Commercial Property Insurance Online :: News
SHARE

Share this news item!

Call for Stricter Timelines on Insurance Claims and Renewals

Call for Stricter Timelines on Insurance Claims and Renewals

Call for Stricter Timelines on Insurance Claims and Renewals?w=400
The Insurance Brokers Code Compliance Committee is advocating for significant changes to improve transparency and clarity in their industry standards, amidst ongoing reviews of the National Insurance Brokers Association (NIBA) code.
This call to action coincides with the recent closure of feedback collection from stakeholders, setting the stage for a draft report expected next month.

A major focus of the committee's recommendations is the enhancement of protection for small business clients. Currently, remuneration disclosure requirements are predominantly aimed at retail clients; however, the committee argues that small businesses should also be afforded the same level of transparency.

Another key area highlighted by the committee is the need for stricter timelines around claims and renewals. Presently, brokers are expected to “keep clients informed in a timely manner regarding the progress of their claim,” as stated in clause 7.1. However, the committee suggests a more specific commitment of providing updates every 20 business days. Additionally, they advocate for increasing the notification period for policy renewals from the current 14 days before expiry to a minimum of 30 business days in advance.

These proposed time frames are designed to align client expectations with broker obligations, fostering informed decision-making and improving the overall client experience. The committee emphasizes that such measures will enhance trust in brokers and minimize the risk of lapses in coverage.

Breach and complaint identification, along with reporting, are also under scrutiny in the committee's submission. It urges brokers to report all breaches, including those by representatives, and calls for improved training regarding the code. “Named reporting” on breaches is one of the committee's key recommendations, aiming to enhance transparency and promote better compliance practices. This approach allows firms to benchmark their performance against peers, highlighting industry outliers.

To support these initiatives, the committee proposes securing sufficient funding, enabling them to conduct their own independent investigations and reviews, arguing that reliance solely on self-reported data is inadequate for effective compliance monitoring.

The committee mentions potentially extending the code review period from the current three years to five years, contingent upon the code's approval by the corporate regulator. Such changes are intended to provide a more robust framework for oversight in the industry.

Published:Tuesday, 6th May 2025
Source: Paige Estritori

Share this news item:

Insurance News

AFCA Upholds Pause on QBE Claim but Dismisses Fraud Allegation AFCA Upholds Pause on QBE Claim but Dismisses Fraud Allegation
21 May 2025: Paige Estritori

The Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) has ruled on a dispute involving insurer QBE and a vehicle damage claim. While QBE has been permitted to halt the processing of the claim until the policyholder, a company director, provides additional information, the fraud allegations levied against the claimant remain unsubstantiated. - read more
AFCA Upholds Policyholder's Claim, Dismisses Fraud Allegation in Car Theft Case AFCA Upholds Policyholder's Claim, Dismisses Fraud Allegation in Car Theft Case
19 May 2025: Paige Estritori

The Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) has dismissed allegations of fraud against a policyholder by Auto & General Services following an unsatisfactory investigation related to a stolen and burnt-out vehicle. The ruling in favour of the claimant highlights procedural gaps in the insurer’s investigation. - read more
Asgard Announces Significant Hike in Insurance Premiums Asgard Announces Significant Hike in Insurance Premiums
16 May 2025: Paige Estritori

Asgard, the investment platform owned by Westpac, has announced substantial increases in insurance premium rates, ranging from 0.7% to 94.6%. This decision comes in collaboration with AIA Australia following a review of its insurance offerings. The changes, which will affect clients with Asgard Personal Protection Packages, are attributed to rising costs, including claims expenses. - read more
ClearView Transitions to Pure-Play Life Insurance, Emphasizes IFA Ties ClearView Transitions to Pure-Play Life Insurance, Emphasizes IFA Ties
14 May 2025: Paige Estritori

ClearView, a publicly-listed insurer, has reaffirmed its commitment as a 'pure play life insurance company' following its strategic exit from the wealth management sector. This transition, finalized in March 2025, completes a multi-year effort pivoting the company towards becoming a technologically advanced life insurance firm. - read more
Life Insurance Prevails as a Financial Priority Despite Economic Strains Life Insurance Prevails as a Financial Priority Despite Economic Strains
13 May 2025: Paige Estritori

Amid ongoing economic challenges, Australians continue to prioritise life insurance, often at the expense of other budgetary items such as holidays, entertainment, and even groceries. This trend is highlighted in an annual survey conducted by NobleOak, which reveals a noticeable rise in life insurance and income protection policies. - read more


Commercial Property Insurance Articles

The Essential Checklist for Property Investors: Filing a Claim with Confidence The Essential Checklist for Property Investors: Filing a Claim with Confidence
As a property investor, having the right commercial property insurance is vital. It protects your investment against unexpected events, ensuring that your assets are safeguarded. Commercial property insurance covers a range of risks that can lead to significant financial losses, from natural disasters to theft. Understanding the nuances of this insurance is essential for making informed decisions that impact your bottom line. - read more
What Factors Affect Commercial Property Insurance Premiums? What Factors Affect Commercial Property Insurance Premiums?
Commercial property insurance is designed to protect businesses and landlords against losses to their buildings and other related assets. This type of insurance covers various incidents, such as fire, theft, and damage from natural disasters. It's essential for safeguarding not just the physical property but also the livelihood associated with the business operations conducted within that space. - read more
What does Commercial Property Insurance cover? What does Commercial Property Insurance cover?
Commercial property insurance is vital for anyone who owns or operates a business that involves a physical location. This type of insurance protects your business premises, equipment, and any inventory within the space. Whether you're a landlord, a small business owner, or a property investor, having a solid understanding of commercial property insurance is essential. It not only safeguards your physical assets but also provides peace of mind for your financial investment. - read more
Is Commercial Property Insurance mandatory? Is Commercial Property Insurance mandatory?
Commercial property insurance is a type of coverage that protects businesses and their assets from various risks. This insurance safeguards physical properties, including buildings, equipment, inventory, and other essential assets. By having commercial property insurance, businesses can mitigate losses that may occur due to unexpected events. - read more
Is Commercial Property Insurance Mandatory? What Every Landlord Should Know Is Commercial Property Insurance Mandatory? What Every Landlord Should Know
Commercial property insurance is a type of coverage designed to protect property landlords and investors from various risks. It typically encompasses buildings, equipment, and other assets associated with commercial spaces. Understanding this insurance is crucial for anyone involved in property leasing or investment, as it can safeguard against significant financial loss. - read more
What Factors Affect Commercial Property Insurance Premiums? What Factors Affect Commercial Property Insurance Premiums?
Commercial property insurance is designed to protect businesses and landlords against losses to their buildings and other related assets. This type of insurance covers various incidents, such as fire, theft, and damage from natural disasters. It's essential for safeguarding not just the physical property but also the livelihood associated with the business operations conducted within that space. - read more
The Essential Checklist for Property Investors: Filing a Claim with Confidence The Essential Checklist for Property Investors: Filing a Claim with Confidence
As a property investor, having the right commercial property insurance is vital. It protects your investment against unexpected events, ensuring that your assets are safeguarded. Commercial property insurance covers a range of risks that can lead to significant financial losses, from natural disasters to theft. Understanding the nuances of this insurance is essential for making informed decisions that impact your bottom line. - read more
Is Commercial Property Insurance mandatory? Is Commercial Property Insurance mandatory?
Commercial property insurance is a type of coverage that protects businesses and their assets from various risks. This insurance safeguards physical properties, including buildings, equipment, inventory, and other essential assets. By having commercial property insurance, businesses can mitigate losses that may occur due to unexpected events. - read more
Is Commercial Property Insurance Mandatory? What Every Landlord Should Know Is Commercial Property Insurance Mandatory? What Every Landlord Should Know
Commercial property insurance is a type of coverage designed to protect property landlords and investors from various risks. It typically encompasses buildings, equipment, and other assets associated with commercial spaces. Understanding this insurance is crucial for anyone involved in property leasing or investment, as it can safeguard against significant financial loss. - read more
What does Commercial Property Insurance cover? What does Commercial Property Insurance cover?
Commercial property insurance is vital for anyone who owns or operates a business that involves a physical location. This type of insurance protects your business premises, equipment, and any inventory within the space. Whether you're a landlord, a small business owner, or a property investor, having a solid understanding of commercial property insurance is essential. It not only safeguards your physical assets but also provides peace of mind for your financial investment. - read more


Your free insurance quote comparison starts here!
First Name:
Postcode:

All quotes are provided free (via our secure server) and without obligation. We respect your privacy.

Knowledgebase
Public Liability Insurance:
Insurance which provides protection against liability to third parties.