| BizCover and Zurich Collaborate to Enhance Professional Indemnity Insurance for Australian SMEs Fri, 13 Mar: In a significant development for Australian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), BizCover has announced the addition of Zurich's Professional Indemnity (PI) insurance product to its online platform, effective from 3 March 2026. This collaboration aims to provide SMEs with enhanced access to comprehensive PI coverage, addressing a critical need in the business community. - read more
|
| Markel Unveils Tailored Professional Indemnity Insurance for Australian Market Fri, 13 Mar: In a significant development for the Australian insurance market, Markel, a US-based specialty insurer, has launched professional indemnity (PI) insurance products tailored specifically for Australian businesses. This strategic move comes in response to a notable reduction in PI insurance capacity over recent years, leaving many professionals seeking reliable coverage options. - read more
|
| Sterling Insurance Enhances PI Offerings with Lloyd's Binder Fri, 13 Mar: Sterling Insurance has successfully secured a new professional indemnity (PI) binding authority with Lloyd's, a move that promises to provide Australian brokers with greater control over product offerings and pricing structures. This development is part of Sterling's ongoing commitment to delivering tailored insurance solutions that meet the specific needs of niche and complex risk sectors. - read more
|
| Insights from CHU's 2025 Strata Market Report Fri, 13 Mar: CHU, Australia's leading strata insurance underwriting agency, has unveiled its 2025 State of the Strata Market report, offering a comprehensive analysis of the current landscape and future outlook for the strata industry. This report is particularly relevant for property owners and investors seeking to navigate the evolving strata insurance environment. - read more
|
| ICA Advocates for Overhaul of Victoria's Strata Legislation Fri, 13 Mar: The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) has recently called for significant reforms to Victoria's strata legislation, highlighting concerns that poor governance and deferred maintenance are contributing to increased insurance premiums for the state's strata property owners. This appeal underscores the pressing need for legislative updates to enhance the management and maintenance of strata-titled properties. - read more
|
| NSW Introduces Nation's Strictest Disclosure Rules for Strata Managers Fri, 13 Mar: The New South Wales government has taken a significant step towards enhancing transparency within the strata management sector by introducing legislation that imposes the nation's strictest disclosure obligations on strata managers concerning insurance commissions. This move aims to address longstanding concerns about opaque financial arrangements that have been perceived to disadvantage apartment owners. - read more
|
| The Financial Perils of Travelling Uninsured: A Wake-Up Call for Australians Thu, 12 Mar: Recent research has unveiled a concerning trend: 14% of Australian travellers embark on international journeys without any form of travel insurance. This statistic is even more alarming among younger travellers under 30, with nearly one in four opting to travel uninsured. Such decisions expose individuals to significant financial risks, especially when unforeseen events occur abroad. - read more
|
| IAG CEO Predicts Ongoing Insurance Premium Rises Thu, 12 Mar: Insurance Australia Group (IAG) has reported a significant 91% increase in net profit for the first half of the 2025 financial year, reaching $778 million. This surge is largely attributed to favourable weather conditions and a reduction in claims. Despite this positive financial performance, IAG's CEO, Nick Hawkins, has indicated that insurance premiums are expected to continue rising, albeit at a slower pace than in previous years. - read more
|
| ICA Unveils Strategy to Combat Rising Motor Insurance Costs Thu, 12 Mar: The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) has released a comprehensive report titled 'Motor Insurance Policy Paper – A Roadmap for Reducing Rising Premiums,' calling for urgent and coordinated action to address the systemic cost drivers behind escalating motor insurance premiums. The report highlights that comprehensive motor insurance premiums have increased by 42% since 2019, reaching an average of $1,052 per year in 2024. - read more
|
| APRA Data Reveals Steady Performance in General Insurance Intermediaries Thu, 12 Mar: The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has released its latest bi-annual report on intermediated general insurance, providing insights into market activity for the six months ending June 2025. The data indicates a stable performance among general insurance intermediaries, with total premiums invoiced through intermediaries reaching $21.5 billion. Of this, $17.6 billion was placed with APRA-authorized general insurers, $2.6 billion with Lloyd’s underwriters, and $1.3 billion with unauthorized foreign insurers. - read more
|
| ICA Advocates for Overhaul of Civil Liability Laws Amid Rising Insurance Premiums Thu, 12 Mar: 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
|
| Rising Public Liability Insurance Premiums Challenge Australian Businesses Thu, 12 Mar: Australian businesses are grappling with a significant rise in public liability insurance premiums, a trend attributed to outdated civil liability laws and escalating legal expenses. The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) has highlighted that some businesses have experienced premium increases of up to 60% since 2019, placing additional financial strain on various sectors. - read more
|
| ICA Calls for National Review of Civil Liability Laws Amid Rising Insurance Costs Thu, 12 Mar: The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) is advocating for a national review of civil liability laws to address the escalating costs of public liability insurance premiums affecting businesses nationwide. The ICA's recent white paper underscores the need to modernise state and territory laws that have remained largely unchanged for nearly a quarter of a century. - read more
|
| Café's Storm Damage Claim Reduced Due to Underinsurance Thu, 12 Mar: In a recent case, a café and catering business faced significant financial challenges after a storm forced its closure. The establishment ceased operations on August 28, 2024, and resumed on January 24, 2025, following repairs approved by their insurer, Suncorp. The insurer compensated the business with $280,570 for a year's gross profit loss and an additional $26,863 for increased operational costs. - read more
|
| Insurer Ordered to Pay Arson Claim Despite Director's Past Convictions Thu, 12 Mar: A recent ruling by the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) has significant implications for restaurant owners and their insurance policies. An insurer was ordered to pay an arson claim it had initially denied, citing the restaurant's sole director's failure to disclose his criminal history during the policy's inception. - read more
|
| Undisclosed Tenant Changes Result in Denied Insurance Claim for Landlord Thu, 12 Mar: A recent decision by the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) highlights the importance of landlords accurately disclosing tenant activities to their insurers. In this case, a landlord's failure to inform their insurer, AIG, about a tenant's change from operating a restaurant to hosting religious meetings led to the denial of a substantial theft claim. - read more
|
|
| Insights from CHU's 2025 Strata Market Report Thu, 12 Mar: 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
|
| ICA Advocates for Strata Law Reforms in Victoria Thu, 12 Mar: 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
|
| Bhagwan Marine Announces $100 Million Stock Market Float Wed, 11 Mar: Bhagwan Marine, a prominent player in Australia's marine services industry, has unveiled plans for a $100 million initial public offering (IPO). This strategic move aims to bolster the company's growth trajectory and enhance its service offerings across the nation. - read more
|
| Australian Marinas Appeal for Relief Amid Surging Insurance Premiums Wed, 11 Mar: Marina operators across northern Australia are facing unprecedented increases in insurance premiums, with some reporting hikes exceeding 300% in recent years. This surge has prompted urgent calls for government intervention to ensure the sustainability of the marine and tourism industries. - read more
|
| Australian SMEs Embrace Growth with Increased Loan Applications Wed, 11 Mar: In a notable shift within the Australian small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) sector, businesses are increasingly seeking financing to fuel expansion rather than merely sustain operations. Data from OnDeck Australia indicates a 42% year-on-year increase in loan applications during the December quarter of 2025. Notably, 34% of these applicants aimed to fund business growth, up from 23% in the previous year, highlighting a significant change in SME financing behaviour. - read more
|
| Non-Bank Lenders Escalate Legal Actions Amid Rising SME Insolvencies Wed, 11 Mar: Recent data reveals a significant shift in the enforcement landscape affecting Australian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Non-bank lenders have markedly increased their court-based recovery actions, coinciding with a rise in SME insolvencies. This trend emerges as major banks reduce their enforcement activities, highlighting a changing dynamic in creditor behaviour. - read more
|
| RBA's Interest Rate Increase: A Double Blow for Australian SMEs Wed, 11 Mar: In February 2026, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) raised the cash rate by 0.25% to 3.85%, marking the first increase in over two years. This decision, driven by persistent inflation and a tight labour market, has significant implications for Australian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). - read more
|
| Kokoda Caravans Extends Support to Zone RV Customers Amid Industry Turmoil Wed, 11 Mar: The Australian caravan industry has recently faced significant upheaval, notably with the collapse of luxury manufacturer Zone RV. This development has left numerous customers and suppliers grappling with substantial financial losses. In response, Melbourne-based Kokoda Caravans has stepped forward with a Community Support Initiative aimed at assisting those impacted by Zone RV's downfall. - read more
|
| Lotus Caravans Launches Streamlined 2026 Range with Premium Upgrades Wed, 11 Mar: Lotus Caravans, a prominent name in Australia's off-road caravan sector, has unveiled its 2026 range, marking a strategic shift towards a more streamlined lineup enriched with premium features. This new range focuses on delivering enhanced value and performance to off-road enthusiasts. - read more
|
Author:
Please Note: If this information affects you or is relevant to your circumstances, seek advice from a licensed professional.
