| Allianz Australia Penalised for Misleading Travel Insurance Information Wed, 07 Jan: In a significant ruling, the Supreme Court of New South Wales has imposed fines totaling $16.8 million on Allianz Australia Insurance and its subsidiary, AWP Australia, for disseminating misleading information about their travel insurance products between 2016 and 2018. This decision underscores the critical importance of transparency and accuracy in the insurance sector. - read more
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| Allianz Partners Highlights Risks of Travelling Uninsured Wed, 07 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 Wed, 07 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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| Australian Insurers Achieve Record Profits Amid Rising Premiums Wed, 07 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 significant premium hikes and a relatively benign year for natural disasters. - read more
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| Rising Insurance Premiums in Northern Australia Challenge Homeowners Wed, 07 Jan: Homeowners in Northern Australia are grappling with substantial increases in insurance premiums, despite the federal government's establishment of a cyclone reinsurance pool in 2022 aimed at reducing costs. This trend has raised concerns about the effectiveness of the initiative and the affordability of insurance in cyclone-prone regions. - read more
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| Lack of Transparency in Insurance Premium Increases Concerns Consumers Wed, 07 Jan: Australian consumers are increasingly facing substantial hikes in their insurance premiums, often with minimal or no explanation from insurers. This lack of transparency has led to growing concerns and calls for greater clarity in the industry's pricing strategies. - read more
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| ICA Advocates for Overhaul of Civil Liability Laws Amid Rising Insurance Premiums Wed, 07 Jan: The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) has recently released a white paper highlighting the urgent need for reforms to state and territory civil liability laws, which have remained largely unchanged for nearly 25 years. These outdated laws are contributing to significant increases in public liability insurance premiums, affecting a wide range of businesses across the nation. - read more
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| Soaring Insurance Premiums Threaten Australia's Leisure and Recreation Industry Wed, 07 Jan: The Australian Amusement Leisure & Recreation Association (AALARA) has raised concerns over the escalating costs of public liability insurance, which are placing significant pressure on amusement and recreation operators across the country. This warning follows the Insurance Council of Australia's (ICA) recent call for reforms to civil liability laws. - read more
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| APRA Reports Significant Increase in Public Liability Insurance Premiums Wed, 07 Jan: The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has released its latest National Claims and Policies Database (NCPD) statistics, revealing a substantial increase in public liability insurance premiums over recent years. According to the data, premiums have risen by 40% since 2015, a rate that surpasses general inflation and places additional financial strain on businesses across the country. - read more
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| AFCA Upholds Restaurant's Arson Claim Amid Disclosure Dispute Wed, 07 Jan: In a significant ruling, the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) has directed QBE Insurance to honour an arson claim from a restaurant, despite the director's failure to disclose his criminal history during the policy's inception. This decision underscores the complexities surrounding disclosure obligations and the importance of clear communication between insurers and policyholders. - read more
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| Pizzeria Owner Compensated for Stress in Insurance Claim Dispute Wed, 07 Jan: The Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) has awarded $2,500 in compensation to a pizzeria owner, citing undue stress and inconvenience caused by QBE Insurance's handling of a fire damage claim. This case underscores the necessity for insurers to manage claims with empathy and efficiency, particularly when dealing with vulnerable customers. - read more
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| Rising Insurance Premiums Challenge NSW Businesses Wed, 07 Jan: Business NSW has raised concerns over the escalating insurance premiums affecting businesses across the state, with a recent survey revealing that 64% of members are not fully insured against catastrophes. This alarming trend underscores the urgent need for comprehensive reform to address insurance affordability and accessibility. - read more
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| Australian Strata Property Values Soar to $1.4 Trillion Wed, 07 Jan: The Australian strata property market has experienced significant growth, with the insured value of strata properties now estimated at $1.4 trillion. This substantial figure underscores the increasing prominence of strata living in the nation's housing landscape. - read more
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| ICA Advocates for Strata Law Reforms in Victoria to Curb Rising Insurance Costs Wed, 07 Jan: The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) has called for significant reforms to Victoria's strata legislation, highlighting that inadequate governance and deferred maintenance are leading to increased insurance premiums for residents. With approximately one in five Victorians living in strata-titled properties, the impact of these issues is widespread and pressing. - read more
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| CHU's 2025 Strata Market Report: Navigating Stability and Emerging Challenges Wed, 07 Jan: CHU, Australia's leading strata insurance underwriting agency, has released its 2025 State of the Strata Market report, providing a comprehensive analysis of the current trends and challenges within the strata industry. The report offers valuable insights into premium trends, climate-related risks, regulatory developments, and emerging sector challenges. - read more
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| NAB's New Caravan Loan Options: Personalised Rates and Flexibility Tue, 06 Jan: National Australia Bank (NAB) has recently unveiled a suite of caravan loan options designed to cater to the diverse needs of Australian adventurers. With personalised interest rates starting from 7.00% per annum, NAB aims to make caravan ownership more accessible and affordable. - read more
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| RAC WA's Competitive Caravan Loan Rates for Western Australians Tue, 06 Jan: RAC WA has introduced a range of caravan loan options tailored specifically for Western Australian residents. With fixed interest rates starting at 7.45% per annum and comparison rates from 8.16% per annum, RAC WA aims to make caravan ownership more attainable for its members. - read more
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| ANZ's Personal Loan Options for Caravan Enthusiasts Tue, 06 Jan: ANZ has expanded its personal loan offerings to include financing options for caravan purchases, providing tailored solutions for Australians eager to explore the open road. With interest rates customised based on individual credit scores, ANZ aims to offer competitive rates that reflect each borrower's financial profile. - read more
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| Markel Insurance Expands into Australian Marine Market with New Leadership Tue, 06 Jan: Markel Insurance has announced the appointment of Tim Wills as Head of Marine for Australia, marking a significant expansion into the country's marine insurance sector. Based in Sydney, Wills will spearhead the introduction of Markel's marine products, starting with marine cargo coverage. This move represents the company's first foray into the Australian market beyond its existing long-tail lines established two years prior. - read more
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| Pelagic Risk Services Strengthens Partnership with Australian Marinas Tue, 06 Jan: Pelagic Risk Services, a specialist marine insurance broker, has announced an increased commitment to the Australian marina industry by upgrading its sponsorship of the Marina Industries Association (MIA) from Silver to Gold. This enhanced partnership underscores Pelagic's dedication to supporting marinas across the nation. - read more
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| Marinex Underwriting Debuts in Australian Marine Insurance Sector Tue, 06 Jan: Rhodian Group has announced the launch of Marinex Underwriting, a new marine underwriting agency set to address complex marine insurance needs across the Australian market. Backed by global specialty insurance distributor Amwins, Marinex is co-founded by industry veterans Janelle Karnib, Chris Kelly, and Ainsley Smith. - read more
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| Non-Bank Lending Surges Among Australian SMEs Tue, 06 Jan: In recent years, Australian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have increasingly turned to non-bank lenders for their financing needs. This trend reflects a significant shift in the financial landscape, with over 50% of SMEs now preferring alternative lending sources over traditional banks. - read more
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| ASIC Advocates for Stronger Regulation in Private Lending Tue, 06 Jan: The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has recently highlighted the need for enhanced regulatory measures within the nation's private lending sector. This call to action stems from findings that reveal inconsistencies and potential risks that could adversely affect both investors and borrowers. - read more
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| Westpac's Strategic Expansion in SME Business Lending Tue, 06 Jan: Westpac Banking Corporation has announced a significant expansion in its business lending division, aiming to bolster its position in Australia's small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) market. The bank plans to hire between 350 and 500 business bankers by 2027, a strategic move to regain market share from competitors such as Commonwealth Bank and National Australia Bank. - read more
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| CHU Unveils Enhanced Residential Strata Insurance Policy Tue, 06 Jan: CHU, Australia's leading strata insurance underwriting agency, has announced the launch of a new residential strata insurance policy designed to better support property owners and strata communities. This initiative reflects CHU's commitment to delivering customer-focused solutions that simplify insurance processes and enhance community resilience. - read more
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