The information on this website is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Consider seeking personal advice from a licensed adviser before acting on any information.
Suncorp Group has unveiled an increased reinsurance protection limit, now extending up to $6.75 billion.
Despite this expansion, the total expenditure on the program is expected to mirror last year’s spending, thanks to balancing mechanisms.
Group CEO Steve Johnston expressed satisfaction with the rebalancing of global reinsurance markets after several tumultuous years. "Reinsurance significantly influences the pricing of our insurance products," said Johnston. "Alongside inflation impacting the broader economy, this has contributed to higher insurance premiums in both Australia and New Zealand."
This new protection ceiling exceeds the regulations set by Australian and New Zealand authorities, marking an increase from last year’s $6.4 billion limit.
Noteworthy adjustments in Suncorp's program involve the non-renewal of a quota share agreement for Queensland’s home insurance, attributable to the federal government’s cyclone reinsurance pool. Innovations in risk selection and pricing have notably enhanced resilience. Prior to this, Suncorp had transferred 30% of its Queensland home portfolio to mitigate regional risk concentration.
The company maintains a maximum event retention of $350 million for an initial large-scale event and $250 million for subsequent incidents. The central catastrophe program encompasses home, motor, and commercial properties across both Australia and New Zealand.
Mirroring the previous year, the group has procured drop-down covers to lessen retention costs for the second, third, and fourth events to $250 million. Additionally, the Australian drop-down arrangement still reduces retention for the third and fourth events to $150 million.
New Zealand’s increased retention denotes ongoing ramifications of early last year’s severe weather on reinsurance economics and availability in the region.
Furthermore, full placement of buy-down cover, which includes a prepaid reinstatement, is secured to offer protection between $NZ200 million ($182 million) up to the group’s maximum retention. This is an upgrade from last year’s partial placement of 52% with an attachment point at $NZ100 million ($91 million).
With the anticipated completion of Suncorp’s bank sale on July 31, Johnston commented, "Our renewed reinsurance program places us in a strategic position to evaluate additional covers that may be beneficial."
Suncorp forecasts an increase in its natural hazard allowance to $1.565 billion this fiscal year, from last year’s $1.36 billion, with previous year’s perils costing approximately $1.23 billion. This hike reflects growth in unit numbers, inflation, and enhanced risk retention due to reinsurance modifications.
The insurer remains committed to incorporating its reinsurance costs and natural hazards allowance into the pricing of insurance policies, aiming to sustain its insurance margin within a range of 10%-12%.
Expected to be released on August 19, Suncorp projects its underlying margins for the last financial year to settle around the midpoint of the 10%-12% range. A late-December weather incident drove reserve fortifications for the second half of the year, influenced by supply chain issues and holiday timing affecting claim submissions, altering typical claim patterns and durations.
Please Note: We do not endorse any specific products or companies. Some content is sourced from third parties, including press releases, and may not be independently verified for accuracy or completeness.
Australians are bracing for substantial increases in private health insurance premiums, with some policies set to rise by as much as 25% starting April 2026. This surge significantly exceeds the government-approved average increase of 4.41%, raising concerns about affordability and value for policyholders. - read more
The Australian Medical Association (AMA) has released its latest Private Health Insurance Report Card, revealing a concerning trend: Australians are paying higher premiums for private health insurance while receiving diminished value in return. The report underscores the urgent need for comprehensive reforms to address these issues. - read more
Starting April 1, 2026, Australian private health insurance premiums are set to rise by an average of 4.41%, marking the most significant increase in almost a decade. This adjustment reflects the escalating costs associated with providing medical and hospital services, which have risen by 5% over the past financial year. - read more
AUSactive has unveiled a new insurance product tailored specifically for exercise and active health professionals. Developed in partnership with global insurance broker Marsh, this offering provides enhanced protection while delivering lower premiums compared to existing market options. - read more
The AusFitness Industry, in collaboration with AUSactive and the American College of Sports Medicine, has released the 2026 Fitness Trends Report, offering valuable insights into the evolving landscape of Australia's fitness industry. The report identifies the top 20 trends, reflecting a sector that is becoming more diverse, data-informed, and inclusive. - read more
With the growing appeal of exploring the vast and varied landscapes of Australia, the caravanning lifestyle has seen a significant surge in popularity. The sense of freedom that comes with a home on wheels captivates adventurers and holiday-makers alike, making the choice of caravan protection through insurance an essential aspect of ensuring ongoing travel peace of mind. - read more
Owning a caravan opens up a world of adventures across Australia, but it also brings certain risks. Having the right caravan insurance is essential for protecting your investment against accidents, theft, and unforeseen events. The importance of caravan insurance cannot be overstated for Australian owners, given the unique challenges presented by travel and storage conditions across various terrains and climates. - read more
Caravanning in Australia taps into a deep-seated love for adventure and the great outdoors. With vast landscapes and awe-inspiring natural beauty, it's no wonder that hitting the road with a caravan in tow has become a cherished pastime for many Aussies. - read more
Welcome, Australian caravan enthusiasts! Embarking on road trips and enjoying the great outdoors is an integral part of the Aussie lifestyle. Whether you're a seasoned traveller or a newcomer to the caravan community, ensuring your home on wheels is fully covered should be top of mind. - read more
Caravan insurance is an important investment for anyone who owns a caravan, whether it's a touring caravan or a static caravan. Caravan insurance is designed to protect you financially in the event of theft, damage, or accidents. However, not all caravan insurance policies are created equal, and it's essential to choose the right policy to ensure you're adequately covered and get the best value for your money. - read more
Knowledgebase
Rider: An optional provision added to an insurance policy that provides additional benefits or coverage.
