[Mumma3]

I was watching an interview with a family in the flooded areas in QLD, who spoke of all the new things they had recently acquired (furniture and bikes were mentioned). The interviews asked if they were insured and they said no - then added, so if anyone can help us...... Another man had a business flooded out and also didn't have insurance.

I realise some people genuinely can not afford insurance, but if you can afford to buy new furniture etc, then I think you should also budget for insurance.

Environmental disasters (floods, fires etc) are happening more and more often, and those of us who DO have insurance are paying higher premiums because of it. Many of us have also contributed to flood and fire appeals.

If my home burned down due to an electrical fault, and I was not insured, I would have to suck it up. It is no more my fault than a flood or fire coming through.

I hope this doesn't come across as heartless, because I really do feel for those affected by these events, and can't imagine what it would be like to lose everything. It's just that I don't understand why so many people not only not insure, but then expect everyone else to give them handouts?

[danielle1985]

While I do agree with you partly, the issue from the last floods is that people COULD NOT ensure. They were considered to high risk... It wasn't through lack of trying. For some the choice was to not insure or leave.

This post has been edited by danielle1985: 29/01/2013, 07:05 PM

[Sassy Dingo]

Because they got lots of government handouts last floods, they expect the same again.

If you can't afford insurance, you can't afford to have a house.

[howdo]

Did that look like a family that could afford insurance?

I'm serious. I think there are done families for whom insurance is dimy not accessible.

[howdo]

Because they got lots of government handouts last floods, they expect the same again.

If you can't afford insurance, you can't afford to have a house.

So you live on the street and have no clothes of furniture either?

[Awesome101]

A work collegue didn't renew his house insurance because he "just didn't get around to it" His home was flooded a few years back and he lost alot. My work started collecting money for him and the expectation was high. I didn't put anything in. I struggle to get the money together to pay my insurance every year as the payment is due straight after Christmas but I do it because its the responsible thing to do.

[Mama8]

One lady they interviewed last night was still waiting for insurance claims to be processed for the LAST flood and her house is once again flooded.
She was in her 80s I think.

Lets not be too quick to judge

[.Jerry.]

In general I think if you have a house, you should have insurance.
There are exceptions though.
One exception could be those living in flood areas. Some of them simply cannot get insurance. Or if they can, it is so hugely expensive it is ridiculous - e.g I hear of one family whose insurance quote was $13000 a year. Not affordable.

Others cannot afford insurance and cannot sell and still be financially viable as their house are worth far less than the market will pay for a house in a flood zone.

So yes, everyone should be insured... but sometimes it is difficult.

[Mumma3]

Did that look like a family that could afford insurance?

I don't think their appearance had anything to do with it, everyone interview looks wet and exhausted to me.

I am only repeating what they said - that they had just bought new furniture and new bikes etc.

[Sassy Dingo]

So you live on the street and have no clothes of furniture either?

Or you could you know...rent.