Regional Victorians have been asked to share their experiences around insurance affordability for a survey by advocacy group ARC Justice.  

People in Greater Shepparton, in the state’s north-east, will be questioned on availability of cover, whether they have been affected by flooding and if they were insured, and asked for recommendations to improve insurance options.  

ARC Justice says the survey follows community feedback on difficulties obtaining insurance, particularly flood cover, in towns such as Shepparton, Seymour and Mooroopna.

The region was hit by flooding in October 2022, with about 700 homes damaged.  

“Floods, fires and heatwaves are hitting harder and leaving lasting damage – not just to homes, but to people’s ability to insure them,” CEO Damian Stock said.

“Premiums are climbing, cover is being cut and some households can’t get insurance at all. We work in the community legal sector, so we see how extreme weather events, like the October 2022 floods, put huge pressure on people already doing it tough."

Mr Stock says the issue "affects everyone" and solutions are needed.

“We don’t have all the answers, so we want to hear directly from locals about what’s happening in their community and what they think needs to change.

“Insurance companies are taking very seriously the implications of climate change on local flood risk. We know there are ways to reduce harm and help communities prepare, which should be reflected in how premiums are set.”

Recent mapping from the Climate Council ranks the electorate of Nicholls, including Shepparton, among the most flood-prone areas in Australia, with 30% of properties facing a moderate to high risk of riverine inundation.

ARC Justice is also surveying service providers ahead of a report detailing experiences and concerns in the region.  

The survey is open until August 31. Find more information here.