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.
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.
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.
A new specialist insurance product for Australian crane and rigging operators is a timely reminder that not every business fits neatly into a standard policy box. ARTes Specialty, working with wholesale provider Mobius Insurance, has launched an integrated crane and rigging policy for the local market, adding to its earlier Australian offerings for commercial loggers and contractors’ plant and equipment. - read more
The latest NSW Budget has reignited debate over the Emergency Services Levy, with insurance industry concern growing that escalating collection forecasts are strengthening the case for reform. For households and businesses already managing higher premiums, the issue is more than a line item in the state accounts. It goes directly to affordability, underinsurance and whether the cost of funding emergency services is being shared fairly. - read more
The NSW Budget released on 23 June 2026 has put insurance affordability back in the spotlight, with updated forecasts showing emergency services levy collections are expected to be materially higher than previously projected. For beauty salon owners, skin clinics, nail technicians and mobile beauticians in NSW, the issue is not just a government finance story. - read more
New market data reported by Plan For Life points to a notable rebound in parts of Australia’s life insurance sector, with individual lump sum insurance new business rising 6.7% across the 2025 calendar year and individual income protection new business increasing 8.3%. While overall risk new business was lower, that decline was attributed largely to group risk sales returning to more normal levels after earlier periods of heightened activity. - read more
A new Business Health research report has put a sharp focus on a familiar but often under-managed risk: what happens to a business if its principal suddenly dies or becomes permanently disabled. While the report is centred on Australian financial advice practices, its message applies broadly to SMEs, partnerships and owner-led companies where enterprise value is closely tied to one or two key people. - read more
Welcome to our discussion on farm insurance, a crucial subject for every Australian farmer. Whether you're seasoned in agricultural ventures or just starting out, the world of insurance can often seem daunting and complex. - 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 generations, farmers have faced the challenge of protecting their crops from an array of threats, such as pests, diseases, and extreme weather. Traditional crop protection strategies have relied heavily on blanket approaches, as in using widespread pesticide application, or generalized irrigation systems, regardless of the varying needs across a field. While these methods have had their successes, they also come with limitations in efficiency, environmental impact, and the precision needed for optimal crop health and yield. - read more
Farmers are no strangers to the whims of nature. The weather, with its unpredictable temperament, can have a profound impact on farming operations. A single storm can lay waste to crops, while a prolonged drought can jeopardize the health of livestock and lead to severe economic strain. Understandably, the uncertainty that weather brings is one of the largest variables in a farmer's success equation. - read more
Welcome to a critical discussion surrounding the stability and protection of your farming enterprise. In the unpredictable world of agriculture, insurance plays a pivotal role in safeguarding the future of your business. As we delve into the intricacies of insurance coverage, we aim to establish a strong foundation for enduring success in the farming industry. - read more
Knowledgebase
Endorsement: An amendment or addition to an existing insurance policy that changes the terms or scope of the original policy.
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts.