Life Insurance Online :: News
SHARE

Share this news item!

Suncorp Enhances Reinsurance in Stable Market

Suncorp Enhances Reinsurance in Stable Market

Suncorp Enhances Reinsurance in Stable Market?w=400
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.

Published:Wednesday, 31st Jul 2024
Source: Paige Estritori

Share this news item:

Insurance News

QBE Highlights the Importance of Adequate Landlord Insurance QBE Highlights the Importance of Adequate Landlord Insurance
15 Jul 2025: Paige Estritori

Landlords in Australia have been advised by QBE Insurance Group to reassess their insurance coverage, following survey findings that indicate many could encounter financial hardships if their rental operations are interrupted. According to QBE's data, 38% of landlords might face financial challenges should their properties become uninhabitable or rental payments cease for a duration of two to six weeks. - read more
Court Denies E-Scooter Negligence Allegation Against City Council Court Denies E-Scooter Negligence Allegation Against City Council
14 Jul 2025: Paige Estritori

An Australian court recently ruled in favour of the City of Joondalup, rejecting a negligence claim lodged by an injured e-scooter rider. The Western Australia District Court found the city not liable for an accident involving insurance broker Kirstin Leibbrandt, who collided with a fence post while riding an e-scooter in the Perth suburb of Hillarys. - read more
Mental Health Surpasses Other Causes in TPD Claims, Doubling Payouts Over Five Years Mental Health Surpasses Other Causes in TPD Claims, Doubling Payouts Over Five Years
14 Jul 2025: Paige Estritori

Recent findings from the Council of Australian Life Insurers (CALI) reveal that mental health issues have become the primary cause of Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) claims. Insurers disbursed nearly twice the amount for such claims in 2024 compared to five years prior. This data originates from the CALI and KPMG's Cause of Claims Results Report, highlighting a significant shift in the nature of insurance claims. - read more
Impact of Trump Tariffs on Global Insurance Industry Impact of Trump Tariffs on Global Insurance Industry
11 Jul 2025: Paige Estritori

According to Swiss Re’s latest Sigma report, the growth of property and casualty premiums is moderating in both Australia and globally. This moderation is primarily driven by a slowdown in rate hikes. Additionally, the Trump administration's America First trade policy is putting further pressure on the insurance sector. - read more
Navigating Changes in Australia's Life Insurance Advice Landscape Navigating Changes in Australia's Life Insurance Advice Landscape
10 Jul 2025: Paige Estritori

The conversation on the shifting dynamics in Australia's life insurance advice sector featured Zurich Australia's head of adviser channel, Kieran Forde, and Hayes & Co director, Katherine Hayes. They engaged with editor Chris Dastoor to spotlight the current market conditions and future prospects for financial advisers in this domain. - read more


Life Insurance Articles

Strategies to Use Life Insurance in Funding Shareholder Agreements Strategies to Use Life Insurance in Funding Shareholder Agreements
Shareholder agreements lay the cornerstone for stable business relationships and continuity in Australia. Acting as a contract among business owners, these agreements set forth the expectations, rights, and obligations of all parties involved. They are particularly vital in delineating clear paths for dispute resolution, succession planning, and the transfer of ownership shares under varied circumstances, including the untimely death or departure of a shareholder. - read more
Protecting Your Loved Ones: The Role of Life Insurance in Estate Planning Protecting Your Loved Ones: The Role of Life Insurance in Estate Planning
Estate planning is a process that involves the management and distribution of an individual's assets and responsibilities in the event of their passing or incapacitation. It is an essential part of financial planning that ensures your assets are managed according to your desires and your loved ones are taken care of. - read more
Understanding Life Insurance: Securing Your Family's Future Understanding Life Insurance: Securing Your Family's Future
Defining life insurance and its importance: Life insurance is a pivotal financial product designed to protect your loved ones from economic hardship in case of your untimely death. It acts as a safety net, ensuring that your family can maintain their standard of living, cover outstanding debts, and afford future expenses like education and retirement. - read more
How Much Life Insurance Does Your Family Actually Need? How Much Life Insurance Does Your Family Actually Need?
Financial security for families is an essential consideration in any household. Life can be unpredictable, and ensuring that your loved ones are protected from financial hardship in your absence is a critical part of financial planning. - read more
Securing Your Family's Future: How Life Insurance Offers Peace of Mind Securing Your Family's Future: How Life Insurance Offers Peace of Mind
Life is a tapestry of precious moments, each framed by the inevitable uncertainty that the future holds. The awareness that our paths are peppered with unpredictability can often cast a shadow of concern, affecting how we cherish the present. For many, the well-being of family remains the cornerstone of life's purpose, driving the need for a foundation that offers stability and reassurance in the face of life's unexpected challenges. - read more
The Impact of Hobbies and High-Risk Activities on Life Insurance Costs The Impact of Hobbies and High-Risk Activities on Life Insurance Costs
Life insurance is an essential financial protection that provides peace of mind to policyholders and their loved ones. The premiums you pay are determined by various factors, including age, health, lifestyle, and occupation. - read more
Understanding Your Insurance Needs at Every Life Stage Understanding Your Insurance Needs at Every Life Stage
Navigating the complex world of insurance can often feel daunting, but understanding the importance of life stage consideration when choosing life insurance is essential. As we journey through the various chapters of our lives, our financial responsibilities, dependents, and personal circumstances evolve. These changes invariably have significant implications for our insurance needs. - read more
Life Insurance for Young Adults: Why It’s Never Too Early to Get Covered Life Insurance for Young Adults: Why It’s Never Too Early to Get Covered
Life insurance might not be at the forefront of your mind, especially when you're young and healthy. However, understanding the essence of life insurance early on can significantly impact your financial future and provide much-needed peace of mind. - read more
Strategies to Use Life Insurance in Funding Shareholder Agreements Strategies to Use Life Insurance in Funding Shareholder Agreements
Shareholder agreements lay the cornerstone for stable business relationships and continuity in Australia. Acting as a contract among business owners, these agreements set forth the expectations, rights, and obligations of all parties involved. They are particularly vital in delineating clear paths for dispute resolution, succession planning, and the transfer of ownership shares under varied circumstances, including the untimely death or departure of a shareholder. - read more
How Much Life Insurance Does Your Family Actually Need? How Much Life Insurance Does Your Family Actually Need?
Financial security for families is an essential consideration in any household. Life can be unpredictable, and ensuring that your loved ones are protected from financial hardship in your absence is a critical part of financial planning. - read more


Start Here

Life Cover Amount:
Postcode:

All quotes are provided free on our secure server and without obligation. We respect your privacy.

Knowledgebase
Umbrella Policy:
An additional insurance policy that provides extra liability coverage beyond the limits of the insured's primary policies.