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.
Prevail’s latest farm insurance update is a useful signpost for Australian primary producers watching how the rural insurance market is changing. Insurance News reported on 5 November 2026 that the Steadfast-owned underwriting agency has refreshed its farm package, now branded Prevail Elite Farm Insurance, with a clearer structure, higher stated capacity across some farm assets and new attention on technology-related exposures. - read more
New workplace exposure limits for airborne contaminants are moving from a regulatory issue to a practical farm risk-management concern, particularly for grain growers heading through harvest. With the national transition scheduled for 1 December 2026, recent state decisions to delay or stage some limits have created a patchwork of obligations that farm businesses should watch closely. - read more
A recent Australian Financial Complaints Authority determination involving a flooded farmhouse has put claims handling back under the microscope for rural policyholders, after the insurer was ordered to pay almost $432,000 across building repairs, additional temporary accommodation, professional costs and compensation for non-financial loss. The decision, dated 27 August 2026 and reported by Insurance News on 15 October 2026, is a useful reminder that the practical aftermath of a farm flood can extend well beyond the first clean-up. - read more
Recent industry attention on insurance claims linked to ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred is a timely reminder that severe weather losses rarely stop at damaged buildings. For farms across storm and flood-exposed regions, the real cost of an event can include cut access roads, damaged fencing, spoiled fodder, machinery downtime, livestock movement issues and weeks of operational disruption. - read more
Australia’s latest seasonal bushfire outlook is a practical reminder that fire risk is not confined to the height of summer. For many farms, the exposure begins well before a catastrophic fire day is declared, as grass growth, drying winds, stored fodder, machinery movement and access limitations combine to create a more complex risk profile than a standard rural home policy can address. - read more
Fresh industry concern about repair delays after severe weather is highly relevant for Australian farms, where a damaged shed, washed-out access track or unavailable part can quickly interrupt day-to-day operations. While the wider insurance discussion often focuses on homes and commercial buildings, the same pressure points can be even more complex on rural properties because assets are spread out, specialist equipment is involved and local contractor availability may be limited. - read more
Persistent drought can place sustained pressure on Australian farm income, cash flow, livestock management, crop production and long-term investment decisions. A practical drought financial plan can help farm owners assess risks, control costs, preserve flexibility and make more informed decisions during extended dry periods. - read more
Whether you're a seasoned farmer or just starting out, understanding farm insurance is crucial. It's more than just a safety net; it's a way to ensure that your farming business can withstand unforeseen challenges. By safeguarding your livelihood, farm insurance offers peace of mind amidst uncertainties. - read more
Farm equipment insurance helps rural Australians manage the financial risk of damage, theft or loss involving essential agricultural machinery. Understanding what may be covered, what is commonly excluded and how claims are handled can make it easier to compare policies and keep cover aligned with changing farm operations. - read more
Farm insurance premiums are influenced by the type and level of cover you choose, the risks associated with your farming operation, your deductible or excess, and how accurately your policy reflects your current assets and activities. Saving money is not just about finding the lowest premium; it is about understanding what you are paying for and avoiding unnecessary gaps or duplicate cover. - read more
Farm insurance is an important part of managing agricultural risk, but premiums still need to fit the realities of farm cash flow. This guide explains practical ways Australian farmers can review cover, reduce avoidable costs and keep insurance aligned with the risks, assets and operations on their farm. - read more
Weather is one of the most important risk factors in Australian farming. Drought, flood, bushfire, cyclones, hail and heatwaves can affect crops, livestock, buildings, equipment and farm income. Because insurers assess these risks when pricing and structuring cover, understanding the link between weather and farm insurance can help farmers ask better questions when reviewing their policies. - read more
Need a Quote?
Start your free farm insurance quote comparison here.
Need a
FARM INSURANCE
QUOTE?
Knowledgebase
Insurance Underwriter: An insurance company, a financial institution that sells insurance.
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts.