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Protecting the Basics report highlights insurance gaps

MEDIA RELEASE: SACOSS is releasing a new report: Protecting the Basics: Insurance access for people on low incomes at risk from climate emergencies.

The report finds that there is a significant proportion of people in South Australia on low incomes with uninsured homes, contents, and cars because they can’t afford insurance. It highlights the potential negative consequences in the face of natural disasters, and proposes several strategies that government could take to increase access to insurance for people on low incomes.

“As more households experience financial stress due to the COVID-19 pandemic, more and more households are likely to be unable to afford their insurance premiums, and be letting their cover lapse,” said SACOSS CEO Ross Womersley.

“When a natural disaster hits, people in this situation face catastrophic financial losses that they may not have the resources to recover from. They may fall into poverty, have their poverty further entrenched, or even end up pushed into homelessness.

“Insurance must be treated as an essential service. Government natural disaster planning relies on individuals purchasing appropriate insurance for their home, contents, and vehicles.

“If access to insurance for people on low incomes is not addressed, we face potentially catastrophic social and financial outcomes in future natural disaster seasons, which may result in a greater number of people experiencing poverty.

“SACOSS is calling on the government to step up and tackle insurance unaffordability.

“We urge the government to implement a percentage-based concessions scheme for people on low incomes to receive rebates on their home, contents, and vehicle insurance premiums.

“Redressing the current situation is urgent. Access to insurance must be improved before the next severe natural disaster season reveals the extent of individual, societal, and financial costs of uninsurance in South Australia,” he stated.

South Australian financial counsellors can attest to the potentially devastating impacts of not having insurance cover.

The South Australian Financial Counsellors Association’s Executive Officer, Kate Fox, said that financial counsellors know all too well how hard this blow can strike.

“Financial counsellors have seen the impact of not having insurance cover for essentials such as home, contents and vehicles. It is often already a difficult time personally for people to deal with such a loss and then to add to that the financial burden of not being insured or being underinsured, the consequences can be devastating,” she stated.  

“SAFCA supports SACOSS’s proposal for a concession scheme to provide access to affordable and appropriate insurance options for people living on low incomes as essential to provide cover for loss after natural disasters and unexpected events.”

Charitable organisation Good Shepherd is also acutely aware of the barriers for people on low incomes taking out insurance. “Cost is a major obstacle as well as the complexity of policies, the claims process, and comparing options for low-income households and vulnerable populations,” said Good Shepherd CEO Stella Avramopoulos.

“What SACOSS is proposing would be a vital step towards addressing some of these obstacles for people on low incomes, particularly with the increasing impact of climate change and disasters on vulnerable communities,” Ms Avramopoulos said. 

Quick facts:

Insurance premiums have been rising, and they are not affordable for everyone.

  • South Australian insurance premiums are increasing rapidly – the most recent CPI data show that for Adelaide, insurance premiums for home, contents and vehicle insurance on average increased by 8.5% in 2021 (compared to an increase of 3.4% nationally).
  • Of low-income households where people own their home, it is estimated that between one in 10 or 15 of those households do not have home insurance.
  • Approximately one in two or three people who are living on a low income do not have contents insurance.
  • One in four people who are on a low income and have a vehicle, do not have comprehensive vehicle insurance.

The Protecting the Basics report is available here

*Note: the survey ranges reported above reflect the fact that we have drawn on a range of surveys in these areas, which report some differing results.

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08 8305 4222

sacoss@sacoss.org.au

Marjorie Black House
47 King William Road Unley SA 5061

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MICHELE WACHLA

Michele is an accomplished social services professional with a dual background in Social Work and Business, bringing over 18 years of experience to her work. She has developed a deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities within Regional, Rural, and Remote (RRR) environments, particularly in South Australia. Michele is a recognised leader, known for her expertise in designing and implementing place-based initiatives that address the complexities of RRR communities. Her work is underpinned by strategic planning, effective resourcing, and a strong focus on policy review and advocacy to ensure that services remain relevant, equitable, and sustainable. Michele’s commitment to community-centred approaches drives meaningful outcomes, nurturing resilience, and growth across regional South Australia.

KHATIJA THOMAS

DAVE ADAMSON

Dave moved to Australia following a 30-year academic career in the UK. He has since worked in the Community Housing sector and authored the 2016 Towards a National Housing Strategy, and helped to establish the Everybody’s Home campaign. He also researches the interface between poverty and climate change and actively supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. He has worked with government at all levels and has experience of policy development and evaluation. He is co-author of Sustainable Places: Addressing Social Inequality and Environmental Crisis (2022, Routledge). In his spare time he plays and builds guitars.

ROHAN FEEGRADE

Rohan is an experienced and forward-thinking CEO, senior executive and board director with demonstrated expertise across the not-for-profit, private and government sectors. Currently CEO of Lutheran Care, he has proven record for creating substantial organisational, stakeholder and client value, and has extensive experience in strategically positioning organisations for transformational change and growth within the health, disability, education and community service sectors. Rohan is a socially responsible professional, genuinely passionate about creating opportunities for people who live with disadvantage and disability, always acting ethically to serve those he works with and for.

JANE MUSSARED

Jane has worked in for purpose and government health and human service settings throughout her career. In June 2024 she returned to SA and joined the Maggie Beer Foundation as CEO following 20 months based in Canberra as an Advisor to the Federal Minister for Health and Aged Care. Previously she was Chief Executive of COTA SA and before that an executive of ACH Group. Jane served on a range of boards and committees prior to moving to Canberra, including the SACOSS Policy Council until 2022, as chair of the South Australian Circus Centre and as a non-Executive Director with the Maggie Beer Foundation.

NANCY PENNA

Nancy has than 30 years of experience in South Australian community services, and a a unique understanding of the political and social landscape and the issues and opportunities facing South Australia. Currently responsible for the strategic and operational oversight of AnglicareSA’s community services portfolio, she has previously held executive roles in government within child protection and disability, with her executive experience underpinned by her earlier career as a social worker in child protection and youth justice. She is also Chair of the Child and Family Focus South Australia (CAFFSA) Board and most recently on the Housing Security for Older Women Taskforce.

NICOLE CHAPLIN

Nicole is a dedicated and experienced youth support professional, specialising in solutions for disadvantaged young people in South Australia. As CEO of St John’s Youth Services, she oversees innovative programs like youth110 and Foyer Port Adelaide. With over thirty years in the community sector, Nicole has built extensive networks and her expertise spans governance, service delivery, policy development, and partnerships. Recognised with the 2018 AHI Inspirational Leader Award, Nicole is an active participant in housing and homelessness networks. She holds leadership roles in various organisations, including Anglicare Australia’s National Reconciliation Network.

EMMA CROSBY

Emma is a chartered Accountant with more than 15 years experience as a board member, finance and business professional, strategic advisor and company secretary. She has strong values and a passion for enabling and leading organisations to meet its operational and strategic direction through long-term financial sustainability, operational efficiency, innovation, leadership, transformation and partnerships. As Treasurer and Board member at SACOSS, she is committed to successfully leading and making a purposeful impact to the organisation and its stakeholders.

David PANTER

David has worked in health and social care for almost 45 years, over half of which has been as a Chief Executive. In the UK he initially worked in the NHS and more latterly in local government, where he was Chief Executive of Brighton & Hove City Council. In 2004 David was recruited to the South Australian public health system for over 10 years leading reforms including the development of the new Royal Adelaide Hospital. From 2015-2022 David was the Chief Executive of not-for-profit aged care provider ECH. At the end of January 2022 David became the Chief Executive at Minda, SA’s largest provider of services to people living with an intellectual disability.