Strata Cover Australia :: News
SHARE

Share this news item!

ICA Calls for Reforms to Victoria's Strata Laws Amid Rising Insurance Costs

Poor Governance and Deferred Maintenance Identified as Key Factors

ICA Calls for Reforms to Victoria's Strata Laws Amid Rising Insurance Costs?w=400

The information on this website is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Consider seeking personal advice from a licensed adviser before acting on any information.

The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) has called for significant reforms to Victoria's strata legislation, highlighting that poor governance and deferred maintenance are leading to increased insurance premiums for the one in five Victorians residing in strata-titled properties.
In a submission to the Expert Panel Review of the Owners Corporations Act 2006, the ICA emphasized that building defects are costing Australians an estimated $1.3 billion annually, with many strata buildings facing challenges in securing affordable insurance due to structural issues and inadequate risk management.

The ICA's recommendations include enhancing transparency and accountability within owners corporations, providing better education resources for committee members, and implementing stronger enforcement mechanisms to address building defects. These measures aim to improve the management and maintenance of strata properties, ultimately leading to more affordable insurance premiums for property owners.

Property owners and investors are encouraged to stay informed about potential legislative changes and to actively participate in the governance of their strata schemes. By promoting better management practices and addressing maintenance issues promptly, strata communities can work towards securing more affordable and sustainable insurance coverage.

Published:Saturday, 24th Jan 2026
Source: Paige Estritori

Please Note: If this information affects you, seek advice from a licensed professional.

Share this news item:

Insurance News

Steadfast Group Under Scrutiny for Alleged Misleading Practices
Steadfast Group Under Scrutiny for Alleged Misleading Practices
24 Jan 2026: Paige Estritori
Steadfast Group, Australia's largest general insurance broker network, has recently come under scrutiny following allegations of misleading clients through undisclosed financial arrangements. These claims have prompted the company to suspend trading on the Australian Stock Exchange, leading to a significant decline in its share price. - read more
Netstrata Clients Uncover Excessive Insurance Brokerage Fees
Netstrata Clients Uncover Excessive Insurance Brokerage Fees
24 Jan 2026: Paige Estritori
Recent developments have brought to light concerns regarding the insurance practices of Netstrata, a prominent strata management firm in Australia. Clients have reported the sudden appearance of past insurance invoices in their online portals, revealing brokerage fees significantly higher than industry norms. - read more
ICA Calls for Reforms to Victoria's Strata Laws Amid Rising Insurance Costs
ICA Calls for Reforms to Victoria's Strata Laws Amid Rising Insurance Costs
24 Jan 2026: Paige Estritori
The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) has called for significant reforms to Victoria's strata legislation, highlighting that poor governance and deferred maintenance are leading to increased insurance premiums for the one in five Victorians residing in strata-titled properties. In a submission to the Expert Panel Review of the Owners Corporations Act 2006, the ICA emphasized that building defects are costing Australians an estimated $1. - read more
Strata Insurance Premiums Hold Steady as House Insurance Costs Surge
Strata Insurance Premiums Hold Steady as House Insurance Costs Surge
16 Jan 2026: Paige Estritori
In the face of escalating house insurance premiums, strata insurance in Australia has demonstrated remarkable stability, according to the 2025 State of the Strata Market report released by CHU, the nation's leading strata insurance underwriting agency. The report reveals that strata insurance premiums have experienced a modest increase of 2.8% over the past year, rising from $954 to $981 per lot annually. This growth rate is notably lower than the 3. - read more


Strata Insurance Articles

The Importance of Updating Your Strata Insurance Policy
The Importance of Updating Your Strata Insurance Policy
Strata insurance is a specific type of insurance designed to cover shared property and common areas within a strata-titled property. This includes coverage for dwelling structures, common hallways, roofs, and sometimes even shared swimming pools or gardens. - read more
Understanding State-by-State Insurance Requirements for Strata Schemes in Australia
Understanding State-by-State Insurance Requirements for Strata Schemes in Australia
Strata schemes are a popular form of property ownership in Australia, particularly in cities where high-density living is common. A strata scheme is essentially a building or collection of buildings that allows for individual ownership of a part of the property, combined with shared ownership of common areas. Residents coexist in a community and collectively manage shared spaces such as gardens, driveways, or facilities. - read more
How to Make a Claim on Your Strata Insurance: A Step-by-Step Guide
How to Make a Claim on Your Strata Insurance: A Step-by-Step Guide
When it comes to strata insurance, making a claim can feel daunting if you're not familiar with the process. A vital first step is understanding what constitutes a claimable event. Typically, these are events that lead to damage or loss in the common areas of a property, such as fire, storm damage, or vandalism. However, each policy can vary, so it’s important to check the specifics of what your coverage includes. - read more
Understanding the Layers of Strata Insurance
Understanding the Layers of Strata Insurance
Strata insurance, also known as body corporate insurance, is a form of cover specifically designed for properties that share ownership or have multiple units. It typically covers the building and common areas, along with liability protection. This includes areas such as the roof, stairwells, lifts, driveways, and shared spaces in residential complexes, units, or apartments. - read more

Knowledgebase
Peril:
A specific risk or cause of loss covered by an insurance policy, such as fire, theft, or flood.