Life Insurance Online :: 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
Source: Paige Estritori

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

Share this news item:

Insurance News

Insuregroup's Remarkable Growth in Truck Insurance Policies
Insuregroup's Remarkable Growth in Truck Insurance Policies
21 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori
Insuregroup, a specialist insurance brokerage serving Australia's transport and logistics sector, has recently announced a significant milestone: processing over 10,000 insurance policies since its inception, with a 25% increase in policy volume over the past year. This growth underscores the escalating demand for comprehensive truck insurance solutions tailored to the unique needs of Australian freight operators. - read more
ICA's Strategic Plan to Combat Escalating Motor Insurance Costs
ICA's Strategic Plan to Combat Escalating Motor Insurance Costs
21 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori
The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) has unveiled a comprehensive report titled 'Motor Insurance Policy Paper - A Roadmap for Reducing Rising Premiums,' addressing the significant 42% increase in comprehensive motor insurance premiums since 2019. This surge has brought the average annual premium to $1,052 in 2024, prompting the need for coordinated action to alleviate the financial burden on consumers. - read more
Heightened Road Risks During Holiday Season: Insurers Issue Warnings
Heightened Road Risks During Holiday Season: Insurers Issue Warnings
21 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori
As the Australian summer school holidays coincide with peak freight activity, insurers and transport specialists are raising concerns about heightened road risks. The surge in freight traffic, coupled with increased holiday travel, amplifies the potential for road incidents, particularly involving heavy vehicles. - read more
AustralianSuper Announces Reduction in Default Income Protection Cover
AustralianSuper Announces Reduction in Default Income Protection Cover
20 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori
AustralianSuper, one of Australia's largest superannuation funds, has announced a significant change to its default income protection insurance. Effective from 28 February 2026, the fund will reduce the default income protection cover to $1,000 per month. This adjustment aims to align insurance coverage with members' actual income levels and prevent over-insurance, which can erode retirement savings. - read more
APRA Postpones Changes to Individual Disability Income Insurance Policy Terms
APRA Postpones Changes to Individual Disability Income Insurance Policy Terms
20 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori
The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has announced a suspension of the planned changes to individual disability income insurance (IDII) policy contract terms. Originally set to take effect from 1 October 2022, the implementation has been deferred for at least two years, providing insurers and policyholders additional time to adapt to the forthcoming regulations. - read more


Life Insurance Articles

How Much Life Insurance Do You Truly Need? Assessing Your Personal Coverage
How Much Life Insurance Do You Truly Need? Assessing Your Personal Coverage
There's often confusion surrounding the amount of life insurance one truly needs. Common misconceptions cloud our judgment, leading some to undervalue their coverage, while others may overinsure, unnecessarily straining their financial resources. It is a delicate balance to strike, and understanding the nuances of life insurance is pivotal to making informed decisions. - read more
The Single Parent’s Guide to Securing Your Child’s Financial Future
The Single Parent’s Guide to Securing Your Child’s Financial Future
Single parenting brings with it a mosaic of responsibilities and challenges, not least of which is securing a stable financial future for your child. The rollercoaster of raising a child alone often means that planning for the future can take a back seat to the day-to-day demands of parenting. Unexpected illnesses and injuries can compound these challenges, causing stress to multiply and plans to go awry. - read more
Single or Married: How Life Insurance Needs Vary Across Different Life Stages
Single or Married: How Life Insurance Needs Vary Across Different Life Stages
Life insurance is a financial product that provides a lump sum payment to your beneficiaries in the event of your death. It is designed to offer financial security by covering debts, daily living expenses, and future financial obligations. - read more
Understanding Various Life Insurance Types: Which One is Right for You?
Understanding Various Life Insurance Types: Which One is Right for You?
Financial security is one of the most important aspects of modern family life. Ensuring that loved ones are protected and well-supported in the event of an untimely death is a fundamental concern for many Australians. - read more
The Impact of Health and Medical History on Insurance Premiums
The Impact of Health and Medical History on Insurance Premiums
Life insurance is a critical component of a sound financial plan. It provides financial security and peace of mind to you and your loved ones, ensuring that they are taken care of in the event of your untimely death. - read more


Your Life Insurance Quote Starts Here

Life Cover Amount:
Postcode:

All quotes are provided free and without obligation by a Specialist from our National Broker referral panel. See our Privacy Statement for more details.


Knowledgebase
Insurance Deductible:
That part of an insurance claim that must be paid by an insured person before the the balance is paid by the insurer.