Lumley Insurance is the latest insurer to withdraw from property cover in north Queensland following big losses last summer.

The area affected covers a vast swathe of the state stretching north from Moranbah, southwest of Mackay.

A Lumley spokesman says the “ongoing volatility and changing reinsurance conditions” in the region have led to a review of guidelines for business in this region.

She says while the insurer is keen to continue its partnership with brokers in the area, the changing risk profile has also heightened Lumley’s need for reviewing new business.

“Commencing October 15, we will no longer be able to offer household, landlords, fire and perils (ISR and business pack) or contract works for risks situated in postcodes 4737 and above,” she told insuranceNEWS.com.au.

Far North Queensland Insurance Brokers Director Doug Olsen says property cover is becoming increasingly hard to place, and the region can’t afford any more withdrawals by insurers. Only four major insurers are still writing property business in the region.

Although there are still a number of speciality underwriters available in the market, he says “there needs to be a wide collective of insurers to be able to spread the risk and keep premiums under control”.

While he hears a continuing loss of insurers working in the region could lead to the re-establishment of a state government-run insurance office, Mr Olsen told insuranceNEWS.com.au: “You can’t really blame the insurance companies, knowing what the reinsurance costs are going to be.”