The Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) has decided against a man's claim for a car insurance payout, which he pursued following a dispute with his ex-wife. The issue arose when the man's Toyota Landcruiser was involved in an accident in April, prompting him to file for a cash settlement of $55,950. However, the ex-wife, who held the insurance policy, later blocked his access to the payout. - read more
The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has highlighted the ongoing challenges of home insurance affordability, emphasizing that the issue remains complex despite a recent moderation in reinsurance costs. APRA Chair John Lonsdale noted that multiple factors contribute to this difficulty, not solely reinsurance expenses. APRA is actively engaging with insurers, government agencies, and the private sector to address these affordability issues. - read more
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has issued a call to action for life insurance companies, urging them to enhance their product offerings and sales processes. While acknowledging some progress since the Hayne Royal Commission, ASIC highlights ongoing issues within the industry. The regulator emphasized the importance of centering strategies around customer needs, particularly as companies aim to expand direct-to-consumer sales. - read more
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has released findings from a recent review, revealing persistent deficiencies in the direct sales practices of the life insurance industry. Despite heightened scrutiny following the Hayne Royal Commission, challenges remain in several key areas, including product design, sales strategies, remuneration, and customer complaint handling. - read more
Life insurers in Australia have joined forces with mental health advocates to press the federal government to honour its $1 billion pledge for mental health initiatives. The Council of Australian Life Insurers (CALI) is among the key signatories of an open letter organized by Australians for Mental Health, urging swift action on funding allocation. - read more
The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) has expressed strong support for a Victorian initiative proposing a resilient homes scheme, akin to those currently operating in New South Wales and Queensland. This recommendation emerged from a comprehensive inquiry into climate resilience conducted by Victoria's Legislative Council Environment and Planning Committee, which presented 93 findings alongside 82 recommendations this week. - read more
A recent ruling mandates an insurance broker to pay nearly $300,000 in compensation to a client after an insurer, QBE, declined a fire claim and cancelled the policy due to nondisclosures. The fire, which occurred in October 2022, severely damaged the commercial premises. QBE asserted that they would have denied coverage had they known about asbestos on the property, among other unreported issues. - read more
An insurance dispute arose when a driver was refused coverage for car damage after evidence showed involvement in multiple collisions, contrary to her claim. Initially, the woman filed a claim with Hollard Insurance, stating her car had collided once with another vehicle. However, the situation took a turn when forensic data from in-car technology revealed two separate impacts occurring 11 minutes apart. - read more
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has voiced apprehension about the transparency of professional indemnity (PI) insurance amongst holders of the Australian Financial Services Licence (AFSLs). This concern arises from a recent market overview conducted to analyze PI insurance for AFSLs offering personal advice to retail clients. - read more
A savvy traveller has successfully challenged an insurance decision after having to make an impromptu stay in London due to a medical emergency. This came after the man needed urgent medical attention following a cat bite he sustained in Albania, which sent him to the UK capital for essential treatment. - read more
In the age of instant digital services, where everything from basic necessities to luxury items can be delivered in a blink, the life insurance sector in Australia is poised for a transformative change. Historically plagued by lengthy processing times, the sector faces a persistent underinsurance gap, with over a million Australians lacking adequate life protection. The introduction of a digital Personal Medical Attendant Report (PMAR) by Acenda, formerly MLC Life, marks a significant stride towards addressing this challenge. - read more
A Victorian court has ratified a $34 million settlement in a class action involving add-on insurance products sold by Suncorp. This settlement culminates the legal proceedings surrounding alleged unlawful sales practices. - read more
Recent research from Victoria University has provided new insights supporting the proposal to abolish insurance taxes in Australia. The study, conducted by Jason Nassios and James Giesecke, examined the effects of varying rates on four primary taxes: personal income tax, goods and services tax (GST), stamp duties, and insurance duties. Unlike previous studies, this research assessed the economic impacts of these taxes as their rates fluctuated, rather than analyzing them at static levels. - read more
A recent decision in an Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) case has ruled in favour of a business seeking coverage for damage to machinery, despite the hiring company not adhering to all prescribed safety guidelines. The matter involved a Winlet 575 Glass Robot that sustained damage when its stabiliser failed during operation. - read more
In a notable victory, Brisbane-based IVAA Claims emerged as the winner of the esteemed Beyond the Buzzwords pitch contest. The company, which specializes in jewellery validation assessments and settlement guidance for contents claims, impressed the judges with its innovative approach to tackling insurance fraud. - read more
The Council of Australian Life Insurers (CALI) has highlighted a significant gap in access to affordable, professional life insurance advice among young Australians. A recent study conducted by CALI reveals that only 11% of 18-to-34-year-olds obtain formal financial guidance, with the majority relying instead on advice from informal and often inaccurate sources such as friends, family, social media, and online forums. - read more
The process of obtaining Personal Medical Attendant Reports (PMARs) has been a significant administrative issue for Australian life insurers. General Practitioners (GPs) often face an overwhelming amount of paperwork, dedicating nearly a full workday each week to administrative tasks. PMARs, essential for assessing applicants’ health for life insurance, have traditionally been cumbersome and time-consuming, with many GPs delaying their completion. However, the development of digital solutions is set to transform this process and improve efficiency drastically. - read more
Starting on October 1, a comprehensive review of the voluntary Life Insurance Code of Practice will commence, with a focus on assessing the effectiveness of revisions made to its regulations and standards in 2023. The Council of Australian Life Insurers (CALI) has appointed Peter Kell to lead this independent review and deliver the final report by June 30 next year. - read more
Follow us!
We are a proud member of the Financial Services Online network!
Connect with us on your favourite social media platform for the latest financial news, views, tips, tricks, resources and information.
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
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
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
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
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
Livestock farming is a significant part of the Australian agriculture industry. As with any business, farmers face numerous risks such as disease, death, theft or extreme weather events, which could cause damage or loss to their livestock assets. Livestock insurance provides cover against these risks, ensuring that farmers are financially protected from any potential financial losses, which could devastate their livelihoods. - read more
Need a Quote?
Start your free farm insurance quote comparison here.
Knowledgebase
Term Life Insurance: A type of life insurance policy that provides coverage for a specified period, such as 10 or 20 years.