| Hutch Underwriting's New Landlord Insurance Policy Integrates Cyber Protection Mon, 20 Apr: In August 2025, Hutch Underwriting unveiled a new landlord insurance product tailored for Australian residential property owners. This policy stands out by incorporating built-in cyber protection, addressing the growing digital risks landlords face in today's interconnected world. - read more
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| Club Marine Introduces Land-Based Insurance for Race Boats Mon, 20 Apr: Club Marine, Australia's leading provider of recreational boat insurance, has expanded its offerings to include specific coverage for race boats while they are on land. This development comes through a new partnership with the Australian Offshore Powerboat Club (AOPC), aiming to address the unique insurance needs of race boat owners. - read more
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| Great Barrier Reef Commercial Marine Conference Unveils National Economic Impact Study Mon, 20 Apr: The inaugural Great Barrier Reef Commercial Marine Conference was held in Cairns on 11 March 2026, bringing together 50 industry leaders, operators, and suppliers to discuss the future of Australia's commercial marine sector. A significant highlight of the event was the launch of the Australian Commercial Marine Economic Impact Study (EIS). - read more
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| APRA Implements Emergency Measures to Cap Commercial Auto Insurance Premiums Mon, 20 Apr: The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has announced emergency measures to address significant premium increases in the commercial auto insurance sector. Effective immediately, insurers are prohibited from implementing baseline premium hikes exceeding 25% without clear justification. - read more
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| Australian SMEs Ramp Up Borrowing Ahead of Payday Super Changes Mon, 20 Apr: Australian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are experiencing a significant shift in borrowing behaviour, with a notable increase in loan applications aimed at business expansion. This trend emerges as the impending Payday Super reforms pose potential challenges to cash flow management. - read more
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| Australian SMEs Embrace Non-Bank Lenders Amidst Traditional Banking Challenges Mon, 20 Apr: In a significant shift within the Australian financial landscape, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are increasingly turning to non-bank lenders to meet their financing needs. Recent data reveals that demand for non-bank lending among SMEs has reached a record high of 47%, marking a 50% year-on-year increase and a threefold rise since September 2018. - read more
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| Moneytech and AFG Collaborate to Strengthen SME Financing Options Mon, 20 Apr: In a strategic move to bolster support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across Australia, non-bank lender Moneytech has joined the Australian Finance Group's (AFG) lender panel. This partnership grants AFG's extensive broker network immediate access to Moneytech's comprehensive suite of SME-focused financial products, including working capital solutions, asset finance, and business loans. - read more
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| Chinese-Built Caravans Surge in Popularity as Local Sales Decline Mon, 20 Apr: The Australian caravan market is experiencing a notable shift as Chinese-built caravans gain popularity, coinciding with a downturn in sales for local manufacturers. This trend was prominently observed at the Geelong Outdoor Living & Caravan Expo in January 2026, where an increased presence of imported, Australian-style caravans was evident. These models, often referred to as 'big box' caravans, are attracting consumers with their competitive pricing and high-spec finishes, directly appealing to the mainstream touring market. - read more
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| Zone RV's Financial Collapse Exposes $40 Million Debt Mon, 20 Apr: The Australian caravan industry has been rocked by the sudden collapse of luxury manufacturer Zone RV, which has left creditors facing debts totaling approximately $40 million. This development has cast a shadow over the sector, raising concerns about the financial stability of caravan manufacturers. - read more
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| Maximising Tax Benefits: Renting Out Your Caravan Amid Rising Fuel Prices Mon, 20 Apr: With nearly a million registered caravans in Australia, many of these vehicles spend a significant portion of the year unused. However, a recent Australian Taxation Office (ATO) ruling has opened the door for caravan owners to transform these idle assets into income-generating ventures, complete with tax deductions similar to those available for rental properties. - read more
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| Cohabit Unveils Innovative Digital Strata Insurance Solution Mon, 20 Apr: In a significant advancement for the strata insurance sector, insurtech company Cohabit has launched a digital platform designed to streamline the insurance process for strata schemes. This innovative solution enables property owners and strata managers to review and compare insurance options tailored to their specific buildings, fostering informed decision-making and enhanced transparency. - read more
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| Suncorp Strategically Reclassifies Strata Insurance to Drive Growth Mon, 20 Apr: Suncorp, a leading Australian insurer, has announced a strategic reclassification of its strata insurance business from consumer to commercial, signaling a concerted effort to expand its footprint in the strata insurance market. This move aligns with the company's broader strategy to enhance its commercial insurance offerings and leverage synergies within its portfolio. - read more
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| Consumer Advocates Support Proposed Ban on Strata Insurance Commissions Mon, 20 Apr: Consumer advocacy groups have expressed strong support for the New South Wales (NSW) Productivity and Equality Commission's recent recommendation to prohibit commission payments for strata managers and insurance brokers within the strata sector. This proposed reform is seen as a critical step toward enhancing transparency and safeguarding the interests of property owners. - read more
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| Insurance Council Calls for Reforms to Support Small Business Resilience Mon, 20 Apr: In February 2026, the Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) submitted four proposals to the Parliamentary Joint Committee's inquiry into small business insurance, highlighting the urgent need for reforms to enhance the resilience of Australia's 2.5 million small businesses. These enterprises, which employ nearly half of the private sector workforce, are increasingly burdened by escalating insurance premiums driven by extreme weather events, inflation, and complex regulatory requirements. - read more
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| Australian Home Insurance Premiums Climb 51% in Five Years Mon, 20 Apr: Recent data from analytics firm Finity reveals a significant 51% increase in Australian home insurance premiums over the past five years. The average premium rose from $1,940 in 2020 to $2,938 by October 2025, outpacing general inflation and raising concerns about affordability for homeowners. - read more
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| Insurance Claims Getting Slower and More Expensive in 2026 Mon, 20 Apr: In 2026, Australian insurance claims are facing prolonged processing times and increased costs, primarily due to persistent labour shortages and escalating repair expenses. According to a recent update from Crawford & Company (Australia), these challenges are affecting the efficiency and affordability of claims settlements across the industry. - read more
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| Australian Insurers Face Challenges in Risk Preparedness Mon, 20 Apr: Recent findings from the PwC Insurance Banana Skins Survey reveal that Australian insurers are trailing behind their global counterparts in terms of risk preparedness. The survey, which gathered insights from 698 insurance executives across 42 territories, indicates that Australian insurers scored 6.6% lower on the Preparedness Index compared to the global average. - read more
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| Market Concentration in Australian Insurance Industry Sparks Debate Mon, 20 Apr: The Australian general insurance market is currently dominated by four major companies—Insurance Australia Group (IAG), Suncorp, QBE, and Allianz—which collectively control nearly 75% of the market. This high level of concentration has raised concerns about its impact on consumers, particularly regarding rising premiums and limited competition. - read more
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| Surge in Profits for Australian Insurers Amid Premium Hikes Mon, 20 Apr: 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 in profitability coincides with significant hikes in insurance premiums, raising questions about the balance between industry earnings and consumer affordability. - read more
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| Surging Insurance Premiums Pose Challenges for Australian Retirees Mon, 20 Apr: Australian retirees are increasingly facing financial challenges due to escalating insurance premiums. Reports indicate that some individuals have experienced premium hikes of up to 400%, placing significant strain on those living on fixed incomes. - read more
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| Australian Insurers Face Challenges in Risk Preparedness Mon, 20 Apr: Recent findings from the PwC Insurance Banana Skins Survey reveal that Australian insurers are trailing their global counterparts in risk preparedness. The survey, which gathered insights from 698 insurance executives across 42 territories, indicates that Australian insurers scored 6.6% lower on the Preparedness Index compared to the global average. - read more
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| Health Insurance Premiums in Australia to Rise by 4.41% in 2026 Mon, 20 Apr: Australian health insurance policyholders are set to experience a 4.41% increase in premiums, effective from April 1, 2026. Health Minister Mark Butler approved this adjustment, marking the most substantial annual hike since 2017. - read more
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| Escalating Insurance Premiums Pose Challenges for Australian Retirees Mon, 20 Apr: Australian retirees are facing mounting financial pressures as insurance premiums continue to rise, potentially turning their golden years into a period of economic hardship. The Financial Rights Legal Centre has reported instances where individuals on fixed incomes have experienced premium increases of up to 400%, making it nearly impossible for them to absorb these costs. - read more
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| Australian Life Insurance Market Experiences Notable Recovery Mon, 20 Apr: After enduring six years of decline following the Royal Commission, Australia's life insurance market has reported a significant 20.7% surge in new business volumes during the second quarter of 2025. This increase marks the first substantial recovery in the sector, suggesting a potential turnaround. - read more
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| Australia Enacts Ban on Genetic Discrimination in Life Insurance Mon, 20 Apr: In a landmark move, Australia has passed legislation prohibiting life insurers from using individuals' genetic test results in underwriting decisions. This reform aims to eliminate barriers that previously deterred Australians from undergoing potentially life-saving genetic testing due to fears of insurance discrimination. - read more
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