Dear Sir,

It is with great relief to finally see the Federal Government seriously looking into the utter unfairness of  Insurance Companies 
and the way they are forcing people in Queensland's North to pay massively inflated Insurance premiums on their Home and Content Insurance.  Speaking for myself, a pensioner, over the past two years I have had to reduce my Home and Content Insurance, plus increase my Excess amount in order to continue this very important Cover.  Like others, over the years I have worked and done without to have a home, only to now discover that I will be unable to protect it with insurance.  I have been with the same Insurance Company for over 24 years and have NEVER HAD A CLAIM, however over the past two years my policy premiums has increased by over $3,000 dollars and in the next month I will receive the invoice for this year.  To pay my premiums for the previous two years I have had to borrow.  Unfortunately this year after being advised there will be a large increase yet again, I will have no other option but to leave my home uninsured, like so many other people I know.The thought of this is a constant worry for me, one I wouldn't wish on anyone.   As far as getting quotes from other companies, like the ones continually advertising on T V telling everyone how good their product is in ones hour of need, the first thing they ask is for your Post Code.  When you tell them 4870, the conversation comes to an abrupt halt as they tell you that the company does not insure in the area.  At the very least, these companies should be banned from advertising in this area,or be compelled to advise this in their commercials - it would save a lot of people the cost of a phone call and yet another slap in the face. 

When you live in the north, EVERYTHING is more expensive :  Petrol, Electricity, Food, Rates etc..  Governments are always encouraging people to move and live in Regional areas, however, no one should be disadvantaged for doing so.  It is a relief to see that the Abbott Government is listening to it's voters and finally looking into the utter greedy and bias behaviour of the Insurance Companies. It is interesting to note that not one of the companies have recorded a loss of profit - far from it, over the past years.  We of the North are not asking for special treatment, only that we be afforded the same treatment as other areas. EG: How is it that homes flooded in  Brisbane, Ipswich areas  only pay a quarter of the premiums we pay here for the same type of home ??? 

Over 2 years ago, like thousands of other desperate consumers, I signed a petition to Government asking for their help in the hope something could be done in this matter.  I just pray now that someone can find a solution to this very distressing problem to help us protect the one item that is so important to us - our home.

Yours Faithfully

Diane Widt