Life Insurers Aim for Harmony with Financial Advisers
Life Insurers Aim for Harmony with Financial Advisers
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 Council of Australian Life Insurers (CALI) has reaffirmed that their primary focus is not to compete with financial advisers but to enhance the existing services in the life insurance sector.
Christine Cupitt, the Chief Executive of CALI, asserted during a Senate Economics Legislation Committee hearing that the distinction between life insurers' advice and financial advisers’ roles will be maintained and clarified.
"Our goal is to supplement the crucial and invaluable work done by financial advisers rather than obstruct it," Cupitt shared with the committee.
She elaborated on CALI's collaboration with the Federal Government, emphasizing the need for legislative frameworks that would permit life insurers to dispense straightforward product-specific advice to customers upon request.
"Naturally, this should be governed by stringent constraints and robust consumer protections," Cupitt added.
Cupitt stressed the importance of not diverting potential customers who call their service centers with basic questions, pointing out that delivering simple and direct answers is an essential element of customer service.
"For clients presenting more complex needs, life insurers will continue to refer them to financial planners capable of offering comprehensive advice, including product comparisons across the market," Cupitt said.
Christine Cupitt’s statements, as reported by Financial Standard, clarify that while the CALI seeks to provide fundamental, product-specific guidance to customers, they have no intentions of encroaching on the advisory space traditionally held by financial advisers.
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.
Fresh insurance industry concern about underinsurance is especially relevant for Australian farmers as rebuilding and replacement costs remain stubbornly high. While the issue is often discussed in relation to houses, the same pressure applies across rural assets: sheds, fencing, pumps, tanks, grain storage, livestock yards, irrigation equipment and machinery can all cost significantly more to replace than they did when a policy was first arranged. - read more
Australia's general insurance sector has again put natural hazard resilience at the centre of the affordability debate, with fresh industry commentary warning that floods, bushfires, storms and cyclones are continuing to reshape how risk is priced. For farmers, this is not an abstract policy discussion. It goes directly to the cost and availability of farm insurance, particularly for properties with older buildings, exposed machinery, flood-prone access roads, boundary fencing, stored fodder or high-value livestock. - read more
Allianz Australia has refreshed its farm pack insurance, with the updated product announced on 20 July 2026. For farmers and rural property owners, the significance is less about one insurer changing a product and more about what it signals across the broader farm insurance market: insurers are trying to make cover easier to understand while adjusting policy features to better match modern farming operations. - read more
More Australian insurers are now recognising household bushfire resilience ratings, a development rural and regional property owners should watch closely as risk-based pricing becomes more visible across the insurance market. NAB and CommBank insurance brands have joined the program, alongside existing participants including NRMA Insurance and Suncorp, meaning a significant share of the home insurance market is now engaging with assessed bushfire mitigation. - read more
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission's final monitoring report on the cyclone reinsurance pool has delivered a mixed message for rural and regional northern Australia. The pool appears to have helped ease some premium pressure for medium to high cyclone-risk areas, including reductions across home, strata and small business building and contents cover. For farm families and agribusinesses in cyclone-exposed regions, that is welcome news after years of rising costs and limited choice. - read more
Australia’s latest El Niño declaration has turned seasonal risk planning into an immediate priority for many rural and regional businesses. The Bureau of Meteorology confirmed El Niño conditions in mid-June, with forecasts indicating the tropical Pacific is likely to keep warming through the coming months and remain a factor until at least the end of the year. - read more
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
In the ever-evolving landscape of modern agriculture, the security and stability of a farm hinge on thorough preparation and strategic foresight. A pivotal component in safeguarding a farm's future lies in the critical role of on-farm risk assessment. This process provides a structured approach to identifying potential risks that could affect a farm's operations, financial health, and overall sustainability. - read more
Livestock insurance can help Australian farmers manage the financial impact of unexpected animal losses caused by events such as disease, accidental death, theft, transit incidents or extreme weather. The right policy settings depend on the type of livestock, the risks faced by the farm, how animals are valued and the exclusions that apply. - read more
Farm property insurance can help protect the fixed assets on rural land, including farm buildings, sheds, fencing, tanks, yards and other infrastructure. This guide explains what may be covered, how values are usually reviewed and what details to check before comparing policy options. - read more
Cybersecurity refers to the practice of protecting systems, networks, and programs from digital attacks. In the context of agriculture, it involves safeguarding the digital solutions and technologies that have become intrinsic to modern farming operations. As technological advancements continue to revolutionize the farming landscape, the importance of cybersecurity in securing farm data and operations has become more pronounced. - read more
For farmers across rural Australia, the unyielding dry spells brought on by persistent drought conditions are not just an environmental concern but a significant financial challenge. Effective financial planning becomes a cornerstone strategy for ensuring the resilience and longevity of these crucial agricultural businesses. The prickling heat and parched earth serve as stark reminders of nature's capacity to impact livelihoods, especially when the rain doesn't grace the farmlands for extended periods. - read more
Need a Quote?
Start your free farm insurance quote comparison here.
Knowledgebase
Rider: An optional provision added to an insurance policy that provides additional benefits or coverage.
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts.