Suncorp Enhances Reinsurance in Stable Market

The information on this website is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Consider seeking personal advice from a licensed adviser before acting on any information.

Group CEO Steve Johnston expressed satisfaction with the rebalancing of global reinsurance markets after several tumultuous years. "Reinsurance significantly influences the pricing of our insurance products," said Johnston. "Alongside inflation impacting the broader economy, this has contributed to higher insurance premiums in both Australia and New Zealand."

This new protection ceiling exceeds the regulations set by Australian and New Zealand authorities, marking an increase from last year’s $6.4 billion limit.

Noteworthy adjustments in Suncorp's program involve the non-renewal of a quota share agreement for Queensland’s home insurance, attributable to the federal government’s cyclone reinsurance pool. Innovations in risk selection and pricing have notably enhanced resilience. Prior to this, Suncorp had transferred 30% of its Queensland home portfolio to mitigate regional risk concentration.

The company maintains a maximum event retention of $350 million for an initial large-scale event and $250 million for subsequent incidents. The central catastrophe program encompasses home, motor, and commercial properties across both Australia and New Zealand.

Mirroring the previous year, the group has procured drop-down covers to lessen retention costs for the second, third, and fourth events to $250 million. Additionally, the Australian drop-down arrangement still reduces retention for the third and fourth events to $150 million.

New Zealand’s increased retention denotes ongoing ramifications of early last year’s severe weather on reinsurance economics and availability in the region.

Furthermore, full placement of buy-down cover, which includes a prepaid reinstatement, is secured to offer protection between $NZ200 million ($182 million) up to the group’s maximum retention. This is an upgrade from last year’s partial placement of 52% with an attachment point at $NZ100 million ($91 million).

With the anticipated completion of Suncorp’s bank sale on July 31, Johnston commented, "Our renewed reinsurance program places us in a strategic position to evaluate additional covers that may be beneficial."

Suncorp forecasts an increase in its natural hazard allowance to $1.565 billion this fiscal year, from last year’s $1.36 billion, with previous year’s perils costing approximately $1.23 billion. This hike reflects growth in unit numbers, inflation, and enhanced risk retention due to reinsurance modifications.

The insurer remains committed to incorporating its reinsurance costs and natural hazards allowance into the pricing of insurance policies, aiming to sustain its insurance margin within a range of 10%-12%.

Expected to be released on August 19, Suncorp projects its underlying margins for the last financial year to settle around the midpoint of the 10%-12% range. A late-December weather incident drove reserve fortifications for the second half of the year, influenced by supply chain issues and holiday timing affecting claim submissions, altering typical claim patterns and durations.

Published:Wednesday, 31st Jul 2024
Source: Paige Estritori

Please Note: If this information affects you, seek advice from a licensed professional.

Share this news item:

Insurance News

Clear

NRMA's Departure from Farm Insurance: Implications and Alternatives for Australian Farmers

26 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori

In a significant shift within the Australian insurance landscape, NRMA Insurance ceased offering farm insurance policies, including Hobby Farm and Rural Farm Insurance, as of July 1, 2025. This decision has left many farmers seeking reliable alternatives to safeguard their livelihoods. - read more

Preparing for Summer Storms: Insights from Elders Insurance on Protecting Your Farm

26 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori

As the Australian summer approaches, Elders Insurance has issued a cautionary advisory to farmers, emphasising the heightened risk of storm-related damages during this season. Recent data indicates a significant increase in insurance claims due to summer storms, underscoring the need for proactive measures to safeguard agricultural assets. - read more

Climate Change and Rising Insurance Premiums: Insights from IAG

26 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori

Insurance Australia Group (IAG) has highlighted the growing impact of climate change on home insurance premiums, attributing rising costs to the increasing frequency and severity of extreme weather events. This trend underscores the urgent need for both mitigation and adaptation strategies to address evolving risks. - read more

Learning from Near Misses: Enhancing Farm Safety in Australia

18 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori

In July 2025, Farmsafe Australia launched the 'Second Chances - Who Knows How Many You'll Get' campaign, aiming to transform near misses on farms into learning opportunities to prevent future accidents. This initiative underscores the critical importance of recognising and addressing close calls in agricultural settings. - read more

WFI's 2025 Farm Accident Insights: A Call for Enhanced Safety Measures

18 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori

In October 2025, WFI Insurance unveiled its annual farm accident insights as part of Farmsafe Australia's 2025 Safer Farms Report. The findings paint a stark picture of the challenges facing Australian agriculture, with 2024 recording 72 farm-related deaths-the highest in over two decades. - read more

Strengthening Agricultural Insurance: Rural Affinity and Munich Re's Renewed Partnership

10 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori

Rural Affinity has renewed its partnership with Munich Re Specialty - Global Markets under a new five-year agreement, continuing a collaboration that began in 2006. This renewed alliance aims to support Rural Affinity's efforts to expand its agricultural insurance offerings across Australia and introduce new products leveraging technology and innovation. - read more

Click for more Insurance News