| Rise of Unsecured Business Loans Among Australian SMEs Sun, 25 Jan: Australian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are increasingly turning to unsecured business loans as a means of financing growth and operations. This trend reflects a shift away from traditional lending models that require physical assets as collateral, offering businesses greater flexibility and accessibility to funds. - read more
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| Anticipated RBA Rate Hike in February 2026: Implications for Motorcycle Loans Sun, 25 Jan: The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) is set to announce its next monetary policy decision on February 3, 2026. With inflation rates rising in late 2025, the possibility of a rate hike has become a focal point for financial analysts and borrowers alike. - read more
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| ASIC's Crackdown on Unlicensed Finfluencers: What It Means for Consumers Sun, 25 Jan: The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has intensified its efforts against unlicensed financial influencers, commonly known as 'finfluencers,' who are suspected of providing unlawful financial advice. This initiative is part of a global collaboration with regulators from the UK, UAE, Italy, Hong Kong, and Canada to address the growing concern over unregulated financial content on social media platforms. - read more
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| Budget Direct's Triumph: 2025 Insurer of the Year and Its Impact on Motorcycle Insurance Sun, 25 Jan: Budget Direct has been honored as the Insurer of the Year in the 2025 Consumer Finance Awards, reflecting its commitment to providing comprehensive and affordable insurance products to Australians. This accolade is particularly significant for motorcycle enthusiasts seeking reliable coverage. - read more
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| Heightened Road Risks During Holiday Season Due to Increased Freight Traffic Sun, 25 Jan: As Australia enters the summer holiday season, insurers and transport specialists are raising alarms about heightened road risks resulting from the convergence of increased freight activity and holiday travel. This period sees a significant uptick in both passenger vehicles and heavy trucks on the roads, amplifying the potential for accidents and safety incidents. - read more
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| Celebrating Excellence: 2025 National Trucking Industry Award Winners Sun, 25 Jan: The Australian Trucking Association (ATA) has proudly announced the recipients of the 2025 National Trucking Industry Awards, recognizing outstanding contributions and achievements within the sector. These awards highlight the dedication and excellence of individuals and organizations that drive the industry forward. - read more
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| Premiums Decline in Australian Construction Insurance Market Sun, 25 Jan: Australia's construction insurance market has entered a softer phase in 2025, with premiums decreasing across various lines due to heightened competition among insurers. According to Marsh's Construction Insurance Market Update 2025, premium reductions averaged between 5% and 15% in the first half of the year. - read more
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| Labour Shortages and Supply Chain Issues Elevate Insurance Claims Costs Sun, 25 Jan: In 2025, Australia's insurance industry is grappling with rising claims costs, particularly within the construction sector, due to labour shortages and supply chain disruptions. Crawford & Company's latest Claims Inflation Update highlights that construction expenses are increasing at a rate faster than general consumer prices, with the Building Cost Index (BCI) rising nearly 5% annually. - read more
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| Surge in First-Home Buyer Guarantees Reflects Growing Market Demand Sun, 25 Jan: In October, the Australian housing market witnessed a substantial increase in first-home buyer activity, with 5,778 guarantees issued under the expanded 5% Deposit Scheme. This figure represents a 48% rise compared to the same period last year, highlighting a growing trend among first-time buyers entering the property market. - read more
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| Rising Property Prices Challenge First-Home Buyers as Average Home Value Tops $1 Million Sun, 25 Jan: The Australian housing market has reached a significant milestone, with the average home price surpassing $1 million for the first time. This development presents new challenges for first-home buyers striving to enter the property market amidst escalating prices. - read more
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| Interest Rate Reductions Drive First-Home Buyers Towards New Build Properties Sun, 25 Jan: Recent interest rate cuts by the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) have influenced first-home buyers to consider new build properties as a viable entry point into the housing market. The RBA's decision to lower the cash rate to 3.85%—the lowest in over two years—has enhanced borrowing capacity, making new constructions an attractive option for those seeking affordability and potential incentives. - read more
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| Envest Group Unveils TLI Underwriting: A New Era for Heavy Motor Fleet Insurance Sat, 24 Jan: Envest Group, a prominent player in Australia's insurance sector, has announced the launch of TLI Underwriting, a new agency dedicated to providing specialised insurance solutions for heavy motor fleet operators. This strategic move aims to address the unique challenges faced by larger transport businesses in Australia. - read more
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| AFCA Delivers Ruling After Trucking Company's Claim Denied Sat, 24 Jan: The Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) has recently ruled against a trucking company after it was found to have misrepresented its insurance history and operational details when obtaining a policy from NTI. This case underscores the critical importance of transparency and accuracy when securing insurance coverage in the transport industry. - read more
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| Australian Insurers Achieve Record Profits Amid Rising Premiums Sat, 24 Jan: In 2024, Australia's insurance industry reported an after-tax profit of $6.1 billion, a figure that is three times higher than the five-year average of $2 billion. This substantial increase is attributed to a combination of factors, including significant premium hikes and a reduction in severe weather events. - read more
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| Australian Consumers Confront Unexplained Insurance Premium Increases Sat, 24 Jan: Many Australian consumers are experiencing substantial increases in their insurance premiums, often without clear explanations from their providers. Reports indicate that some policyholders have faced premium hikes of 30% to 50%, with instances of increases reaching several hundred percent. - read more
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| Rising Insurance Costs in Northern Australia Challenge Homeowners Sat, 24 Jan: Homeowners in Northern Australia are encountering rising insurance premiums, despite the establishment of a cyclone reinsurance pool intended to reduce costs. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) reports that median home and contents premiums in the Northern Territory increased by 11% during 2023. - read more
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| Steadfast Group Under Scrutiny for Alleged Misleading Practices Sat, 24 Jan: Steadfast Group, Australia's largest general insurance broker network, has recently come under scrutiny following allegations of misleading clients through undisclosed financial arrangements. These claims have prompted the company to suspend trading on the Australian Stock Exchange, leading to a significant decline in its share price. - read more
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| Netstrata Clients Uncover Excessive Insurance Brokerage Fees Sat, 24 Jan: Recent developments have brought to light concerns regarding the insurance practices of Netstrata, a prominent strata management firm in Australia. Clients have reported the sudden appearance of past insurance invoices in their online portals, revealing brokerage fees significantly higher than industry norms. - read more
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| ICA Calls for Reforms to Victoria's Strata Laws Amid Rising Insurance Costs Sat, 24 Jan: The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) has called for significant reforms to Victoria's strata legislation, highlighting that poor governance and deferred maintenance are leading to increased insurance premiums for the one in five Victorians residing in strata-titled properties. - read more
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| Allianz Partners Highlights Risks of Travelling Uninsured Fri, 23 Jan: Recent research conducted by the Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) has unveiled a concerning trend: approximately 14% of Australian travellers embark on international journeys without any form of travel insurance. This statistic has prompted Allianz Partners to urge Australians to reconsider the importance of securing adequate coverage before travelling abroad. - read more
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| Surge in Medical Claims Among Australian Travellers Highlights Importance of Comprehensive Insurance Fri, 23 Jan: In 2024, medical incidents emerged as the leading cause of travel insurance claims among Australian travellers, accounting for more than 40% of all claims handled by nib Travel. This trend underscores the critical importance of securing comprehensive travel insurance to mitigate the financial risks associated with medical emergencies abroad. - read more
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| Qantas Travel Insurance Honoured with Mozo Experts Choice Award 2024 Fri, 23 Jan: Qantas Travel Insurance has been recognised in the 2024 Mozo Experts Choice Awards for Travel Insurance, showcasing its exceptional value for their Annual Multi Trip Travel Insurance policy. - read more
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| Australian Insurers Falling Behind in Cybersecurity Readiness Fri, 23 Jan: Recent findings from the PwC Insurance Banana Skins Survey reveal that Australian insurers are lagging behind their global counterparts in preparedness for emerging risks, particularly in the realms of cybersecurity and artificial intelligence (AI). This survey, encompassing insights from 698 insurance executives across 42 territories, highlights a concerning trend for the Australian insurance sector. - read more
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| Climate Change Drives Up Home Insurance Premiums in Australia Fri, 23 Jan: Insurance Australia Group (IAG) has recently highlighted the escalating impact of climate change on home insurance premiums across the nation. The insurer's latest report indicates that the increasing frequency and severity of weather events are contributing to higher costs for homeowners seeking coverage. - read more
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| Australian Insurers Achieve $6.1 Billion Profit Amid Premium Increases Fri, 23 Jan: Australia's insurance industry has reported a substantial after-tax profit of $6.1 billion for the year 2024, marking a significant increase from the five-year average of $2 billion. This remarkable financial performance is primarily attributed to strategic premium adjustments and a period of relatively mild weather conditions. - read more
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