Insurance News Wrap

In this podcast, Paige Estritori of Financial Services Online reviews key aspects of the insurance sector. Topics include the 21st Australian Insurance Industry Awards nominees by ANZIIF, set for August in Sydney, with mention of notable contenders in the Small to Medium Broking Company category. The growth of Australia's strata property sector, now exceeding $1.4 trillion insured value, and its associated challenges due to aging infrastructure, are discussed. Netstrata comes under scrutiny for inflating insurance brokerage fees, sparking outrage and investigations. Similarly, Steadfast Group faces allegations of misleading clients by preferring more expensive policies, impacting its share price and trading status. The episode underscores the importance of integrity, transparency, and informed decision-making in the Australian insurance industry.

In this episode of the Financial Services Online podcast, host, Paige Estritori, discusses major financial stories from Australia. Highlights include a warning from PwC that Australian insurers are falling behind globally in their readiness for cyber threats. Antonie Jagga of PwC advises insurers to use more data-driven, AI-infused pricing aligning premiums with actual risks. The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) focuses on enforcing transparency in insurance pricing and claims handling. Significant insolvency cases, such as Shield and First Guardian Master Funds, are also discussed. Furthermore, we delve into the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority's (APRA) proposed changes to the reinsurance framework and Queensland's success in aligning heavy vehicle compliance with the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator. The podcast wraps up encouraging Western Australia and the Northern Territory to follow this regulatory harmony.

This week's episode of 'Weekly Insurance News Wrap' with Paige Estritori discusses significant evolutions in Australia's insurance sector. The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) is seeking an overhaul of civil liability laws to combat rising public liability insurance premiums, potentially aiding sustainability within the market and lowering financial strain for small businesses. The Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) has made consequential rulings, reminding restaurateurs of the importance of transparency and comprehensive record-keeping in managing insurance policies. The episode also highlights a high increase in insurance premiums in New South Wales; Business NSW revealed staggering numbers of businesses lacking full catastrophe coverage and being hit by premium hikes. They're advocating for taxation reviews and the removal of the emergency services levy to mitigate such challenges.n

This week's podcast from Financial Services Online presents updates from the Australian insurance sector. CHU, a leading strata insurance underwriting agency, has enhanced its residential strata insurance policy, introducing options such as Lot Owner Contents Insurance and including Office Bearers Liability standardly. Sure Insurance increased its residential strata insurance coverage amid an ongoing affordability crisis, raising the replacement value limit from $5 million to $20 million. The Insurance Council of Australia calls for reforms in Victoria's strata laws to manage rising insurance costs. It has proposed measures to improve transparency, accountability, and risk management. On a global forefront, Australian insurers lag behind in risk preparedness against challenges such as cyber threats and advancements in AI, according to a recent survey, necessitating investments in workforce training and technology upgrades.n

In this episode, Paige Estritori delivers key updates on Australia's insurance market. In 2024, the Australian insurance industry achieved a massive $6.1 billion post-tax profit, driven by significant premium hikes and a decline in catastrophic weather events. Concerns have been raised around the affordability of premiums. Changes in healthcare have seen AUSactive partnering with Private Healthcare Australia to integrate fitness services into health insurance. Legislative updates have reintroduced seven natural therapies into private health insurance plans due to their clinical effectiveness. Additionally, partnerships between FITREC, Marsh, and Gallagher offer comprehensive solutions for fitness industry professionals, covering professional indemnity and public liability, thereby providing peace of mind for service providers. As always, listeners are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the rapidly evolving insurance landscape to make informed decisions.

This podcast by Paige Estritori discusses various developments in Australia's insurance industry. It starts with the introduction of TLI Underwriting, a collaboration between Envest Group and ATL Insurance Group designed for major truck fleets. The new venture seeks to expand the company's footprint, providing tailored insurance solutions for large fleets. It moves on to discuss a recent ruling by the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) that redefines policy language and client-insurer communication following a successful truck owner claim that was initially denied. The podcast further highlights the heightened road risks and insurance claims linked to the summer holidays and the increase in travel and parcel deliveries. It emphasizes the need for comprehensive risk management for fleet operators and for all road users to understand the unique challenges faced by heavy vehicles. The podcast concludes with a call to remain safe and follow speed limits during the holiday season.n

This podcast covers recent developments in Australia's insurance industry. Australian Super, facing criticism for long insurance claims processing times, is under scrutiny, with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission investigating nearly seven thousand delayed death benefit claims since 2019. In response, the super fund is moving some claims processing in-house to improve efficiency. Elsewhere, Club Marine is revamping its commercial boat insurance policies to better cater to both business and leisure vessel owners. Newly launched Marinex Underwriting, part of the Rhodian Group, is offering tailored marine insurance products to the Australian market. Finally, Marsh, a global insurance broker, will manage the Royal Australian Navy's Maritime Insurance Program, providing essential risk management for large-scale shipbuilding projects.n

This episode of the Weekly Insurance News Wrap looks into recent happenings within the Australian insurance industry. Starting with Elders Insurance's warning on impending storm risks that greatly affect farming productivity and lead to expensive claims from damage, especially during the summer season. It emphasized the need for contingency plans to safeguard farming infrastructure. The show also highlighted WFI Insurance's initiative in partnership with AgCarE, which offers reduced premiums to farmers adopting sustainable agricultural practices through their certification. Conversely, climate change continues to impact the insurance industry, with IAG reporting increased home insurance premiums due to escalating extreme weather instances, such as bushfires and hailstorms. The episode concludes with a call for resilient strategies and collaboration to maintain affordable and sustainable insurance amidst these challenges.

In this weekly insurance news wrap, Financial Services Online offers a warning about road safety, given the spike in freight traffic over the summer holidays in Australia, and the role of trucks in frequent fatal crashes. In global insurtech news, investments have fallen by 50%, yet AI-centric insurtechs are gaining prominence. The Australian insurance industry is expected to grow to $144 billion in direct premiums by 2029, driven by demand for natural disaster coverage and personal accident health insurance. Lastly, Australian insurers report a net profit of $1.11 billion, primarily due to a decline in catastrophe-related claims. This could potentially offer stability in premium rates for tradespeople and small businesses. Stay informed about these trends for sound insurance decisions.

In the latest news from Australia's insurance industry, Envest Group under the Ardonagh umbrella, introduces TLI Underwriting, specializing in insurance for the heavy motor fleet industry. This strategic move aims to fill a market gap, tailoring to large fleet operators. Meanwhile, Insurance Australia Group (IAG) has boosted profit forecasts following the successful acquisition of RACQ Insurance, expanding market dynamics and revising insurance options. On another note, the National Truck Accident Research Centre emphasizes the need for stringent safety measures and technology adoption as human error is the leading cause of major truck crashes. Finally, Hutch Underwriting announces a comprehensive professional indemnity insurance for tradespeople, including standard cyber coverage, catering to projects under $10 million and offering digital accessibility. These updates highlight progressive expansions, strategic shifts, and the emphasis on safety within the insurance sector in Australia.

In this episode of Weekly Insurance News Wrap of 2026, host Paige Estritori reviews recent significant developments in the Australian insurance industry. Melbourne-based Sterling Insurance gains a professional indemnity (PI) binding authority with Lloyd's for an expanded market reach. The Australian Treasury begins consultations to strengthen PI insurance and lessen reliance on the Compensation Scheme of Last Resort. Sydney-based insurtech, Upcover, introduces a unique insurance product specifically tailored for nursing professionals, while Allianz Australia Insurance and subsidiary AWP Australia receive a significant penalty for misleading customers about travel insurance coverage. Visit financialservicesonline.com.au for personal or business insurance solutions.n

On this episode of Weekly Insurance News Wrap, host Paige Estritori discusses Sterling Insurance's professional indemnity binding authority acquisition with Lloyds, boosting offerings to Australian brokers and solidifying their foothold in professional indemnity insurance. She also highlights the Australian Treasury's consultation initiative to strengthen professional indemnity insurance, reducing reliance on their Compensation Scheme of Last Resort. Estritori reports on a recent landmark ruling by the Australian Financial Complaints Authority, instructing QBE Insurance to honor an arson claim, signaling a need for greater transparency in insurance applications. Finally, she delves into CHU's 2025 State of the Strata Market report that underscores industry stability, a 2.8% increase in strata insurance premiums, and the focus on climate risk management, regulatory changes, and consumer protection.

In the first Weekly Insurance News Wrap for 2026, Financial Services Online updates listeners on developments in midwifery and fitness sectors. The Department of Health Disability and Ageing launched a Professional Indemnity Scheme for private practising midwives, including groundbreaking coverage for intrapartum care and home births, with a transition period until December 31, 2026. Insurance broker Marsh introduces tailored insurance solutions for fitness professionals, covering claims from client injuries and property damage. AUSactive's Professional Plus Membership expands on this with legal and HR guidance and a nationwide infrastructure database. FIT College now offers their students studying fitness courses a comprehensive insurance plan against possible risks. However, it requires certifications and risk assessments to qualify. The updates suggest efforts to foster a safe environment for professionals in these sectors.

In this episode of the Weekly Insurance News Wrap, host Paige Estritori discusses the impressive growth of Insuregroup in the truck insurance sector, with the firm processing over ten thousand policies last year, a 25% increase from the previous year. This surge responds to increased demand for tailor-made coverage due to growing freight volumes and regulatory pressures. The 2024 NTARC Report, stating over 85% of severe truck accidents involve multiple vehicles, further highlights the urgent need for comprehensive insurance in this sector. Stirling Sanderson, Managing Director of Insuregroup, explains that truck insurance extends beyond legal compliance to vital protection within this volatile environment. Ultimately, the industry is leaning towards more strategic risk management, reinforcing the key role of insurance in ensuring the safety of transport operations. Tune in next week for more updates in the insurance world.

This week on Financial Services Online, we discussed significant updates in the insurance industry. The specialist brokerage Insuregroup recorded a 25% rise in truck insurance policies amid increased freight volume and regulatory pressures, marking the growing demand for customised coverage. Australian life insurers reported an impressive profit jump to $360 million, signaling resilience and potential product improvements in the sector. However, the industry also noted a troubling rise in mental health-related claims, particularly among young Australians. In response, preventive physical activity measures are being advocated. The episode concludes with chief trends in life and income protection insurance premiums. They've seen a decrease thanks to improved underwriting practices, competition, and operational efficiencies. For informed decisions on insurance policies that suit personal goals and needs, a thorough review is essential.

In this episode of Financial Services Online's weekly insurance podcast, Paige Estritori discusses major developments in the Australian insurance sector, focusing on farming safety and insurance. WFI Insurance and Farmsafe Australia have collaborated to raise farming safety standards, with WFI sponsoring the annual 'Safer Farms Report'. This partnership is paramount, in light of the rise in farm incidents leading to 72 deaths in the past year. Additionally, Argis Underwriting and Pacific International Insurance have partnered to reintroduce farm insurance in Australia. The episode also outlines reduced farm liability claims in WFI Insurance's reports, emphasizing an improvement in on-farm safety practices. The podcast wraps up by looking forward to a safer and more resilient farming industry in Australia moving forward into 2026.

In this episode of Weekly Insurance News Wrap, Paige Estritori discusses recent happenings in the trucking and insurance sectors in Australia. Highlighted events include the presentation of the National Trucking Industry Awards with the coveted Outstanding Contribution award going to Mark Tobin, and the National Professional Driver of the Year awarded to Brad Train. Ann Lopez was also honored for her work in diversity and inclusion. Insurance provider Insuregroup is praised for processing over 10,000 policies, marking an upward trend in the Australian freight industry. Environmental standards for heavy vehicles are set to improve with increased mass limits for compliant vehicles. However, a PwC survey spotlights shortfalls in the insurance sector in areas like cybersecurity, AI, and political risks suggesting need for improvements in workforce skills and technology infrastructure. The podcast emphasizes the sector's need for adaptability and a commitment to safety, risk management, and modern technology in the upcoming year.n

In this week's podcast, Paige Estritori covers a range of insurance news updates from Australia. First, a PwC report raises concerns about Australian insurers' readiness to tackle cyber risks, emphasising the importance of robust cybersecurity and risk management systems. The Australian Treasury is implementing reforms on professional indemnity insurance to strengthen the Compensation Scheme of Last Resort as concerns grow about its financial sustainability. The insurtech company Upcover ensures professional indemnity insurance for nursing professionals, offering a tailored solution for Australia's substantial nursing workforce. Despite recording $1.111 billion in claim payments, APRA reports an 8% decrease in professional indemnity claims paid, offering an advantageous moment for securing cost-effective coverage. For more information, visit financialservicesonline.com.au.n

In this week's podcast from Financial Services Online, Paige Estritori discusses major issues affecting Australia's insurance sector. Key points include the Insurance Council of Australia's call for modernising outdated civil liability laws, which have contributed to a significant increase in public liability insurance premiums. This has impacted small-to-medium enterprises and non-profits, with the entertainments and tourism sectors being particularly hit. Additionally, rising injury claims have seen businesses accepting larger financial risks, highlighting the need for risk management strategies. Positive developments include the Cyclone Reinsurance Pool's offer of lower premiums for cyclone-prepared property owners. Lastly, the podcast highlights issues with strata property governance in Victoria, which has led to high insurance premiums and necessitates improvements in transparency and education in owner corporations. Visit financialservicesonline.com.au for more personal and business insurance information.

In this episode of the Weekly Insurance News Wrap, Paige Estritori discusses key trends in Australia's insurance landscape, focusing in particular on strata, construction insurance, and industry reforms. CHU, a leading strata insurance underwriting agency, significantly increased its insurance capacity from $300 million to $690 million to accommodate growing strata developments. The Insurance Council of Australia advocates for reforms in Victoria's strata laws amid rising premiums linked to poor governance and construction defects. Despite a trend of rising costs, construction insurance premiums declined as competition intensified in 2025. The construction sector is grappling with rising costs due to supply chain disruptions, inflation, and labour shortages. Improved strategies and collaboration with insurers offer hope for mitigating risks and maintaining project viability. Stay informed with these industry trends at Financial Services Online.