Income Protection Insurance Australia :: News
SHARE

Share this news item!

Insurance Challenges Loom for Property Owners with Faulty Infrastructure

Insurance Challenges Loom for Property Owners with Faulty Infrastructure

Insurance Challenges Loom for Property Owners with Faulty Infrastructure?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.

In a troubling situation affecting many Western Australian families, defective plumbing is creating significant financial and emotional distress, as insurers increasingly shy away from covering homes plagued by repeated water leaks.

A particular type of resin-based plumbing, Iplex’s Pro-fit Typlex 1050, has been identified as a repeat offender in this scenario, with homeowners finding themselves in a bind when it comes to home and contents insurance. Prominent insurers such as RAC and QBE have notably declined to continue coverage for properties where these pipes frequently fail, leading to damaging and disruptive water bursts.

The issue was first reported by The West Australian, shedding light on the growing population of homeowners grappling with denied insurance renewals. The severity of financial setbacks has prompted many affected families to seek alternative solutions to rectify these faulty installations swiftly.

It is not just a looming threat to homeowners’ peace of mind; this situation further inhibits property sales. Prospective buyers are deterred by the potential liability and subsequent insurance hurdles, thereby adding to the woes faced by current homeowners. This dynamic introduces an unexpected twist into the property market, where selling typically gives rise to new beginnings rather than fresh complications.

The impacts of faulty infrastructure extend beyond inconvenience. Affected homeowners are forced to undertake immediate renovation works to replace these pipes, often shouldering hefty costs. This predicament is particularly harsh in cases where properties could otherwise gain quick market traction. Recent examples illustrate situations where real estate sales came late in the process, once all essential rectifications and confirmations of insurance renewals were in place.

To mitigate these risks, experts recommend a proactive approach of engaging qualified inspectors to ascertain potential liability points in plumbing systems during pre-purchase inspections, an extra safeguard for both buyers and sellers.

Simultaneously, organizations servicing the plumbing industry emphasize the need for increased regulatory scrutiny and manufacturer guarantees on fittings and materials. By addressing these root causes, the cycle of insurance denial can be broken, fostering greater stability in property transactions.

The urgency to remove faulty piping systems quickly reflects not only residents' frustration but also the necessity for changes within the industry, aiming to alleviate the burden on those caught in this web of insurance and infrastructure woes.

Published:Tuesday, 15th Oct 2024
Author: Paige Estritori

Please Note: We do not endorse any specific products or companies. Some content is sourced from third parties, including press releases, and may not be independently verified for accuracy or completeness.

Share this news item:

Insurance News

TAL's Health Sense Plus Now Covers Income Protection Policies
TAL's Health Sense Plus Now Covers Income Protection Policies
17 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori
In a significant development for policyholders, leading Australian life insurer TAL has announced the expansion of its Health Sense Plus program to encompass income protection (IP) policies. Effective from 8 August 2025, this initiative aims to incentivise proactive health management by offering premium discounts to clients who engage in preventative health checks. - read more
AFCA Directs Insurer to Reinstate Critical Illness Coverage After Miscommunication
AFCA Directs Insurer to Reinstate Critical Illness Coverage After Miscommunication
17 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori
The Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) has recently ruled in favour of a policyholder who inadvertently cancelled his critical illness insurance due to unclear communication from his insurer, TAL Life. This decision underscores the critical importance of transparent communication between insurers and their clients, particularly regarding the implications of policy modifications. - read more
AIA Australia's Latest Enhancements to Priority Protection Insurance
AIA Australia's Latest Enhancements to Priority Protection Insurance
17 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori
AIA Australia has recently updated its Priority Protection life insurance suite, introducing changes designed to simplify discounts, enhance policy clarity, and support premium affordability. These enhancements, effective from 9 November 2025, reflect AIA's commitment to providing value-driven solutions for policyholders. - read more
Zurich Australia's New Income Protection for Women's Health
Zurich Australia's New Income Protection for Women's Health
09 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori
Zurich Australia has unveiled a pioneering income protection benefit tailored specifically for women's health conditions, including menopause and endometriosis. This initiative addresses the significant impact these conditions have on women's professional lives and financial stability. - read more
APRA's Renewed Efforts to Reform Income Protection Insurance
APRA's Renewed Efforts to Reform Income Protection Insurance
09 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori
The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has announced the resumption of its reforms targeting individual disability income insurance (IDII), commonly known as income protection insurance. This initiative aims to address the financial challenges that have plagued the industry, with insurers reporting losses exceeding $3.4 billion over the past five years. - read more
AFCA's Landmark Decision on Occupation Definitions in Income Protection Claims
AFCA's Landmark Decision on Occupation Definitions in Income Protection Claims
09 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori
The Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) has recently delivered a pivotal ruling that clarifies the definition of 'occupation' within the context of income protection insurance claims. This decision arose from a dispute involving a policyholder whose income protection benefits were terminated after the insurer discovered he was listed as a director of a company while receiving payments. - read more


Life Insurance Articles

Dispelling the Myths: Why Income Protection is More Accessible Than You Think
Dispelling the Myths: Why Income Protection is More Accessible Than You Think
Income protection insurance serves as a financial safety net, designed to support individuals in the event that they are unable to work due to illness or injury. The significance of this type of insurance lies in its ability to provide a continuation of income during tough times, ensuring that one's financial responsibilities are taken care of. - read more
Maximizing Your Income Protection Payout: Tips and Strategies
Maximizing Your Income Protection Payout: Tips and Strategies
In the realm of personal finance, security is a cornerstone that cannot be overlooked, and this is where income protection insurance steps in. For Australians, the peace of mind that comes with knowing you're covered against loss of income due to illness or injury is invaluable. This form of coverage acts as a financial safety net, ensuring that life's unexpected twists do not leave you in a lurch. - read more
Making Sense of Income Protection Insurance: A Must-Read Comparison for Australians
Making Sense of Income Protection Insurance: A Must-Read Comparison for Australians
When life throws unexpected challenges our way, the assurance of financial stability can be a beacon of hope amidst the uncertainty. For many Australians, income protection insurance is that beacon, safeguarding their livelihood and providing a crucial safety net when they need it most. It's more than just a policy; it's a strategic step towards longer-term peace of mind. - read more
Income Protection vs. Life Insurance: Tax Differences You Should Consider
Income Protection vs. Life Insurance: Tax Differences You Should Consider
Have you ever wondered how income protection insurance can affect your taxes? It's an often-overlooked aspect of managing your finances that could make a substantial difference. Understanding your insurance options is crucial in making informed decisions that benefit your long-term financial health. - read more
Benefit and Wailting Periods: Choosing the Right Combination for Maximum Protection and Value
Benefit and Wailting Periods: Choosing the Right Combination for Maximum Protection and Value
In Australia, income protection insurance stands as a vital safeguard for professionals, ensuring security during times of unexpected illness or injury. It acts as a financial buffer, providing a percentage of your regular income, so you can maintain your lifestyle without the stress of lost earnings. - read more
Busting the Myth That Income Protection is Only for Physical Injuries
Busting the Myth That Income Protection is Only for Physical Injuries
To all the self-employed Australians! You're the backbone of our economy, recognized for your entrepreneurial spirit and abilities to navigate the unique challenges of managing your own business. Yet, with great freedom comes great responsibility, particularly when it comes to securing your financial well-being. - read more


Start Here !
disability protection
Apply now for your free Insurance assessment and price comparisons!

Start Here

Monthly Income Benefit:
Postcode:

All quotes are provided obligation-free by a participating broker from our national referral partner network. We respect your Privacy.

All quotes are provided free and without obligation. We respect your privacy.

Knowledgebase
Trauma Insurance:
An insurance that pays a lump-sum amount on the diagnosis of one of several critical illnesses or events