The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has released findings from a recent review, revealing persistent deficiencies in the direct sales practices of the life insurance industry. Despite heightened scrutiny following the Hayne Royal Commission, challenges remain in several key areas, including product design, sales strategies, remuneration, and customer complaint handling. - read more
Life insurers in Australia have joined forces with mental health advocates to press the federal government to honour its $1 billion pledge for mental health initiatives. The Council of Australian Life Insurers (CALI) is among the key signatories of an open letter organized by Australians for Mental Health, urging swift action on funding allocation. - read more
The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) has expressed strong support for a Victorian initiative proposing a resilient homes scheme, akin to those currently operating in New South Wales and Queensland. This recommendation emerged from a comprehensive inquiry into climate resilience conducted by Victoria's Legislative Council Environment and Planning Committee, which presented 93 findings alongside 82 recommendations this week. - read more
A recent ruling mandates an insurance broker to pay nearly $300,000 in compensation to a client after an insurer, QBE, declined a fire claim and cancelled the policy due to nondisclosures. The fire, which occurred in October 2022, severely damaged the commercial premises. QBE asserted that they would have denied coverage had they known about asbestos on the property, among other unreported issues. - read more
An insurance dispute arose when a driver was refused coverage for car damage after evidence showed involvement in multiple collisions, contrary to her claim. Initially, the woman filed a claim with Hollard Insurance, stating her car had collided once with another vehicle. However, the situation took a turn when forensic data from in-car technology revealed two separate impacts occurring 11 minutes apart. - read more
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has voiced apprehension about the transparency of professional indemnity (PI) insurance amongst holders of the Australian Financial Services Licence (AFSLs). This concern arises from a recent market overview conducted to analyze PI insurance for AFSLs offering personal advice to retail clients. - read more
A savvy traveller has successfully challenged an insurance decision after having to make an impromptu stay in London due to a medical emergency. This came after the man needed urgent medical attention following a cat bite he sustained in Albania, which sent him to the UK capital for essential treatment. - read more
In the age of instant digital services, where everything from basic necessities to luxury items can be delivered in a blink, the life insurance sector in Australia is poised for a transformative change. Historically plagued by lengthy processing times, the sector faces a persistent underinsurance gap, with over a million Australians lacking adequate life protection. The introduction of a digital Personal Medical Attendant Report (PMAR) by Acenda, formerly MLC Life, marks a significant stride towards addressing this challenge. - read more
A Victorian court has ratified a $34 million settlement in a class action involving add-on insurance products sold by Suncorp. This settlement culminates the legal proceedings surrounding alleged unlawful sales practices. - read more
Recent research from Victoria University has provided new insights supporting the proposal to abolish insurance taxes in Australia. The study, conducted by Jason Nassios and James Giesecke, examined the effects of varying rates on four primary taxes: personal income tax, goods and services tax (GST), stamp duties, and insurance duties. Unlike previous studies, this research assessed the economic impacts of these taxes as their rates fluctuated, rather than analyzing them at static levels. - read more
A recent decision in an Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) case has ruled in favour of a business seeking coverage for damage to machinery, despite the hiring company not adhering to all prescribed safety guidelines. The matter involved a Winlet 575 Glass Robot that sustained damage when its stabiliser failed during operation. - read more
In a notable victory, Brisbane-based IVAA Claims emerged as the winner of the esteemed Beyond the Buzzwords pitch contest. The company, which specializes in jewellery validation assessments and settlement guidance for contents claims, impressed the judges with its innovative approach to tackling insurance fraud. - read more
The Council of Australian Life Insurers (CALI) has highlighted a significant gap in access to affordable, professional life insurance advice among young Australians. A recent study conducted by CALI reveals that only 11% of 18-to-34-year-olds obtain formal financial guidance, with the majority relying instead on advice from informal and often inaccurate sources such as friends, family, social media, and online forums. - read more
The process of obtaining Personal Medical Attendant Reports (PMARs) has been a significant administrative issue for Australian life insurers. General Practitioners (GPs) often face an overwhelming amount of paperwork, dedicating nearly a full workday each week to administrative tasks. PMARs, essential for assessing applicants’ health for life insurance, have traditionally been cumbersome and time-consuming, with many GPs delaying their completion. However, the development of digital solutions is set to transform this process and improve efficiency drastically. - read more
Starting on October 1, a comprehensive review of the voluntary Life Insurance Code of Practice will commence, with a focus on assessing the effectiveness of revisions made to its regulations and standards in 2023. The Council of Australian Life Insurers (CALI) has appointed Peter Kell to lead this independent review and deliver the final report by June 30 next year. - read more
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When it comes to commercial property insurance, a deductible is the amount of money a policyholder agrees to pay out-of-pocket before the insurance coverage kicks in. This can be a fixed dollar amount or a percentage of the total insured value. Understanding how deductibles work is crucial for any landlord or business owner seeking to protect their assets effectively. - read more
Australia is known for its diverse landscapes, but one of the harsher realities it faces is the increasing frequency of natural disasters. From bushfires in the outback to devastating floods in urban areas, these events can have severe implications for commercial properties. Business owners must navigate the challenges of not only protecting their assets but also ensuring the continuity of their operations. - read more
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
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
When it comes to owning commercial properties in Australia, understanding the ins and outs of insurance is crucial. Commercial property insurance serves as a safety net, protecting your valuable assets against unforeseen events. It's designed to cover the buildings themselves, as well as any equipment, inventory, and even loss of income due to disruptions. - read more
Knowledgebase
Flood Insurance: A specific type of property insurance that covers losses and damage caused by flooding.
