Industry experts are signaling a potential risk for underwriters due to claims arising from inaccuracies produced by artificial intelligence (AI), likening it to the 'silent cyber' phenomenon of the past. Clyde & Co partner, Darryl Smith, highlights the issue, emphasizing how AI inaccuracies could impact various insurance policies, sometimes without immediate detection. - read more
An insurance dispute over the location of a vehicle culminated in the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) backing RAA Insurance in their decision to deny a claim. The issue surrounded the policyholder's claim that her son’s car was stored in South Australia, while the vehicle was allegedly used and registered in Victoria. - read more
Homeowners recently secured a favourable ruling against their insurer after a water leak led to significant structural damage. After large cracks emerged on their property, Youi initially denied the insurance claim, attributing the damage to pre-existing issues like earth movement and tree root intrusion, both of which are exclusions in their policy. - read more
More than 4% of Australian properties are currently facing heightened risks from natural hazards exacerbated by climate change, rendering insurance coverage often unaffordable or unavailable, according to recent findings by Climate Valuation. An analysis of over 15 million properties across 15,000 suburbs also highlights that an additional 10% are at moderate risk from disasters such as floods, bushfires, tropical cyclones, coastal inundation, and extreme winds. - read more
A contentious insurance claim has ended unfavourably for a motor policyholder after her husband mistakenly poured diesel exhaust fluid into her car's fuel tank. Although the policyholder initially received assurances from a Suncorp representative that the use of AdBlue fluid wouldn't be considered improper fuelling – supposedly an excluded scenario under her policy – the claim was later denied. This decision has sparked debate around policy definitions and customer service communication. - read more
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has initiated legal proceedings in the Federal Court against Hollard Insurance, alleging a breach of the duty of utmost good faith. This action is in response to what ASIC describes as Hollard's 'egregious' handling of a home and contents insurance claim filed by a couple from regional Victoria. - read more
Suncorp, a leading Australian insurer, has announced plans to reduce its workforce by cutting 30 of the 70 positions within its motor claims assessing coordinator team, with an intention to offshore some of these functions. This decision has prompted a response from the Finance Sector Union (FSU), which is currently gathering feedback from its members and intends to challenge the proposed changes. - read more
A recent decision by the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) has highlighted the importance of accurate disclosure in insurance applications. A trucking company's claim under an NTI commercial motor vehicle policy was denied after discrepancies were found in the company's insurance history and operational radius claims. - read more
Gow-Gates has successfully renewed its role as the official insurance broker for Football NSW, set to continue for an additional two years. The decision was made following an extensive tender process conducted by the soccer organization last year. - read more
The insured value of strata properties across Australia has soared to an estimated $1.4 trillion, according to a recent industry report. This significant figure highlights the growing importance of the strata sector, which now encompasses properties worth $486 billion in New South Wales, $471 billion in Victoria, $245 billion in Queensland, and $112 billion in Western Australia. South Australia, the Australian Capital Territory, Tasmania, and the Northern Territory round out the country's strata market. - read more
TAL, a prominent life insurance provider, has announced its acquisition of a 15.1% stake in Challenger Limited. This strategic move is seen as part of TAL's efforts to deepen its involvement in the annuities market, as it seeks to address the evolving needs of Australia's ageing demographic. - read more
The destruction caused by Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred is projected to demand approximately $1.7 billion in claims from the reinsurance pool, according to Australian Treasurer Jim Chalmers. As the cyclone swept across Queensland on March 8, over 63,000 claims have already been lodged with insurers. The insurance coverage through the cyclone pool ceased 48 hours later, highlighting the widespread devastation in its wake. - read more
The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) is set to host a community consultation and information session in Casterton, a town in Western Victoria recently battered by hail and storms. This event, scheduled for Wednesday, aims to provide residents with an opportunity to engage directly with their insurers. - read more
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced a federal election set for May 3, positioning the Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) to leverage this political moment to advocate vigorously for enhanced risk reduction measures. The ICA is calling for substantial investment in mitigation strategies to address pressing issues of insurance affordability and resilience against natural disasters. - read more
The Supreme Court of New South Wales has imposed significant criminal penalties on Allianz Australia Insurance Ltd and AWP Australia Pty Ltd. Allianz received a $13.5 million fine, while AWP was fined $3.3 million. These penalties were for falsely or misleadingly promoting financial products online, breaching sections 1041E(1) and 1311(1) of the Corporations Act 2001. - read more
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Australia's agricultural sector stands as a testament to the resilience and ingenuity of its farmers. Yet, this stalwart industry faces one of its greatest challenges: climate change. Rising temperatures, erratic weather patterns, and extreme events, from droughts to floods, are now common hurdles on the landscape of Australian farming. - 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
Welcome to our detailed guide on comparing insurance policies for seasonal farming risks. If you're a rural farm owner, you understand the unique challenges that come with each season. This article aims to help you find the best coverage to protect your livelihood. - read more
Public liability insurance is a critical component for the agricultural sector, serving as a protective measure for livestock and crop producers against the legal liabilities they face in their daily operations. This type of insurance is designed to cover the costs associated with third-party injuries or property damage that occur on farm premises or as a direct result of farming activities. - read more
Welcome to our in-depth exploration of Machinery Breakdown Insurance—a safety net that's becoming increasingly important for the modern Australian farmer. Whether you're involved in cropping, dairy, or livestock, your equipment is the backbone of your operation. As farming technology evolves, the machinery becomes more sophisticated, and unfortunately, the more complex a system is, the more that can go wrong. This is where Machinery Breakdown Insurance comes into play. - read more
In the ever-unpredictable world of farming, crop insurance emerges as a pivotal ally for farmers, hedging against the myriad of risks that come with cultivating the land. As the first step to understanding this crucial safeguard, let's unfold the question: What is crop insurance, exactly? In essence, crop insurance is a type of cover designed to cushion farmers from financial losses due to unavoidable circumstances such as adverse weather conditions, pests, disease, or even market fluctuations. - read more
Australia's agricultural sector stands as a testament to the resilience and ingenuity of its farmers. Yet, this stalwart industry faces one of its greatest challenges: climate change. Rising temperatures, erratic weather patterns, and extreme events, from droughts to floods, are now common hurdles on the landscape of Australian farming. - 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
Welcome to the world of farm insurance, where no two policies are the same, just as no two farms mirror each other in operations and risks. As a farmer, you are acutely aware that your agricultural endeavors bring a unique set of challenges and needs. Recognizing this diversity is the first step in protecting your livelihood. - read more
Welcome to our detailed guide on comparing insurance policies for seasonal farming risks. If you're a rural farm owner, you understand the unique challenges that come with each season. This article aims to help you find the best coverage to protect your livelihood. - read more
Knowledgebase
Insurance Premium: The periodic amount paid for the purchase of insurance.
