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Suncorp Group has unveiled an increased reinsurance protection limit, now extending up to $6.75 billion.
Despite this expansion, the total expenditure on the program is expected to mirror last year’s spending, thanks to balancing mechanisms.
Group CEO Steve Johnston expressed satisfaction with the rebalancing of global reinsurance markets after several tumultuous years. "Reinsurance significantly influences the pricing of our insurance products," said Johnston. "Alongside inflation impacting the broader economy, this has contributed to higher insurance premiums in both Australia and New Zealand."
This new protection ceiling exceeds the regulations set by Australian and New Zealand authorities, marking an increase from last year’s $6.4 billion limit.
Noteworthy adjustments in Suncorp's program involve the non-renewal of a quota share agreement for Queensland’s home insurance, attributable to the federal government’s cyclone reinsurance pool. Innovations in risk selection and pricing have notably enhanced resilience. Prior to this, Suncorp had transferred 30% of its Queensland home portfolio to mitigate regional risk concentration.
The company maintains a maximum event retention of $350 million for an initial large-scale event and $250 million for subsequent incidents. The central catastrophe program encompasses home, motor, and commercial properties across both Australia and New Zealand.
Mirroring the previous year, the group has procured drop-down covers to lessen retention costs for the second, third, and fourth events to $250 million. Additionally, the Australian drop-down arrangement still reduces retention for the third and fourth events to $150 million.
New Zealand’s increased retention denotes ongoing ramifications of early last year’s severe weather on reinsurance economics and availability in the region.
Furthermore, full placement of buy-down cover, which includes a prepaid reinstatement, is secured to offer protection between $NZ200 million ($182 million) up to the group’s maximum retention. This is an upgrade from last year’s partial placement of 52% with an attachment point at $NZ100 million ($91 million).
With the anticipated completion of Suncorp’s bank sale on July 31, Johnston commented, "Our renewed reinsurance program places us in a strategic position to evaluate additional covers that may be beneficial."
Suncorp forecasts an increase in its natural hazard allowance to $1.565 billion this fiscal year, from last year’s $1.36 billion, with previous year’s perils costing approximately $1.23 billion. This hike reflects growth in unit numbers, inflation, and enhanced risk retention due to reinsurance modifications.
The insurer remains committed to incorporating its reinsurance costs and natural hazards allowance into the pricing of insurance policies, aiming to sustain its insurance margin within a range of 10%-12%.
Expected to be released on August 19, Suncorp projects its underlying margins for the last financial year to settle around the midpoint of the 10%-12% range. A late-December weather incident drove reserve fortifications for the second half of the year, influenced by supply chain issues and holiday timing affecting claim submissions, altering typical claim patterns and durations.
In a significant development within Australia's insurance sector, Swedish private equity firm EQT has proposed a takeover of AUB Group, valuing the insurance broking company at A$5.25 billion. This offer represents a 25.1% premium over AUB's last closing share price, underscoring EQT's strong interest in expanding its footprint in the Australian market. - read more
A recent report by the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) has highlighted a concerning trend: small businesses across Australia are facing insurance premium increases of up to 30% due to taxes and levies imposed by state and territory governments. This financial burden is prompting a growing number of small businesses to either underinsure or forgo insurance coverage altogether, exposing them to significant risks. - read more
The Australian and New Zealand Institute of Insurance and Finance (ANZIIF) has announced the finalists for the 21st Australian Insurance Industry Awards, set to take place on August 21, 2025, at the Star Event Centre in Sydney. These prestigious awards honor the outstanding achievements of individuals and organizations across the entire insurance value chain, highlighting the depth of talent, innovation, and dedication within the industry. - read more
In a significant development within the Australian insurance industry, Swedish private equity firm EQT has made a takeover offer for AUB Group, valuing the company at A$5.25 billion (US$3.41 billion). This proposal includes a price of A$45 per share, representing a 25.1% premium over AUB's last closing price. The offer follows an earlier bid of A$43 per share, indicating EQT's strong interest in expanding its footprint in the Australian market. - read more
AIA Australia has launched a cutting-edge Member Insurance Portal designed to provide a streamlined insurance experience for group insurance customers. This digital initiative aims to optimize the claims process, offering members the ability to track their claims throughout the entire lifecycle, thereby ensuring transparency and simplicity during potentially challenging times. - read more
Welcome to our comprehensive guide on comparing insurance options for mixed farming. As a rural farm owner, you face unique challenges that require specialized insurance coverage to protect your livelihood. - read more
For Australian farmers, every day presents a complex web of activities that demand not only their physical toil but also a keen attention towards safety. On-farm safety is paramount and is the shield that guards the well-being of both workers and operations in Australia's diverse agricultural landscape. It's not just about the immediate repercussions of accidents, but also their long-term impact on a farm's viability. - read more
Risk mitigation is a strategy used to prepare for and lessen the effects of potential risks faced by rural farmers. It involves identifying potential threats and taking proactive steps to minimize their impact. - read more
In the world of farming, risks are an everyday reality. Whether you're dealing with unpredictable weather, pest invasions, or fluctuating market prices, the uncertainties can be overwhelming. This is where farm insurance comes into play. - read more
The serene morning mists settling over green pastures and the peaceful clucking of poultry might paint an idyllic picture of farm life, but seasoned farmers know that this lifestyle comes with its own set of risks and uncertainties. In the world of agriculture, each new day could bring events that threaten your way of life and the heart of your business. This is where farm insurance becomes not just important, but essential. - read more
Knowledgebase
Claim Adjuster: An insurance professional who investigates and evaluates insurance claims to determine the amount the insurance company should pay.
