Farm Insurance :: News

Share this news item!

ASIC Takes Hollard Insurance to Court Over Significant Claim Handling Issues

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.

The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has initiated legal proceedings in the Federal Court against Hollard Insurance, alleging a breach of the duty of utmost good faith.

This action is in response to what ASIC describes as Hollard's "egregious" handling of a home and contents insurance claim filed by a couple from regional Victoria.

ASIC's case against Hollard revolves around the insurer's handling of the couple's claim following storm damage to their property in October 2021. The regulator claims Hollard's excessive delays and failure to conduct essential make-safe work have rendered the couple's home uninhabitable, leading to extensive moisture, mould, and decay issues that necessitate demolition and rebuilding.

Sarah Court, ASIC's deputy chair, highlighted the seriousness of the delays, stating that such prolonged inaction is unacceptable and potentially unlawful. The legal action aims to address growing concerns about increasing general insurance complaints and send a strong message about the unacceptability of such delays.

The claim, initially filed in October 2021, took Hollard nearly three and a half years to resolve. The insurer rejected the claim in April 2023, 18 months after its submission. Following this, the couple sought intervention from the Australian Financial Complaints Authority, which directed Hollard to provide compensation for non-financial losses and substantiated the storm as the proximate cause of the damage.

Hollard eventually consented to a cash settlement exceeding $1.5 million. However, ASIC contends that despite initially accepting the claim, Hollard delayed decisions regarding repairs, took over nine months to arrange a structural engineer inspection, and postponed the provision of temporary accommodation.

Responding to the legal action, a Hollard spokesperson acknowledged the proceedings and expressed support for ASIC's efforts in fostering consumer-positive outcomes. They noted Hollard's cooperation with ASIC but refrained from further commenting due to the ongoing nature of the legal matter.

Published:Monday, 14th Apr 2025
Author: Paige Estritori

Please Note: We do not endorse any specific products or companies. Some content is sourced from third parties, including press releases, and may not be independently verified for accuracy or completeness.

Share this news item:

Insurance News

Rising Input Costs Squeeze Margins for Australian Dairy Farmers

09 May 2026: Paige Estritori

Australian dairy producers are entering the 2026/27 season with limited margin for error, as escalating input costs continue to erode profitability. According to Rabobank's latest annual Australian Dairy Outlook, rising expenses for fuel, fertiliser, water, labour, and interest rates are placing significant pressure on the sector. - read more

Federal Government Introduces $10 Billion Package to Secure Fuel and Fertiliser Supplies

09 May 2026: Paige Estritori

In response to escalating global disruptions affecting fuel and fertiliser supplies, the Australian government has announced a $10 billion budget package aimed at securing these critical inputs for the agricultural sector. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasized the government's commitment to stabilizing supply lines and mitigating the impact of international conflicts on domestic agriculture. - read more

Queensland Farmers' Market Threatened with Eviction Over Insurance Dispute

01 May 2026: Paige Estritori

In south-east Queensland, the Three Creeks Farm Stall, a cherished farmers' market operating in Eileen Hose Park near Gympie, is confronting potential eviction due to a disagreement over public liability insurance requirements imposed by the Gympie Regional Council. - read more

Record Surge in Insurance Complaints Due to Claim Processing Delays

01 May 2026: Paige Estritori

Recent data from the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) reveals a significant increase in complaints against insurance companies, with an average of 100 complaints per day. This surge is primarily attributed to delays in processing everyday claims, affecting both home-building and motor vehicle insurance sectors. - read more

Climate Change Contributing to Rising Home Insurance Premiums in Australia

01 May 2026: Paige Estritori

Insurance Australia Group (IAG) has released a report indicating that climate change is increasingly influencing the rise in home insurance premiums across Australia. The report highlights that the frequency and severity of extreme weather events, such as severe storms and hailstorms, are escalating, particularly in densely populated regions. - read more

Queensland Farmers' Market Threatened with Eviction Over Insurance Dispute

23 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori

In a developing situation in south-east Queensland, the Three Creeks Farm Stall, a popular farmers' market operating in Eileen Hose Park near Gympie, is facing potential eviction due to a dispute over public liability insurance requirements imposed by the Gympie Regional Council. - read more

Click for more Insurance News

Farm Insurance Articles

Navigating Farm Succession: A Step-by-Step Guide for Rural Australian Families

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on navigating farm succession for rural Australian families. The journey of passing on a family farm from one generation to the next is both a critical and challenging milestone. Recognizing that every farm has its unique story and set of circumstances is fundamental to the process. - read more

Agribusiness Risk: Liability Issues Facing Australian Farmers Today

The agricultural sector in Australia carves a significant portion of the country's economy, contributing to its GDP and providing employment across rural and suburban areas. Thus, navigating the complexities of agribusiness is not just a matter of crop cultivation and livestock management, but also of understanding the intricate web of liability risks that come with the terrain. - read more

The Farmer's Handbook to Quick and Effective Insurance Claims

Insurance is a vital part of safeguarding any farming operation. As a farmer, protecting your property, equipment, and livelihood from unexpected events like natural disasters, theft, or accidents is crucial. Adequate insurance coverage ensures that you can recover quickly from setbacks without enduring overwhelming financial strain. - read more

The Ultimate Guide to Affordable Farm Insurance for Australian Farmers

Welcome to 'The Ultimate Guide to Affordable Farm Insurance for Australian Farmers.' As stewards of the vast Australian countryside, farmers face an array of unique challenges and risks. Every day, they grapple with the forces of nature, the volatility of the markets, and the complexities of modern agricultural operations. - read more

Understanding Farm Equipment Insurance: What Rural Australians Need to Know

Farm equipment insurance is crucial for rural Australians who rely on their machinery for agricultural productivity. This insurance provides a safety net, helping to mitigate the financial risks associated with equipment loss or damage. - read more

Top 10 Ways Australian Farmers Can Slash Insurance Costs Without Risking Coverage

Welcome to our definitive guide for Australian farmers on managing one of the most crucial aspects of their business: insurance. As a cultivator of the land, you're no stranger to the unpredictability of nature and the market. From intense weather events to fluctuating market demands, your line of work comes with its unique set of risks. Hence, safeguarding your livelihood with the right insurance is not just important—it's essential. - read more

Need a Quote?

Start your free farm insurance quote comparison here.

Knowledgebase

Peril:
A specific risk or cause of loss covered by an insurance policy, such as fire, theft, or flood.

This website is owned and operated by Clark Family Pty Ltd (as Trustee for the Clark Family Trust) 43 Larch Street Tallebudgera QLD 4228, A.C.N. 010281008.

This website is owned and operated by Clark Family Pty Ltd (ACN 010 281 008) as Trustee for the Clark Family Trust (ABN 35 957 893 714), 43 Larch Street Tallebudgera QLD 4228. Clark Family Pty Ltd is an Authorised Representative (AR 1298860) of Unique Group Broker Services Pty Ltd (AFSL 509434) for financial product referrals and an Authorised Credit Representative (ACR 401491) of Saccasan Pty Ltd (ACL 386297). Check our licensing details on the ASIC registers: Clark Family Pty Ltd ACR, Clark Family Pty Ltd AR, Saccasan Pty Ltd, Unique Group Broker Services.

IMPORTANT: We act solely as an introducer and refer enquiries to licensed third-party brokers, insurers, and lenders. We do not provide financial product advice or credit assistance. We may receive a fee or commission from these third parties in consideration for the referral. Before any action is taken to obtain a product or service referred to by this website, advice should be obtained (from either the third party to whom we refer you or from another qualified intermediary) as to the appropriateness of obtaining those products having regard to your objectives, financial situation and needs. Whilst we have our own process for validating the legitimacy of our referral partners, you should independently verify the credentials and licensing of any adviser or provider you engage. Visit the ASIC website for further information.