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.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has recently opposed the proposed acquisition of RAC WA's insurance operations by Insurance Australia Group (IAG). This decision stems from concerns that the merger would significantly reduce competition within Western Australia's insurance sector, potentially leading to higher premiums and diminished service quality for consumers. - read more
BizCover, an online business insurance platform, has expanded its professional indemnity (PI) insurance offerings through a new distribution agreement with Zurich Australia. This partnership enables small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with annual revenues under $7.5 million to access Zurich's PI insurance directly via the BizCover website, with coverage limits of up to $10 million. - read more
In a recent development, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) and the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) have jointly called upon insurers to enhance their artificial intelligence (AI) governance frameworks. This directive underscores the regulators' growing concern over the potential risks associated with the rapid adoption of AI technologies within the insurance sector. - read more
In the Australian beauty industry, professionals such as beauticians, hairdressers, and salon owners are facing significant challenges due to escalating insurance premiums. This trend is largely attributed to a lack of competition among insurers, leading to higher costs and limited options for coverage. - read more
As of May 1, 2026, Australian Football League (AFL) players will no longer have insurance coverage for brain injuries under their superannuation policies. This change comes after Zurich Insurance decided to exclude total and permanent disability (TPD) benefits for claims related to traumatic head injuries, concussions, chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), post-concussion syndrome, or any neurological impairments linked to brain injury. - read more
Caravan insurance is an absolute necessity for anyone who owns a caravan. Accidents can happen at any time and without adequate insurance, the costs can be devastating. In this article, we will be exploring real-life horror stories and disasters regarding caravan insurance, to help you understand what can go wrong and what steps you can take to avoid similar situations. - read more
Maintaining your caravan isn't just about keeping it looking good; it's a crucial practice that ensures your safety on the road, as well as helping you protect your investment. A caravan represents a significant financial commitment, and just like any other vehicle, it requires regular care to maintain its value and functionality. - 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
Caravanning is a popular pastime for many Australians, offering the freedom to explore the great outdoors and travel at leisure. However, owning a caravan comes with its own set of responsibilities and risks. - read more
Knowledgebase
Exclusion: Specific conditions or circumstances for which the insurance policy does not provide coverage.
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts.