Call for Stricter Timelines on Insurance Claims and Renewals
Call for Stricter Timelines on Insurance Claims and Renewals
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.
The Insurance Brokers Code Compliance Committee is advocating for significant changes to improve transparency and clarity in their industry standards, amidst ongoing reviews of the National Insurance Brokers Association (NIBA) code.
This call to action coincides with the recent closure of feedback collection from stakeholders, setting the stage for a draft report expected next month.
A major focus of the committee's recommendations is the enhancement of protection for small business clients. Currently, remuneration disclosure requirements are predominantly aimed at retail clients; however, the committee argues that small businesses should also be afforded the same level of transparency.
Another key area highlighted by the committee is the need for stricter timelines around claims and renewals. Presently, brokers are expected to “keep clients informed in a timely manner regarding the progress of their claim,” as stated in clause 7.1. However, the committee suggests a more specific commitment of providing updates every 20 business days. Additionally, they advocate for increasing the notification period for policy renewals from the current 14 days before expiry to a minimum of 30 business days in advance.
These proposed time frames are designed to align client expectations with broker obligations, fostering informed decision-making and improving the overall client experience. The committee emphasizes that such measures will enhance trust in brokers and minimize the risk of lapses in coverage.
Breach and complaint identification, along with reporting, are also under scrutiny in the committee's submission. It urges brokers to report all breaches, including those by representatives, and calls for improved training regarding the code. “Named reporting” on breaches is one of the committee's key recommendations, aiming to enhance transparency and promote better compliance practices. This approach allows firms to benchmark their performance against peers, highlighting industry outliers.
To support these initiatives, the committee proposes securing sufficient funding, enabling them to conduct their own independent investigations and reviews, arguing that reliance solely on self-reported data is inadequate for effective compliance monitoring.
The committee mentions potentially extending the code review period from the current three years to five years, contingent upon the code's approval by the corporate regulator. Such changes are intended to provide a more robust framework for oversight in the industry.
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 Tasmanian government has announced a significant shift in its approach to the TasInsure initiative, moving away from establishing a state-owned insurance company to creating a not-for-profit statutory authority aimed at overseeing and supporting the insurance ecosystem. This decision marks a departure from the government's 2025 election promise to offer affordable insurance directly to Tasmanians through a state-owned entity. - read more
The Australian commercial insurance market has maintained its soft conditions through the first half of 2026, characterized by competitive pricing and increased underwriting capacity across various lines. This trend offers favorable conditions for policyholders, including landlords and property investors seeking comprehensive coverage at more affordable rates. - read more
Allianz has announced a further reduction in broker commissions for its home and landlord insurance products, aiming to maintain the sustainability of its portfolio amidst increasing claims costs and heightened natural catastrophe activity. Effective from July 1, 2026, the maximum commission rate payable to brokers will decrease from 17.5% to 15%, with a subsequent reduction to 12.5% scheduled for July 1, 2027. - read more
In a significant move to address the evolving risks faced by strata communities, CHU Underwriting Agencies has incorporated cyber protection into its residential strata insurance policies. This enhancement provides coverage of up to $50,000 for losses resulting from social engineering fraud, a type of cybercrime where perpetrators impersonate trusted contacts to manipulate payment instructions. - read more
QBE Insurance has unveiled significant enhancements to its commercial landlord insurance offerings, introducing a suite of optional add-ons designed to provide more comprehensive protection for property owners. These strategic enhancements aim to equip brokers with additional tools to better serve their clients in a competitive market. - read more
Caravan insurance is an important investment for anyone who owns a caravan. It provides financial protection against loss, damage, or theft of your caravan. While it's possible to purchase caravan insurance directly from an insurer, in this article, we explore why you should use a specialist caravan insurance broker instead of going direct - and how to choose the right one for your needs. - read more
Caravanning has become a favorite pastime for many Australians, offering a unique sense of freedom and the thrill of exploring the vast beauty of the country. The wanderlust associated with hitting the road and setting up camp wherever you choose speaks to a growing number of adventure-seekers. - read more
Welcome to your guide on Essential Caravan Maintenance: Protecting Your Home on Wheels. Like any home, your caravan is your sanctuary, a place of comfort and security as you travel and explore. However, it's crucial to remember that this rolling residence requires regular check-ups and tune-ups to ensure it remains a safe and reliable haven. - read more
The caravan lifestyle is experiencing a remarkable surge in popularity across Australia. Recent years have seen a significant increase in the number of individuals and families embracing the nomadic way of life, traveling across the country in caravans. - 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
Knowledgebase
Incontestability Clause: A provision in a life insurance policy that prevents the insurer from voiding coverage due to a misstatement by the insured after a certain period.
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts.