We are a proud member of the Financial Services Online network!
Connect with us on your favourite social media platform for the latest financial news, views, tips, tricks, resources and information.
Gina Cass-Gottlieb, the Chair of ACCC, acknowledges the beneficial impact of the cyclone reinsurance pool, although it has been limited by external cost pressures, leading to only partial relief on insurance premiums which remain "significantly high" for many across Australia.
"We are hopeful that the pool provides a measure of protection for those particularly vulnerable to cyclones, yet it isn't a comprehensive solution for the wider insurance affordability issues," stated Cass-Gottlieb at the Gilbert + Tobin Financial Services Forum. She insists that, "As climate change accelerates, it reshapes not just our weather but our entire approach to managing risk."
The ACCC emphasizes the importance of Northern Australia Insurance Inquiry recommendations, suggesting these could overhaul consumer interaction with insurance markets, enhancing both accessibility and transparency. Cass-Gottlieb also notes corroborating findings from government and industry reports urging continued reforms.
Her vision involves a collaborative approach with all stakeholders, including the government and regulatory bodies, to equip communities, particularly those bearing the brunt of climate changes, with affordable insurance solutions.
The ACCC's Northern Australia inquiry, concluded in 2020, offered insights such as simplifying policy comparisons, addressing conflicts of interest, safeguarding consumer rights, and promoting risk mitigation strategies like better infrastructure.
The federal government has tasked the ACCC with ongoing data collection and monitoring concerning the cyclone pool's effectiveness in delivering savings to policyholders in target regions, evaluating its tangible benefits.
Cass-Gottlieb mentions that global reinsurance markets' current dynamics, alongside soaring costs of building materials and labor, compound the challenge. "Consumers frequently report that exorbitant insurance costs force difficult decisions—either inadequately insuring their property or choosing no insurance at all," she mentioned.
This article reinterprets an original piece noted in Insurance News Magazine, which underscores the pressing demands on the insurance industry amid growing criticisms and external pressures.
Published:Monday, 4th Nov 2024
Source: Paige Estritori
| Insurance Dispute Settled with New Rulings 07 Nov 2024: Paige Estritori In a recent adjudication, a property owner faced a coverage denial due to damage attributed to rodents, offering a revealing insight into insurance claim disputes. When a strata property holder reported water damage from a damaged dishwasher hose, her insurance claim was thwarted by the involvement of rodents. - read more |
| Financial Sectors Grapple With High Reporting of Breaches 07 Nov 2024: Paige Estritori The landscape of financial services in Australia is facing challenges as recent disclosures highlight the magnitude of self-reported compliance breaches across industries. The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) report for the last financial year has revealed that the insurance sector reported the second-highest number of breaches. - read more |
| Call for Stronger E-Scooter Insurance Regulations in NSW 07 Nov 2024: Paige Estritori The rapid increase in e-scooter usage across New South Wales has prompted renewed calls for improved insurance regulations to safeguard both riders and pedestrians. Genevieve Henderson, president of the Australian Lawyers Alliance NSW, is advocating for mandatory insurance policies that would cover private e-scooter owners and council-managed e-scooter sharing programs. - read more |
| Surge in Claims for Non-Advised Disability Income Insurance 06 Nov 2024: Paige Estritori Recent analysis reveals individual non-advised disability income insurance is leading the pack with a remarkable claims paid ratio of 113%. In stark contrast, individual policies acquired through personal advice boast a much lower ratio of 68%, as outlined by the latest prudential data. - read more |
| Controversial Fire Ruling: AFCA Endorses Claim Denial 06 Nov 2024: Paige Estritori A recent decision has stirred considerable attention as an Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) ruling supported RAC Insurance's denial of a fire claim amidst significant controversy and debate. - read more |
| From Illness to Injury: Understanding the Scope of Income Protection Insurance In the uncertain times we face today, where both health and economic climates are unpredictable, safeguarding your financial stability becomes paramount. This is where income protection insurance steps in as an essential safety net. For many Australian families, it's the buffer that ensures life's financial commitments are met, even when ability to work is compromised. - read more
|
| How to Compare Income Protection Policies When You Have a Medical History In today's ever-changing world, financial security is a cornerstone of peace of mind, particularly for Australians grappling with medical histories. Income protection insurance emerges as a pivotal solution, safeguarding not only the individual’s fiscal health but the well-being of their dependents. This introduction explores the nuances of income protection insurance and its particular significance for those with pre-existing medical conditions. - read more
|
| Deciphering Your Policy: A Beginner's Guide to Insurance Terminology Welcome to the world of insurance – a domain where words like 'deductible' and 'premium' can significantly impact your financial protection and peace of mind. As a beginner, grasping the basics of insurance terminology is the first step towards making informed decisions about the policies that safeguard your assets and future. In this guide, we will embark on a journey through the language of insurance, which can often seem as complex as the policies themselves. - read more
|
| Income Protection Insurance: Understanding Waiting Periods and Benefit Periods Income protection insurance is a financial product designed to support individuals in the event that they are unable to work due to illness or injury. This type of insurance provides a regular income, helping to replace a portion of lost earnings and meet daily living expenses. Virtually anyone earning an income, especially those with financial dependents or significant debts, should consider the peace of mind that income protection can offer. - read more
|
| Income Protection Insurance Explained: Ensure Your Livelihood in Times of Uncertainty When life takes an unexpected turn, whether due to illness, injury, or other unforeseen events, the financial repercussions can be devastating. This is where income protection insurance becomes an essential component of maintaining financial stability. Income protection insurance acts as a safety net, ensuring that even in times of hardship, your financial obligations can be met, and your standard of living maintained. - read more
|
|
Finding Accidental Coverage When Comprehensive Income Protection Isn't an Option Income protection is an integral part of maintaining your financial security, especially in the event that unforeseen illnesses or injuries prevent you from working. Enabling you to receive a percentage of your regular income, this type of insurance provides a safety net, ensuring that you can continue to cover your living expenses and financial obligations whilst recovering. - read more
|
|
How to Compare Income Protection Insurance for Self-Employed Australians For self-employed Australians, the financial stability provided by consistent income is the backbone of both personal and business success. Unlike traditional employees, who might have access to sick leave or employer-sponsored disability benefits, self-employed individuals are solely responsible for their financial security in the event of illness or injury. This is where income protection insurance steps in as a crucial safeguard. - read more
|
|
5 Key Factors to Consider When Shopping for Income Protection in Australia Welcome to our comprehensive guide on securing your financial future in Australia. In a world of uncertainties, income protection insurance plays a critical role in maintaining your financial security and peace of mind. - read more
|
|
|
How to Compare Income Protection Policies When You Have a Medical History In today's ever-changing world, financial security is a cornerstone of peace of mind, particularly for Australians grappling with medical histories. Income protection insurance emerges as a pivotal solution, safeguarding not only the individual’s fiscal health but the well-being of their dependents. This introduction explores the nuances of income protection insurance and its particular significance for those with pre-existing medical conditions. - read more
|
|
|
From Illness to Injury: Understanding the Scope of Income Protection Insurance In the uncertain times we face today, where both health and economic climates are unpredictable, safeguarding your financial stability becomes paramount. This is where income protection insurance steps in as an essential safety net. For many Australian families, it's the buffer that ensures life's financial commitments are met, even when ability to work is compromised. - read more
|