Farm Insurance :: News

Share this news item!

Insurers Accused of Exploiting Loyalty

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.

Slater and Gordon have initiated a class action against three well-known insurance companies, alleging deceptive practices that inflated premiums for loyal customers.

This follows accusations against Insurance Australia Group (IAG) and Insurance Manufacturers of Australia, claiming they misled millions of customers.

The lawsuit, representing customers of SGIO, RACV, and SGIC, alleges that these insurers promised loyalty and multi-policy discounts but ultimately charged higher base premiums. The deceptive practices purportedly stemmed from a computer algorithm designed to manipulate loyalty metrics.

Slater and Gordon’s Ben Hardwick revealed that this algorithm, which ought to favor longstanding clients, actually penalized them. According to Hardwick, “We’re alleging millions of Australians paid higher premiums yearly on the illusion of discounts, when new customers often enjoyed lower rates.”

This pricing tactic leveraged a customer's perceived likelihood to remain with the insurer even as prices rose. Hardwick explained, “Loyal customers, misjudged as having low price sensitivity, faced steeper price hikes compared to others leaning towards switching providers.”

As a result, many long-term policyholders, unaware of the true extent of their premiums, couldn’t make informed decisions regarding their insurance costs. “They would've likely secured cheaper policies had their loyalty not been factored into the pricing algorithm,” Hardwick added.

The broader implication is substantial as household insurance remains one of the significant annual expenses. It is profoundly disappointing for these customers to see their loyalty rewarded with higher charges, ultimately perceived as unlawful profiteering. The legal move aims to gain compensation for adversely affected customers.

Angela Williams, an RACV policyholder for over two decades, echoed the sentiments, saying, “I thought I was securing good deals. Knowing the involvement of a pricing algorithm manipulating my premiums because of my loyalty is shocking.” Similarly, Debra Dawson, a 16-year-long SGIO client, forgone comparative shopping believing her discounts were exclusive benefits. “Had I known, I would’ve considered alternatives,” she remarked.

IAG, responding to these charges, assured that these practices were already under scrutiny due to a previous legal challenge by ASIC. A spokesperson stated, “We uphold we have honored our loyalty commitments and will defend against this class action, striving to continually provide reliable service to our customers.”

This case underscores the delicate balance of customer loyalty and ethical business practices, highlighting how crucial transparency is for consumer protections in the complex field of financial services.

Published:Friday, 31st May 2024
Source: Paige Estritori

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

Share this news item:

Insurance News

Summer Surge in Rural Crime: Protecting Australian Farms

06 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori

WFI Insurance has reported a significant increase in rural crime during the summer months, with January experiencing approximately 14% more crime-related insurance claims than any other month. This trend underscores the need for heightened vigilance and enhanced security measures on Australian farms during this period. - read more

Achmea Australia's Comprehensive Flood Cover: A Game-Changer for Farmers

06 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori

In a significant development for Australian farmers, Achmea Australia has announced that flood cover is built into its farm insurance policies. This offering addresses a critical gap in the market, as many leading underwriters have traditionally excluded flood coverage from their farm policies. - read more

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

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

How to Save Money on Your Farming Insurance Premiums

When looking for farming insurance, it is important to shop around for the best deals. Don't simply rely on the first insurance company that you come across. Take the time to research various companies and their policies. Compare them based on their coverage, premiums, and deductibles. - read more

Is Your Farm Under-Insured? Tips for Assessing Bushfire Insurance Adequacy

The threat of bushfires looms large over the vast expanses of rural Australia, shaping the reality of farming in this sunbaked landscape. The risk, always present, escalates as the climate warms and dry conditions persist. It's not a matter of if, but when the land will be tested by fire's wrath. In this environment, the armor of insurance isn't just recommended; it's critical for survival. - 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

The Impact of Weather on Farm Insurance Rates: What You Should Know

Farming in Australia is a dynamic venture that requires careful planning and management. One of the crucial aspects every Australian farmer should consider is farm insurance. It provides a safety net against potential financial losses arising from various risks. These include natural disasters, damage to crops, livestock issues, and accidents on the farm property. - 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

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 do not provide financial product advice or credit assistance. We act solely as an introducer and refer enquiries to licensed third-party intermediaries, insurers, and lenders - with whom you can then deal directly. 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 always verify the credentials of your financial adviser before proceeding with recommendations that they may present. Visit the ASIC website for further information.