Welcome to the Insurance Online News podcast with your host, Paige Estritori, where we deliver the latest and most significant news from the world of insurance in Australia. Our dedicated team works tirelessly to bring you the freshest updates, focusing on the stories that matter the most to both Australian businesses and individual consumers over the past week.
Through meticulous research, we transform these developments into original content that not only keeps you informed but also offers deep insights into the insurance landscape as it stands today. Our podcast distills these crucial updates into a format that's both succinct and captivating. For professionals within the insurance realm or personal consumers keen on keeping up with insurance trends, look no further. Paige Estritori brings you all the essential information daily, making our podcast the ultimate destination for trustworthy and impactful insurance news.
This Week:
Weekly wrap for 5 March 2026: ASIC alleges a major insurer misled customers over online discounts lost after mid‑term changes; ICA reminds travellers that war and “do not travel” advisories often trigger travel insurance exclusions; AFCA reports a surge in general insurance complaints, led by motor claims; and a major life insurer develops a digital platform to simplify mental‑health income protection claims. Takeaways: recheck discounts after policy changes, scrutinise travel cover, use expert help if a claim stalls, and review income protection settings—especially for the self‑employed.
Hello and welcome to Insurance Online News with me, Paige Estritori, on Thursday, 5 March 2026.
First, the corporate regulator, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission, has taken action over how discounts were applied on some policies. It alleges a major insurer didnt clearly tell customers that an online discount could vanish if they changed details during the first year, affecting about forty thousand instances and around $3.3 million in total. The company says impacted customers have been compensated with interest. Why this matters: if you update a car, home or motorcycle policy mid‑term, double‑check whether any discount still applies. For a cleaner comparison at renewal or after changes, get fast, free quotes and broker support so youre not paying more than you expect.
Next up, travel disruption from the conflict in the Middle East has sparked a reminder from the Insurance Council of Australia. Travel insurance generally excludes losses from war and armed conflict, and government “do not travel” advisories can also trigger exclusions. Some “cancel for any reason”‑style upgrades wont respond if you physically cant travel to an affected area. If youve got flights routed through major hubs, talk to your insurer or a broker before you rebook, and check your policy wording line by line.
Meanwhile, complaints to the Australian Financial Complaints Authority jumped again last year, with general insurance disputes up about twenty per cent. Motor claims led the rise, driven by delays and parts shortages, with home and consumer credit insurance also elevated. The message for households and small businesses: keep clear records, respond quickly to requests, and lean on expert help if a claim stalls. A good broker can push for updates and help you compare alternatives at renewal to avoid repeat issues.
And for those considering income protection, especially if youre self‑employed, theres movement on mental health claims support. One of Australias largest life insurers is co‑developing a digital platform with university and health partners to simplify and better time support during the claim journey. With mental‑health‑related payouts topping about $2.2 billion in 2024, clearer pathways could make the claims process less stressful. If income stability matters to you, review waiting periods and definitions, and compare options to match your work and cash‑flow needs.
Thats it for this week. For quick, free quotes and expert comparisons across personal and business cover, head to insuranceonline.com.au. Im Paige Estritori—thanks for listening, and Ill catch you next week.
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.
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.
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
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
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
As a rural farmer, protecting your livelihood should be a top priority. Farm insurance is crucial because it safeguards your investment and income against unforeseen events such as natural disasters, accidents, and theft. - 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
Australian insurers are actively revising their investment portfolios in response to evolving geopolitical events and economic conditions. According to the 2025 Australian Insurance Report by Janus Henderson Investors, 47% of insurers plan to increase their investment portfolio risk over the next 12 months, with a significant focus on private markets. - read more
Recent industry reports indicate that Australian insurers are facing significant challenges due to escalating claims costs and broader economic pressures. This trend is leading to adjustments in premium rates, which could have direct implications for beauty salon owners and professionals. - read more
The Australian insurance industry is increasingly turning to artificial intelligence (AI) to refine investment strategies and enhance portfolio performance. A recent report by Janus Henderson Investors reveals that nearly half of Australian insurers plan to increase their investment portfolio risk over the next year, with AI playing a pivotal role in this shift. - read more
The Insurance News Outlook 2026 conference, scheduled for March 19 in Sydney, is set to delve into the evolving landscape of claims trends and the accelerating influence of technology within the insurance industry. This event presents a valuable opportunity for beauty salon owners and professionals to gain insights into developments that could impact their insurance coverage and claims processes. - read more
Insurance Australia Group (IAG), a leading insurer in Australia, has reported a significant 91% increase in net profit for the first half of the 2024-2025 financial year, reaching $778 million. This substantial profit growth is largely attributed to favourable weather conditions during the period. - read more
