Australia's Under Insurance Crisis

Australians are the most under insured nation in the developed world. In fact we place more importance on insuring our cars than on ourselves!

I would like everyone who reads this to ask their partner, parents or children whether they believe your car is more important than you, because in reality that is what the industry figures state.

Can you believe it, that we as a country value the family Holden or Ford etc more than our own physical and financial well being. It seems ridiculous but it is true.

So why do we undervalue ourselves?
My belief is there are many misconceptions about life and income insurance that lead to our complacency about the risks we face throughout life.

1. It won't happen to me
I hate to be the bearer of bad news but you are more likely to suffer an accident or sickness that will prevent you from working than ever requiring your home and contents insurance, and all of you will die - it is unavoidable!

2. Insurance is too expensive, I just can't afford it
Insurance can cost from as little as the cost of a cup of coffee a day. Think about all the little incidental purchases you make in a week, it all adds up. The truth is Australian's cannot afford not to have insurance. The cost of under insurance is estimated to be hundreds of millions of dollars every year.

3. It is too hard
Most Financial Adviser's do not charge you for helping and guiding you through the application process. Yes there are some forms to complete but it never stopped you from applying for a home loan or a car loan, stop being lazy and just get it done - once it is in place you don't need to do it again unless you want to change companies or change how much insurance you have.

4. I have my super and some investments to rely on
Well my answer here is why won't you retire today? You really need to think, if something happens to me tomorrow which bills will stop coming in? If I can't ever work again how will I live for the next 20 - 40 years or maybe even longer?


The truth is you have over a 60% chance of needing your income protection at some stage of life before the age of 65. You cannot support yourself on your savings and assets otherwise you still wouldn't be working now. If you can afford to buy lunch one day a week you can certainly afford to protect yourself.

Most people don't think about personal insurance until they need it and by that time it is usually to late to get it! Don't put it off, just call to speak to an Authorised Financial Adviser and find out just how easy it is!