WTFHome Insurance up 38%

bgt · Guru

WTFHome Insurance up 38%

Bicyclecamper · Guru

I have just spoken to the local state member and asked about a 150% rate rise recently laid on us, plus the meter box fiasco, and he said, the state government is going to look into the councils affairs, as they were not authorised to raise the rates more then $350 for the year, and as our council, had said they were financially stable a year ago, he wants to know why, they need so much extra in rates. Also that the council is trying to get us to pay back, for the State government grant they got given to them to pay all costs associated with the sewage system, including meter upgrades, so it is on between him and the council, and told me not to worry. The thing being, knowing our council, they will hit us again within the next couple of years.

-- Edited by Bicyclecamper on Friday 16th of April 2021 04:13:34 PM

peter67 · Guru

bgt I've just finished reading Nomadland, it was a real eye opener about retired people who are not well off buying an RV and travelling/working (workcamping) in the USA.
ps I really hope things work out for you BC :)

Ellerick · Newbie

I'm one of those people that faithfully pay insurance every year for house, contents, 2 cars, caravan, motorbike and make sure we have travel insurance every time we travel. Never had to make a claim for over 30 years. Then came the year from hell - someone hit my car in the carpark, didnt leave name and contact so car insurance claim deemed my fault. Then while overseas had medical problem and spent time in Canadian hospital. Thank God I had travel insurance because the amount they charged I think I was paying for everyone in the hospital. Next, husband has motorbike accident - other party has no insurance so claim on our insurance, bike was write off. Husbands medical and recovery covered by our state insurance scheme. Then while we were traveling in the caravan house was burgled - they took almost everything. Big contents claim and building claim for the damage. And to top it all off, the second car was damaged by uninsured driver and we again had to use our insurance for repairs. This all happened over one 12 month period. Think I got my money back from all the premiums I paid over the years!

Warren-Pat_01 · Guru

The local Federal Govt members had a seminar here in Townsville two years ago & they went away promising relief, a new system - we are still waiting (& paying through the nose).

Our houses are built to cyclone standards but we are still penalised every year when the insurance bill comes in.

bgt · Guru

Warren we will all be long dead before politicians do anything about insurance. And remember the taxes they get? Yes as your premium goes up so does the tax proportion.

ConsumerMan · Senior Member

Bicyclecamper wrote:
Brodie, at least it is not SKY Where they LIE. We had to lower our house value down 120k, to 200K value. to be able to afford our insurance this year. One thing people don't understand, if they get rid of contents, they are stuffed if a fridge, freezer, or ho****er heater burns your house down, you won't be covered by your house insurance. Contents cover your appliances and what damage they do to your house.

Incorrect

Are We Lost · Guru

Bicyclecamper and others in a similar situation .....

Are you aware of the revised pension loans scheme? This was one of the Liberals promises and the much improved scheme became operational in mid 2019. You have to be a home owner (aged pensioner only?), and it is like a reverse mortgage. You can receive 50% of the full pension rate paid each pension day. That is currently a little under $500 per fortnight for singles and $750 for couples. There is never any need to pay it back, or any interest on it (until you sell). It even works if you have a current mortgage, depending on size of course.

PM me if you would like more details.

-- Edited by Are We Lost on Tuesday 20th of April 2021 12:04:44 AM

ConsumerMan · Senior Member

Whenarewethere wrote:
Be careful when you shop around. We found out that when ask too many insurance companies for quotes that you go onto a black list they all have access to.
Our block of units could not get insurance anywhere. Over the previous 20 years we had made $5k of claims, annual premium $7k at that time, well run building, also do maintenance, regularly do major maintenance like replace windows balustrade etc, large sinking fund, not in any high risk area.
We did get insurance via a contract of a contact in the end, but it should not be allowed how they all nod & wink to each other.
Pick a maximum of 3 companies. You will still go onto a central data base but after that you are stuffed. That is what we were told by someone who knows the system.
Good luck.

Incorrect. Cartels and collusion is prohibited by legislation and enforced vigorously by the ACCC

msg · Guru

Are you aware of the revised pension loans scheme? This was one of the Liberals promises and the much improved scheme became operational in mid 2019. You have to be a home owner (aged pensioner only?), and it is like a reverse mortgage. You can receive 50% of the full pension rate paid each pension day. That is currently a little under $500 per fortnight for singles and $750 for couples. There is never any need to pay it back, or any interest on it (until you sell). It even works if you have a current mortgage, depending on size of course.

Its nothing more than a reverse mortgage. They are not recommended as a good financial option.

Are We Lost · Guru

Maybe it is not a good financial option, but please tell me what is better to improve your income when you are struggling with finances and worried you will have to sell the home. Pretty hard to get from a bank at present. No out of pocket to establish and the debt just reduces your inheritance.

So you can go from struggling to make ends meet, to having a few hundred extra each pension day to enjoy and give you a better lifestyle in retirement.

As I say, for someone who is worried about having to sell, what is better?

-- Edited by Are We Lost on Wednesday 21st of April 2021 04:31:54 PM

-- Edited by Are We Lost on Wednesday 21st of April 2021 04:32:48 PM