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| Insurers Face Intense Scrutiny Over Quake Claim Rejections 21 Nov 2024: Paige Estritori In recent months, Muswellbrook, a town in New South Wales, has experienced a series of earthquakes that have left residents grappling with both physical destruction and emotional distress. Criticism is mounting against insurers as more than 600 claims have emerged, following these seismic events, yet many remain unresolved or denied. - read more |
| AI Regulations: A Web of Complications 20 Nov 2024: Paige Estritori The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) has raised concerns about the potential fallout from a fragmented regulatory approach to artificial intelligence and automated decision-making in the industry. There is fear that this patchwork of reforms could result in conflicting requirements, heavier compliance burdens, and increased industry confusion. - read more |
| APRA Survey Reveals Impact of Climate Change on Insurance Industry Practices 19 Nov 2024: Paige Estritori A recent analysis by the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) reveals that over 90% of general insurers and reinsurers anticipate climate change will influence their underwriting procedures, posing new challenges to the industry. - read more |
| Fraudulent Claims Lead to Complete Denial of Compensation 18 Nov 2024: Paige Estritori In a remarkable case highlighting the severe consequences of insurance fraud, an individual's attempt to inflate a theft insurance claim has resulted in the total denial of compensation. Despite a significant portion of the claim being genuine, fraudulent actions negated any potential payout. - read more |
| Soaring Insurance Premiums Amid Changing Climate 14 Nov 2024: Paige Estritori As climate change persists, the impact of severe weather on insurance premiums is becoming more evident, pushing affordability out of reach for many Australians. Bernadette Systa, a mother of five, faced an undeniable financial strain as her annual home and contents insurance costs surged from a modest amount to more than twice what she initially paid. This experience echoes a growing dilemma faced by households across the country. - read more |
| Insurers Eye AI for a Technological Future 12 Nov 2024: Paige Estritori The insurance sector is gearing up for a significant technological transformation with plans to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) extensively in the coming years. A survey conducted by Earnix highlights that over two-thirds of insurance companies are planning to deploy AI tools within the next two years. This trend marks a pivotal moment in the industry's journey toward modernization. - read more |
| APRA Explores Alternative Reinsurance Solutions Amid Market Challenges 11 Nov 2024: Paige Estritori The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) is reshaping its approach to the reinsurance sector, focusing on enhancing premium affordability and availability for insurers. In an effort to modernize the reinsurance framework, APRA seeks comprehensive feedback from relevant stakeholders. - read more |
| Insurance Landscape: Future Trends and Insights 11 Nov 2024: Paige Estritori In its latest release, designed to enhance industry understanding, CGU has unveiled the third installment in its Strive guide series. This edition provides valuable insights for brokers, highlighting current trends and significant shifts impacting the insurance sector and the broader economic environment. - read more |
| Insurance Dilemma: Ignored Occupation Costs Claimant His Compensation 08 Nov 2024: Paige Estritori A recent case involving an Uber Eats driver has highlighted the critical importance of truthfulness when disclosing occupational details to auto insurers. The claimant's car crash claim was rejected due to an undisclosed delivery job, marking a significant case study on the enactment of insurance policy terms. - read more |
| Regulator Enforces Capital Boost on Insurer Over Compliance Issues 08 Nov 2024: Paige Estritori The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has compelled Pacific International Insurance to elevate its capital reserves by $10 million due to apparent inadequacies in the oversight of its intermediary arrangements. - read more |
| Insurance Dispute Settled with New Rulings 07 Nov 2024: Paige Estritori In a recent adjudication, a property owner faced a coverage denial due to damage attributed to rodents, offering a revealing insight into insurance claim disputes. When a strata property holder reported water damage from a damaged dishwasher hose, her insurance claim was thwarted by the involvement of rodents. - read more |
| Financial Sectors Grapple With High Reporting of Breaches 07 Nov 2024: Paige Estritori The landscape of financial services in Australia is facing challenges as recent disclosures highlight the magnitude of self-reported compliance breaches across industries. The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) report for the last financial year has revealed that the insurance sector reported the second-highest number of breaches. - read more |
| Call for Stronger E-Scooter Insurance Regulations in NSW 07 Nov 2024: Paige Estritori The rapid increase in e-scooter usage across New South Wales has prompted renewed calls for improved insurance regulations to safeguard both riders and pedestrians. Genevieve Henderson, president of the Australian Lawyers Alliance NSW, is advocating for mandatory insurance policies that would cover private e-scooter owners and council-managed e-scooter sharing programs. - read more |
| Surge in Claims for Non-Advised Disability Income Insurance 06 Nov 2024: Paige Estritori Recent analysis reveals individual non-advised disability income insurance is leading the pack with a remarkable claims paid ratio of 113%. In stark contrast, individual policies acquired through personal advice boast a much lower ratio of 68%, as outlined by the latest prudential data. - read more |
| Controversial Fire Ruling: AFCA Endorses Claim Denial 06 Nov 2024: Paige Estritori A recent decision has stirred considerable attention as an Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) ruling supported RAC Insurance's denial of a fire claim amidst significant controversy and debate. - read more |
| Transparency in Premiums: ACCC Highlights Importance of True Costs in Renewals 06 Nov 2024: Paige Estritori In a significant move for consumer clarity, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has recommended that insurance companies prioritize transparency when displaying previous premium costs in renewal notices. According to the ACCC, the key disclosure figure should be the 'actual' amount paid in the past year by policyholders. - read more |
| Insurer's Overcharge: A Case for Rigorous Internal Audits 05 Nov 2024: Paige Estritori An overlooked discrepancy by a life insurance company led to thousands of policyholders not receiving promised discounts, having continued unchecked for over a year. This issue was unearthed following an unexpected internal audit, demonstrating the company's need for better oversight and auditing practices. - read more |
| Insurance Goes Speedy with AI-Powered Support 05 Nov 2024: Paige Estritori In a groundbreaking move, IAG has unveiled an innovative AI-driven tool designed to drastically speed up claims processing. This new utility aims to empower front-line consultants by facilitating quicker claims assessment. CASI, short for Claims Assistant Supporting Intermediated, integrates complex document content, such as product disclosure statements and policy language, to supply fast and precise answers to staff queries. - read more |
| Broader Solutions Needed for Insurance Affordability, Says ACCC 04 Nov 2024: Paige Estritori Amid escalating climate risks, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) is calling for broader initiatives to improve insurance affordability. The ACCC has highlighted that while climate-related events become more pronounced, some Australians face insurance unaffordability, often leaving significant assets like homes and small businesses uninsured. - read more |
| AFCA Upholds Fair Evaluation in Insurance Claim Dispute 01 Nov 2024: Paige Estritori The Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) has directed MetLife to re-evaluate a policyholder’s income protection claim, focusing on justified interpretations of mental health exclusions. - read more |
| AIG Insurance Tangle Over Vacant Property Break-In Unravels 01 Nov 2024: Paige Estritori A landlord initially seeking compensation of $102,270 for theft and repair costs following a break-in at a vacant commercial property was awarded $45,724 after a protracted insurance dispute with AIG Australia. The issue revolved around discrepancies over a premium for an unoccupied building. - read more |
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.
| Covering the Unexpected: A Guide to Trauma Insurance for Australian Families Trauma insurance, also known as critical illness insurance, is a type of coverage that provides a lump sum payment in the event that the insured suffers from a critical illness or injury. Unlike health insurance, which covers medical expenses, trauma insurance is designed to provide financial protection by helping to cover the additional costs associated with recovery from a severe illness or injury. - read more
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| How Much Life Insurance Do You Really Need? A Family's Guide to Assessment Life insurance is one of those cornerstones of financial planning that often gets overlooked. Yet, the importance of life insurance in safeguarding your family's future cannot be overstated. It's a robust financial instrument that provides peace of mind, knowing that your loved ones will be financially secure in the event of your untimely passing. This introductory section lays the groundwork for understanding why life insurance is pivotal in your family's financial health. - read more
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| The Single Parent’s Guide to Securing Your Child’s Financial Future Single parenting brings with it a mosaic of responsibilities and challenges, not least of which is securing a stable financial future for your child. The rollercoaster of raising a child alone often means that planning for the future can take a back seat to the day-to-day demands of parenting. Unexpected illnesses and injuries can compound these challenges, causing stress to multiply and plans to go awry. - read more
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| How Much Life Insurance Do You Truly Need? Assessing Your Personal Coverage There's often confusion surrounding the amount of life insurance one truly needs. Common misconceptions cloud our judgment, leading some to undervalue their coverage, while others may overinsure, unnecessarily straining their financial resources. It is a delicate balance to strike, and understanding the nuances of life insurance is pivotal to making informed decisions. - read more
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| Understanding the Role of Life Insurance in Your Estate Plan Estate planning is a critical process that often goes overlooked, but it's essential for securing the financial future of your loved ones and ensuring your assets are distributed according to your wishes. It involves the careful organization and protection of an individual’s estate to minimize uncertainties and facilitate the smooth transfer of assets after their passing. While it may seem complex, understanding the basics of estate planning is necessary for every Australian adult, regardless of wealth. - read more
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Understanding the Role of Life Insurance in Your Estate Plan Estate planning is a critical process that often goes overlooked, but it's essential for securing the financial future of your loved ones and ensuring your assets are distributed according to your wishes. It involves the careful organization and protection of an individual’s estate to minimize uncertainties and facilitate the smooth transfer of assets after their passing. While it may seem complex, understanding the basics of estate planning is necessary for every Australian adult, regardless of wealth. - read more
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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
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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
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Life Insurance Essentials: Protecting Your Growing Aussie Family Life insurance remains one of the most crucial considerations for new parents aspiring to provide a secure future for their growing families. The arrival of a child marks a transformative moment, redefining priorities and responsibilities. At its core, life insurance is a safety net, designed to offer financial protection and stability to loved ones in the event of an unforeseen tragedy. - read more
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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
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