When it comes to property ownership in Australia, few topics are as misunderstood—and as crucial—as insurance. In this episode, Veronica sits down with Kimberley Jonsson, CEO of CHU Insurance, to unpack the growing risks in strata and property insurance and why many owners might be underprepared. From the rising cost of premiums to the unseen dangers lurking in older buildings, Kimberley brings expert insight into the systemic issues shaping Australia’s housing market—and what that means for you.

We dive into how the Insurance Affordability Index reveals a stark difference between houses and strata properties, why mandatory strata insurance may be more affordable than you think, and the real consequences of underinsurance. Kimberley also shares powerful case studies—including a Bondi building on the brink of collapse—that challenge conventional thinking about risk, responsibility, and return on investment in the property space.

Whether you're an investor, owner-occupier, strata manager, or buyer's agent, this episode will shift how you think about property protection and help you make smarter, faster decisions. Because when it comes to insurance, delaying action costs more than just money.

Enjoyed this episode? Be sure to subscribe, share with your property network, and leave us a review on your podcast app. Got a question or topic suggestion? Reach out—we’d love to hear from you!

 

 

 

Episode Highlights:
Welcome [00:00]
The Underinsurance Crisis [03:48]
Strata Insurance Is More Affordable Than You Think [11:30]
The Challenges with Insurance Valuations [18:45]
What It Takes to Be ‘Uninsurable’ [29:40]
Don’t Delay Repairs: The $1M Roof Story [37:54]
The Bondi Building That Nearly Collapsed [51:07]
Final Advice for Buyers and Investors [59:40]





 

About our Guest:

Kimberley Jonsson is the CEO of CHU Underwriting Agencies, Australia’s largest and longest-standing strata insurance underwriting agency. With over two decades of experience in strata and insurance, she is a leading advocate for transforming the perception of strata living from a fallback option to the "new Australian dream" by fostering vibrant, informed, and resilient strata communities. Under her leadership, CHU focuses on innovation, education, and sustainability to enhance risk management and build resilience for more than 4.2 million Australians living in strata. Recognized globally for her influence and innovation in insurance, Kimberley also serves as a Director of ANZIIF and has been featured on the Insurance Business Global 100 List

 

 

Connect with Kimberly:
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberley-jonsson-92300342/

 

 

 

Resources:
Visit our website: https://www.theelephantintheroom.com.au
If you have any questions or would like to be featured on our show, contact us at:
The Elephant in the Room Property Podcast - questions@theelephantintheroom.com.au
Looking for a Sydney Buyers Agent? https://www.gooddeeds.com.au
Work with Veronica: https://www.veronicamorgan.com.au
Looking for a Mortgage Broker? https://www.alcove.au
Work with Chris: chrisbates@alcove.au

Enjoyed the podcast? Don't miss out on what's yet to come! Hit that subscription button, spread the word, and join us for more insightful discussions in real estate. Your journey starts now!

 
Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theelephantintheroom-podcast
Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/the-elephant-in-the-room-property-podcast/id1384822719
Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Ge1626dgnmK0RyKPcXjP0?si=26cde394fa854765

 

If you enjoyed today’s podcast, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share the show! There’s more to come, so we hope to have you along with us on this journey!

 

See you on the inside,

Veronica & Chris

When it comes to property ownership in Australia, few topics are as misunderstood&mdash;and as crucial&mdash;as insurance. In this episode, Veronica sits down with Kimberley Jonsson, CEO of CHU Insurance, to unpack the growing risks in strata and property insurance and why many owners might be underprepared. From the rising cost of premiums to the unseen dangers lurking in older buildings, Kimberley brings expert insight into the systemic issues shaping Australia&rsquo;s housing market&mdash;and what that means for you.
We dive into how the Insurance Affordability Index reveals a stark difference between houses and strata properties, why mandatory strata insurance may be more affordable than you think, and the real consequences of underinsurance. Kimberley also shares powerful case studies&mdash;including a Bondi building on the brink of collapse&mdash;that challenge conventional thinking about risk, responsibility, and return on investment in the property space.
Whether you're an investor, owner-occupier, strata manager, or buyer's agent, this episode will shift how you think about property protection and help you make smarter, faster decisions. Because when it comes to insurance, delaying action costs more than just money.
Enjoyed this episode? Be sure to subscribe, share with your property network, and leave us a review on your podcast app. Got a question or topic suggestion? Reach out&mdash;we&rsquo;d love to hear from you!
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Episode Highlights:
<ul>
<li>Welcome [00:00]</li>
<li aria-level="1">The Underinsurance Crisis [03:48]</li>
<li aria-level="1">Strata Insurance Is More Affordable Than You Think [11:30]</li>
<li aria-level="1">The Challenges with Insurance Valuations [18:45]</li>
<li aria-level="1">What It Takes to Be &lsquo;Uninsurable&rsquo; [29:40]</li>
<li aria-level="1">Don&rsquo;t Delay Repairs: The $1M Roof Story [37:54]</li>
<li aria-level="1">The Bondi Building That Nearly Collapsed [51:07]</li>
<li aria-level="1">Final Advice for Buyers and Investors [59:40]</li>
</ul>
 
&nbsp;
About our Guest:
Kimberley Jonsson is the CEO of CHU Underwriting Agencies, Australia&rsquo;s largest and longest-standing strata insurance underwriting agency. With over two decades of experience in strata and insurance, she is a leading advocate for transforming the perception of strata living from a fallback option to the "new Australian dream" by fostering vibrant, informed, and resilient strata communities. Under her leadership, CHU focuses on innovation, education, and sustainability to enhance risk management and build resilience for more than 4.2 million Australians living in strata. Recognized globally for her influence and innovation in insurance, Kimberley also serves as a Director of ANZIIF and has been featured on the Insurance Business Global 100 List
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Connect with Kimberly:
<ul>
<li>Linkedin: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberley-jonsson-92300342/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberley-jonsson-92300342/</a></li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Resources:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Visit our website: <a href="https://www.theelephantintheroom.com.au">https://www.theelephantintheroom.com.au</a></li>
<li aria-level="1">If you have any questions or would like to be featured on our show, contact us at:</li>
<ul>
<li aria-level="2">The Elephant in the Room Property Podcast - <a href="mailto:questions@theelephantintheroom.com.au">questions@theelephantintheroom.com.au</a></li>
</ul>
<li aria-level="1">Looking for a Sydney Buyers Agent? <a href="http://www.gooddeeds.com.au/">https://www.gooddeeds.com.au</a></li>
<li aria-level="1">Work with Veronica: <a href="http://www.veronicamorgan.com.au">https://www.veronicamorgan.com.au</a></li>
<li aria-level="1">Looking for a Mortgage Broker? <a href="https://www.alcove.au">https://www.alcove.au</a></li>
<li aria-level="1">Work with Chris: <a href="mailto:chrisbates@alcove.au">chrisbates@alcove.au</a></li>
</ul>
Enjoyed the podcast? Don't miss out on what's yet to come! Hit that subscription button, spread the word, and join us for more insightful discussions in real estate. Your journey starts now!
&nbsp;
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Subscribe on YouTube: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@theelephantintheroom-podcast">https://www.youtube.com/@theelephantintheroom-podcast</a></li>
<li aria-level="1">Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/the-elephant-in-the-room-property-podcast/id1384822719">https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/the-elephant-in-the-room-property-podcast/id1384822719</a></li>
<li aria-level="1">Subscribe on Spotify: <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/3Ge1626dgnmK0RyKPcXjP0?si=26cde394fa854765">https://open.spotify.com/show/3Ge1626dgnmK0RyKPcXjP0?si=26cde394fa854765</a></li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
If you enjoyed today&rsquo;s podcast, don&rsquo;t forget to subscribe, rate, and share the show! There&rsquo;s more to come, so we hope to have you along with us on this journey!
&nbsp;
See you on the inside,
Veronica &amp; Chris

Who's really in control when you buy a property?

The Elephant In The Room is where the things that no one wants to talk about, actually get talked about.  

Veronica Morgan, real estate agent, buyers agent and co-host of Foxtel’s Location Location Location Australia & Chris Bates, financial planner, mortgage broker and wealth coach have joined forces to find out what’s really going on in the world of real estate.

Veronica and Chris talk to property owners and buyers every day in their respective lines of business. They’ve observed a wide spectrum of confidence in people’s decision making ability when buying and selling property, often to the detriment of the individuals concerned. They are both fascinated by consumer behaviour and together they’re going to uncover who’s really making the decisions when you buy a property.

In each episode they get into the psyche of buyers, agents, auctioneers and other industry experts to learn the truth about how buyers are influenced and why they do the things they do. In every episode you’ll learn from the mistakes of a “property dumbo” as well as Chris & Veronica’s “elephant rider bootcamp” training session.

The plan? This property podcast has been created to help us all make better property decisions!

We talk about the things no one wants to talk about in the Property Market

Advertisement