14 Apr 2013

Premium incentives wanted from insurance companies

1:59 pm on 14 April 2013

Insurance companies are under fire for failing to reduce premiums for Queensland property owners who make changes to mitigate their flood risk.

State Community Recovery Minister, David Crisafulli said people who lift their houses or tile the lower level of their property should have a reduced premium.

"I think at the moment as people go through the rebuilding process they deserve to be rewarded for doing the right thing," he said.

"We're encouraging people to be more resilient we want them to make sensible decisions and I think insurance companies should reward them accordingly."

Mr Crisafulli said he has written to the Insurance Council of Australia demanding change.

"There doesn't seem to be that clear incentive for me to replace the carpet with tiles," he said.

"There doesn't seem to be the clear incentive to lifting my electrical points, there doesn't seem to be enough of an incentive if I put marine ply instead of Gyprock.

"All these things can save insurance companies money in the future and it can save communities a lot of heartache in the future."