Tower Insurance launches rainfall cover to protect Fijian families

As Fiji braces for another wet season, a major step has been taken to protect families who continue to face the rising threat of extreme rainfall.

With heavy rain becoming more frequent and destructive, Tower Insurance has introduced a new solution aimed at filling a long-standing gap in the country’s disaster protection system.

For years, many Fijian households have struggled to access insurance that meets their real needs, especially during sudden weather disasters.

The insurance “protection gap” – the difference between total losses and what is actually insured, remains high across the Pacific. In some countries, only 3 percent of economic losses are covered.

Tower Insurance says this is exactly what they want to change.

Yesterday, the insurance firm launched a Rainfall Response Cover, a parametric insurance product designed to give fast financial support to people affected by intense rainfall.

Unlike traditional insurance, customers do not need to prove damage or wait for assessors. If rainfall meets the agreed trigger, a payout is sent within seven days.

Tower’s chief underwriting officer, Ron Mudaliar, said the new product is part of Tower’s commitment to building resilience in a region highly exposed to climate risks.

“Our purpose is to inspire, shape and protect the future for our customers. Fiji is vulnerable to 15 global natural hazards, and uninsured losses continue to grow. This product helps bridge that gap.”

He explained that the frequency and intensity of weather events are increasing worldwide, with the heaviest impacts falling on low-income communities. Parametric insurance, he said, offers a lower-cost, more accessible alternative that can reach people who may not afford traditional policies.

The product builds on Tower’s successful Cyclone Response Cover rolled out in Fiji in 2022, and later in Tonga and Samoa.

It is supported by the United Nations Capital Development Fund and developed in partnership with Celsius Pro using advanced satellite rainfall data.

Customers can purchase and manage their cover entirely online through Tower’s digital platform.

The New Zealand High Commissioner to Fiji, Charlotte Darlow, said the launch comes at “a very appropriate time,” especially after recent heavy rain events.

“Extreme weather is becoming more frequent,” she said. “Heavy rain alone can cause huge damage. What I really like about this product is the peace of mind it gives, no long claim processes, the money simply arrives so families can recover quickly.”

Tower, which has operated in Fiji for 151 years, will pilot the Rainfall Response Cover for the 2025–2026 wet season before expanding it nationwide in 2026.

Mr Mudaliar closed by saying the aim is simple: “We are shaping a safer, more resilient future for Fiji.”

Feedback: rariqi.turner@fijisun.com.fj