Welcome to the Insurance Online News podcast with your host, Paige Estritori, where we deliver the latest and most significant news from the world of insurance in Australia. Our dedicated team works tirelessly to bring you the freshest updates, focusing on the stories that matter the most to both Australian businesses and individual consumers over the past week.
Through meticulous research, we transform these developments into original content that not only keeps you informed but also offers deep insights into the insurance landscape as it stands today. Our podcast distills these crucial updates into a format that's both succinct and captivating. For professionals within the insurance realm or personal consumers keen on keeping up with insurance trends, look no further. Paige Estritori brings you all the essential information daily, making our podcast the ultimate destination for trustworthy and impactful insurance news.
This Week:
This week: Victorian bushfire claims reach about 1,400 with on‑the‑ground support; global reinsurance prices drop around 15% at January renewals, which could ease local pressure later this year; AI becomes Australian executives top risk, prompting reviews of cyber and liability cover; and AFCA backs a near‑doubling of a motor premium after an at‑fault claim, underscoring the value of comparing policies. Listeners are invited to get free, fast personal and business insurance quotes at insuranceonline.com.au.
Hello and welcome to Insurance Online News, Im Paige Estritori, and its Thursday, 15 January 2026.
First, Victorias bushfires have generated about 1,400 insurance claims so far, with early signs that around a third of property claims are total losses. Insurers and brokers are on the ground to help lodge and triage, and assistance is being extended for people without cover. If youre affected, lodge early, keep records and photos, and check that your home, contents and business interruption sums insured are still fit for purpose.
Next up, Januarys global reinsurance renewals saw prices fall by about 15 per cent on average, as capital flooded back and competition increased. Australias big renewals tend to happen mid‑year, but improved conditions offshore can flow through to local programs. That could ease some pricing pressure later in 2026, but outcomes will vary by risk and location. Its a good time to compare cover and features, not just premiums, and see where you can fine‑tune deductibles and limits.
Meanwhile, a new survey shows artificial intelligence has jumped to the top concern for Australian executives, ahead of cyber incidents. The worries include liability for automated decisions, misinformation risks, data quality and skills gaps. For small and medium businesses, that points to reviewing cyber, professional indemnity and management liability settings, plus tightening governance and staff training. A broker can help align policies to how you actually use AI tools.
And finally, the Australian Financial Complaints Authority, or AFCA, upheld a car insurers decision to almost double a customers premium after an at‑fault claim. AFCA accepted the insurers risk‑based pricing, and noted the customer was free to switch — which he did. Premiums can vary widely between providers and by your claims history, so shopping around and checking excesses and features can make a real difference.
Thats it for this week. For free, fast quotes and expert help comparing personal and business insurance, head to insuranceonline.com.au. Im Paige Estritori — thanks for listening.
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.
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Insurance Deductible: the amount that an insured is required to contribute toward an insurance claim as stipulated in an insurance policy. Otherwise known as the "policy excess".
