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 |
Top Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing Public Liability Coverage Public liability insurance stands as a crucial safeguard for businesses, shielding them from the financial repercussions of legal claims. These claims can arise when members of the public suffer damages or injuries in connection with a business's operations. Understanding the basics of this coverage is not just a matter of legal compliance for many businesses, but a proactive step in asset protection. - read more
|
A Guide to Public Liability Insurance for Construction Businesses When embarking on a construction project, the potential for unexpected incidents and the associated liabilities cannot be ignored. Navigating through the intricate world of insurance might seem daunting, but understanding public liability insurance can save your business from financial peril. In the ever-evolving landscape of Australian construction, its significance cannot be overstated. - read more
|
The Role of Liability Insurance in Managing Contractor and Supplier Risks Engaging with contractors and suppliers is an integral facet of many business operations, fostering growth and expansion. However, with this collaboration comes inherent risks that can impact a business financially and legally, should any unexpected incidents arise. It is here that liability insurance steps in as a cornerstone of risk management, safeguarding businesses from potential pitfalls associated with these partnerships. - read more
|
The Role of Public Liability Insurance in Protecting Hospitality Venues Public liability insurance serves as a critical safety net for event organizers, often seen as a robust shield safeguarding against potential financial repercussions arising from unforeseen incidents. In the dynamic atmosphere of events, where a multitude of variables come into play, this insurance plays a fundamental role in ensuring the stability and continuance of the host's operations. - read more
|
Navigating Public Liability Insurance for Event Organizers: A Must-Read Guide Event organizing can be an exhilarating adventure, teeming with creativity and collaboration. However, with the buzz of activity and the gathering of crowds comes a significant responsibility to ensure the safety and well-being of attendees, staff, and the venue itself. This is where Public Liability Insurance becomes a pivotal part of an event organizer's toolkit. - read more
|
Understanding Public Liability Insurance: A Must-Have for Aussie Businesses For any Australian business, the unforeseeable mishaps that can occur daily pose potential risks not only to operational continuity but also to financial stability. At the core of a strategic risk management plan lies the essential protective layer of public liability insurance, a shield safeguarding businesses from the legal and financial repercussions of accidents and injuries that may happen on their premises, or as a result of their operations. - read more
|
Protect Your Construction Business: The Importance of Adequate Liability Coverage Operating within the construction industry involves managing an intricate web of risks and liabilities daily. Public liability insurance stands as one of the core safeguards to protect businesses from potential financial pitfalls that may arise from these risks. - read more
|
Top Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing Public Liability Coverage Public liability insurance stands as a crucial safeguard for businesses, shielding them from the financial repercussions of legal claims. These claims can arise when members of the public suffer damages or injuries in connection with a business's operations. Understanding the basics of this coverage is not just a matter of legal compliance for many businesses, but a proactive step in asset protection. - read more
|
Public Liability Insurance for Manufacturers: Are You Fully Covered? Public liability insurance is a cornerstone of protection for businesses, offering a shield against claims for personal injury or property damage inflicted on third parties as a result of their operations. As manufacturers open their doors to employees, suppliers, and sometimes the public, they navigate a landscape rife with potential hazards. Public liability insurance becomes not just a safety net, but an essential aspect of responsible entrepreneurship. - read more
|
A Guide to Public Liability Insurance for Construction Businesses When embarking on a construction project, the potential for unexpected incidents and the associated liabilities cannot be ignored. Navigating through the intricate world of insurance might seem daunting, but understanding public liability insurance can save your business from financial peril. In the ever-evolving landscape of Australian construction, its significance cannot be overstated. - read more
|