In a landmark decision, the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) has mandated that Chubb Insurance replace the hoist ropes of two lifts in an apartment block, following damage attributed to vandalism. The owners' corporation successfully argued that the damage to the lifts was part of a previously recognized vandalism incident. - read more
The New South Wales Government is taking decisive action against 'claim farming', a predatory practice that exploits vulnerable individuals by pressuring them to file compensation claims. This practice often involves unethical tactics targeting susceptible groups, including child abuse survivors. To combat this, the government is set to introduce the Claim Farming Practices Prohibition Bill 2025. - read more
The Royal Automobile Association (RAA), a leading motoring group in South Australia, is set to revamp its technology infrastructure by adopting Duck Creek's OnDemand cloud platform. This strategic transition will see RAA's outdated systems for motor and home insurance transformed to include streamlined policy, rating, billing, and claims management, as well as enhanced data handling and insights capabilities. - read more
Consumer advocacy groups have voiced strong opposition to the insurance industry's decision to reject recommendations designed to eliminate practices that disadvantage consumers, including charging higher rates for monthly bill payments and increasing renewal premiums for loyal customers. The Financial Rights Legal Centre has cited ongoing reports from consumers being adversely affected by these pricing practices, which they refer to as a 'poverty premium' and a 'loyalty tax.' - read more
The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) has called for urgent action to address the factors driving the significant rise in motor insurance premiums. In a detailed policy paper, the ICA has outlined a strategic plan, urging government intervention to address key issues like labour shortages, supply chain disruptions, and inefficiencies in accident management practices. - read more
The Insurance Council of Australia has unveiled substantial data revealing that the expense related to vehicle theft claims has almost doubled since 2015. Last year, the industry handled $428 million in claims, signaling a stark increase from $218 million a decade ago. The data comes from Insurance Statistics Australia, which has adjusted historic dollar values for inflation, highlighting an urgent trend in rising car crime claims. - read more
The Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) has ruled in favour of QBE Insurance in a case where an uninsured driver attempted to secure compensation following a collision involving a fire truck. The incident occurred when the QBE-insured driver paused at an intersection to allow a fire truck to pass, leading to the uninsured driver impacting their vehicle. - read more
A prominent consumer advocacy group, the Australian Consumers Insurance Lobby (ACIL), is advocating for insurers to contribute $250 million annually to support disaster risk mitigation, as well as the affordability and availability of insurance coverage. This initiative seeks to address what the organization describes as an escalating crisis within the insurance industry. - read more
The insurer QBE has successfully reversed a payout concerning a fraudulent rental claim, as determined by the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA). The controversy arose from a claim lodged under an owners’ corporation residential strata plan for water damage and subsequent rental losses dating back to a January 2022 storm. - read more
The Australian insurtech sector is steadily gaining prominence with innovative products aimed at boosting efficiency, security, and customer interaction. According to a recent report titled 'Insurtech Down Under: Trends, Tech and Triumphs,' the sector's growth is accelerating, supported by strategic investments and technological advancements. - read more
A company recently faced a significant setback after losing an insurance claim dispute related to funds stolen in a fraudulent email scheme. Cybercriminals infiltrated the business's email system, sending out fake invoices that directed clients to pay into a bogus bank account. Consequently, two customers inadvertently transferred a total of $66,148 to the fraudulent account. Attempts to retrieve this money were unsuccessful, and the customers refused further payments to the company. - read more
In an evolving insurance landscape where traditional underwriters are hesitant to cover high-risk scenarios, Australia Underwriting has strategically positioned itself to fill this crucial gap. The company has become recognized for its expertise in handling difficult-to-place insurance risks, often ignored by larger insurers focused on lower-risk ventures. Founded by industry veteran George Vincent, the firm has capitalized on unserved market segments and emerged as a vital player in the Australian insurance space. - read more
The Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) has directed insurance provider Hollard to enhance its compensation payout to a homeowner following a failed attempt to remediate mould contamination in the owner’s property. Despite previous repair efforts by Hollard, lingering mould issues persisted, prompting further disputes. - read more
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton’s proposal to dismantle major insurance companies to boost competitiveness and reduce premiums has sparked significant pushback from industry brokers. The suggestion, criticized as ineffective, faces opposition from those who argue that the root causes of high premiums lie elsewhere. - read more
The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) has unveiled its election platform, urging the federal government to significantly enhance flood defences by establishing a $30.15 billion flood defence fund. This initiative, highlighted as the primary recommendation, seeks to mitigate the catastrophic impact of floods, which are deemed as Australia’s most financially damaging natural disaster. - read more
New findings from Finder reveal a growing trend among Australians considering the cancellation of their health insurance policies. This move comes in response to increasing living expenses and an impending rise in insurance premiums. - read more
The Insurance News Outlook 2025 Conference, scheduled for March 12 in Sydney, is set to delve deeply into the insurance industry's future. With a focus on emerging risks, advancements in technology, and the evolving landscape of broking, the event promises insightful discussions led by industry experts. - read more
The Australian Greens have proposed a comprehensive policy initiative aimed at reducing the cost of insurance by $4 billion. As natural disasters become more frequent and severe, insurance premiums have been escalating. The Greens' strategy emphasizes a multi-faceted approach, including the abolishment of insurance stamp duties, an expansion of the Cyclone Reinsurance Pool to cover all natural disasters, and imposing financial contributions on fossil fuel companies to offset their impact on climate change. - read more
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If you're running a business from your home, you may think that your homeowner's insurance policy has you covered. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Homeowner's insurance policies are not typically designed to cover business-related losses, leaving you vulnerable to significant financial risks if something goes wrong. - read more
Experiencing damage or loss to your home can be a stressful and overwhelming experience. However, having home insurance provides a safety net for homeowners who need to file a claim. - read more
Welcome to the comprehensive guide on navigating the diverse world of insurance in Australia. Whether you're safeguarding your personal assets or protecting your business interests, insurance plays a pivotal role in financial security. In this introductory section, we'll explore why budgeting for insurance is crucial for Australians, delve into the various types of insurance available, and illustrate how insurance should integrate into your broader financial planning strategy. - read more
Household insurance is a crucial safety net for both homeowners and renters in Australia, offering protection against a range of potential damages and losses. Navigating the insurance claims process, however, can often be challenging and fraught with pitfalls. - read more
In the face of unpredictable climate patterns and wild weather, safeguarding your home becomes a top priority, especially in a country like Australia. Choosing the right home and contents insurance is essential in providing a financial safety net against the forces of nature. With this in mind, the importance of insurance cannot be overstated, acting as a crucial buffer to protect your property and belongings. - read more
Household insurance is a type of coverage that protects you against financial losses from events such as theft, fire, or natural disasters. It typically includes two main components: building insurance, which covers the structure of the home, and contents insurance, which covers personal belongings within the home. - read more
In the face of unpredictable climate patterns and wild weather, safeguarding your home becomes a top priority, especially in a country like Australia. Choosing the right home and contents insurance is essential in providing a financial safety net against the forces of nature. With this in mind, the importance of insurance cannot be overstated, acting as a crucial buffer to protect your property and belongings. - read more
Home insurance serves as a critical safety net for homeowners, providing peace of mind and financial protection from unexpected events. In Australia, where Mother Nature’s whims can often result in extreme weather conditions, securing a robust home insurance policy isn't just wise—it's practically a necessity for safeguarding one of life's biggest investments. - read more
Home and Contents Insurance is a type of insurance policy that covers any damage or loss that may occur to your property, as well as the contents within it. This can include damages caused by fire, flood, theft and other unforeseen circumstances. In Australia, Home and Contents Insurance is of utmost importance due to the increasing rates of natural disasters such as bushfires and floods. - read more
Welcome to the comprehensive guide on navigating the diverse world of insurance in Australia. Whether you're safeguarding your personal assets or protecting your business interests, insurance plays a pivotal role in financial security. In this introductory section, we'll explore why budgeting for insurance is crucial for Australians, delve into the various types of insurance available, and illustrate how insurance should integrate into your broader financial planning strategy. - read more
Knowledgebase
Professional indemnity: An insurance that provides cover for liability incurred in the course of exercising a profession.
