Immediate Action on Extreme Weather Mitigation

Key findings from the report include:

• Worsening Extreme Weather: The increasing frequency and severity of extreme weather events are leading to higher claims and financial strain on insurers and policyholders alike.
• Insurance Accessibility: Rising costs associated with extreme weather, inflationary pressures, and insurance taxes are widening the gap between those who can and cannot access insurance, particularly in high-risk areas.
• Concentration of Costs: A significant portion of repair and rebuilding costs is driven by a small percentage of the most at-risk properties. For example, 25% of flood-related repair costs are attributed to just 11% of the most vulnerable properties.

These findings underscore the necessity for a collaborative approach involving insurers, policymakers, and communities to develop and implement effective mitigation strategies. Such strategies may include investing in resilient infrastructure, revising building codes, and promoting risk awareness and education.

For the insurance industry, this report serves as a call to action to reassess risk models, pricing strategies, and coverage options to ensure they reflect the evolving risk landscape. Proactive measures taken now can help safeguard communities and maintain the viability of the insurance sector in the face of climate change.