- What Unfair Trading Reform Could Mean for Small Business Insurance Claims
Australia’s latest unfair trading practices reform has opened a fresh debate for the insurance sector, with small business advocates and insurers watching closely to see whether the new rules will eventually extend into business-to-business dealings.
- New Small Business Insurance Education Push Highlights Underinsurance Risk
A new alliance between the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Zest Insurance is putting small business underinsurance back in the spotlight, with education, practical tools and risk resources to be delivered through the Chamber’s THRIVE program.
- Why Insurance Pricing Is Becoming More Client-Specific
Australia’s commercial insurance market may be softening on the surface, but the latest industry commentary suggests small businesses should be cautious about assuming every policy will automatically become cheaper.
- General Insurance Code Review Puts Service Standards in Focus
Australia’s general insurance sector is edging closer to a significant reset of its customer service rulebook, with Financial Services Minister Daniel Mulino indicating he wants meaningful progress on the long-running review of the General Insurance Code of Practice.
- APRA Data Highlights Rising Public Liability Insurance Costs
The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has released its latest National Claims and Policies Database (NCPD) statistics, revealing a substantial increase in public liability insurance premiums over recent years. Since 2015, premiums have risen by 40%, outpacing general inflation and placing additional financial strain on businesses across the country.
- Melbourne's Pride of our Footscray Nightclub Confronts Insurance Challenges
Melbourne's vibrant nightlife is under threat as venues like Pride of our Footscray grapple with escalating public liability insurance premiums. The popular nightclub has been deemed 'uninsurable' for two years, reflecting a broader crisis affecting small businesses across Australia.
- ICA Advocates for Overhaul of Civil Liability Laws to Ease Insurance Burden
The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) has recently called for urgent reforms to outdated state and territory civil liability laws, highlighting their significant contribution to the rising insurance costs faced by small businesses and community organisations.
- ACCC Approves Uniting Church's National Insurance Purchasing Program
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has granted a six-year authorisation for the Uniting Church's national insurance purchasing program, a move anticipated to reduce premiums and deliver better outcomes for the organisation's diverse operations.
- NSW Court Decision Escalates Liability Risks for Construction Sector
A recent landmark ruling in New South Wales has significantly altered the liability landscape for the construction industry.
- Griffith University Study Uncovers Rising Insurance Costs in Tourism
Recent research conducted by Griffith University has shed light on the escalating public liability insurance costs affecting Australia's tourism sector. The study identifies systemic challenges that extend beyond individual businesses, contributing to the financial strain on operators within the industry.
- APRA Highlights Rising Insurance Costs for Australian Businesses
The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has released its latest National Claims and Policies Database (NCPD) statistics, revealing a substantial increase in public liability and professional indemnity insurance premiums. This trend poses financial challenges for businesses across various sectors in Australia.
- BIA Introduces Combined Indemnity and Liability Insurance on Digital Platform
Berkley Insurance Australia (BIA) has announced the launch of a combined professional indemnity (PI) and public liability (PL) insurance product, available through the Steadfast Client Trading Platform (SCTP) starting June 1.
- NSW Court Decision Escalates Liability Risks for Construction Sector
A recent landmark ruling in New South Wales has significantly altered the liability landscape for the construction industry.
- ICA Advocates for Overhaul of Civil Liability Laws to Ease Insurance Burden
The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) has recently called for urgent reforms to outdated state and territory civil liability laws, highlighting their significant contribution to the rising insurance costs faced by small businesses and community organisations.
- Australia's Rising Litigation Rates Prompt Calls for Legal Reforms
Recent insights from the Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) reveal a concerning trend: Australia is now perceived as the most litigious market globally, surpassing even the United States. This development has significant implications for the insurance industry, particularly concerning the affordability and availability of public liability insurance for small businesses.
- ACCC Halts IAG's Bid to Acquire RAC WA's Insurance Operations
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has recently opposed the proposed acquisition of RAC WA's insurance division by Insurance Australia Group (IAG). This decision stems from concerns that the merger could significantly reduce competition within Western Australia's insurance market, potentially leading to higher premiums for consumers.
- Declining Risk Readiness Among Australian Insurers Amid Escalating Cyber Threats
Recent findings from PwC's Insurance Banana Skins survey reveal a concerning decline in risk preparedness among Australian insurers, marking the lowest levels in four years. The survey highlights that Australian insurers are now 6.6% behind their global counterparts on PwC's Preparedness Index, underscoring a significant readiness gap.
- Revolutionizing Insurance Risk Assessment with AI-Driven Adaptive Questionnaires
The insurance industry is witnessing a transformative shift with the introduction of the ARQuest framework, which leverages artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance risk profiling through personalized and adaptive questionnaires.
- Key Challenges Facing Australian Insurers in 2026
As Australian insurers navigate the complexities of 2026, three primary challenges have emerged at the forefront: premium affordability and insurability, cyber and data security risks, and workforce attraction and retention. These insights stem from industry feedback highlighted in Gallagher Bassett's forthcoming report, 'The Carrier Perspective: 2026 Claims Insights'.
- ACCC Scrutinises IAG's Proposed Acquisition of RAC Insurance
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has commenced a detailed Phase 2 review of Insurance Australia Group's (IAG) proposed acquisition of RAC Insurance. This move follows concerns that the merger could substantially lessen competition in Western Australia's insurance market, particularly in motor vehicle and home and contents insurance sectors.
- ASIC's Actions Following Shield Collapse Transform Insurance Compliance
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has outlined a series of enforcement and surveillance measures in response to the collapse of Shield and First Guardian.
- Ocean Underwriting Introduces Tailored Liability Solutions for High-Risk Occupations
Ocean Underwriting has unveiled a new facility designed to support complex or hard-to-place liability risks, particularly targeting higher-hazard occupations with unique exposures. This initiative aims to provide tailored insurance solutions that address the specific needs of businesses operating in challenging sectors.
- Surge in Professional Indemnity Claims Hits Financial Services Sector
The financial services industry is currently experiencing a significant uptick in professional indemnity (PI) claims, a trend largely attributed to heightened regulatory scrutiny and enforcement actions by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC). This development has substantial implications for financial professionals and their insurers.
- ICA Advocates for Overhaul of Civil Liability Laws Amid Rising Insurance Costs
The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) has recently highlighted the pressing need for reforms to civil liability laws, citing outdated legislation, escalating legal costs, and bureaucratic red tape as primary contributors to the rising insurance expenses faced by small businesses across the nation.
- ICA Advocates for Legal Changes to Ease Small Business Insurance Burden
The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) has recently highlighted the pressing need for legal reforms to alleviate the escalating insurance premiums burdening small businesses across the nation. In a submission to the Parliamentary Joint Committee's inquiry into small business insurance, the ICA outlined several key areas requiring immediate attention.
- Legal Professionals Oppose Proposed Caps on Legal Fees in Liability Cases
The Australian Lawyers Alliance (ALA) has recently expressed strong opposition to the Insurance Council of Australia's (ICA) proposal to implement caps on legal fees in liability cases. This proposal is part of the ICA's broader agenda to address the rising insurance premiums affecting small businesses across Australia.
- ICA Advocates for Improved Risk Education to Support Small Businesses
The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) has recently emphasized the need for improved risk education programs tailored for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This initiative aims to equip business owners with the knowledge and tools necessary to manage risks effectively and navigate the complexities of the insurance market.
- APRA Data Shows Rising Insurance Premiums Through Intermediaries
The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has released its latest statistics, indicating an increase in general insurance premiums placed through intermediaries. In the six months leading up to December 31, 2025, intermediated premiums totaled $22.97 billion, up from $21.59 billion in the previous half-year.
- Lawyers Challenge ICA's Proposal for Legal Fee Caps
The Australian Lawyers Alliance (ALA) has raised objections to the Insurance Council of Australia's (ICA) recent proposal to implement caps on legal fees in liability cases.
- Rising Premiums Challenge Australian Insurers in 2026
In 2026, Australian insurers are grappling with significant challenges as premium affordability becomes a pressing concern. A recent survey by Gallagher Bassett highlights that 70% of insurers have reported increased claim costs and frequencies over the past year.
- Insurtech Australia Criticizes ASIC's Efforts to Spur Insurance Innovation
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission's (ASIC) Enhanced Regulatory Sandbox (ERS), introduced in 2020 to facilitate financial innovation, has been deemed ineffective in fostering advancements within the insurance sector.
- Australian Commercial Insurance Rates Experience Significant Decline
The Australian commercial insurance market has witnessed a notable decline in premium rates, with a 12% drop recorded in the fourth quarter of 2025. This marks the largest decrease among the eight regions monitored by Marsh Risk's Global Insurance Market Index. ([insurancenews.com.au](https://www.insurancenews.com.au/the-broker/australia-leads-way-as-commercial-rate-slide-continues?utm_source=openai))
- ICA Advocates for Overhaul of Civil Liability Laws Amid Rising Insurance Premiums
The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) has recently released a white paper highlighting the urgent need for reforms to state and territory civil liability laws, which have remained largely unchanged for nearly 25 years.
- Severe Hailstorms Lead to Sharp Decline in Insurance Industry Profits
The Australian insurance industry has experienced a notable decline in profits during the December quarter, primarily due to severe hailstorms that occurred in October and November.
- NSW Court Decision Escalates Liability Risks for Construction Industry
A recent landmark ruling in New South Wales has significantly altered the liability landscape for the construction industry.
- ICA Advocates for Overhaul of Civil Liability Laws Amid Rising Insurance Premiums
The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) has recently released a white paper highlighting the urgent need for reforms to state and territory civil liability laws, which have remained largely unchanged for nearly 25 years.
- Rising Public Liability Insurance Premiums Challenge Australian Businesses
Australian businesses are grappling with a significant rise in public liability insurance premiums, a trend attributed to outdated civil liability laws and escalating legal expenses.
- ICA Calls for National Review of Civil Liability Laws Amid Rising Insurance Costs
The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) is advocating for a national review of civil liability laws to address the escalating costs of public liability insurance premiums affecting businesses nationwide.
- IAG CEO Predicts Ongoing Insurance Premium Hikes
Insurance Australia Group (IAG), a leading insurer in Australia, has reported a significant 91% increase in net profit for the first half of the 2024–2025 financial year, reaching $778 million. This surge is largely attributed to favourable weather conditions resulting in fewer natural disaster claims. ([abc.net.au](https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-02-14/iag-ceo-nick-hawkins-warns-of-further-premium-increases/104931074?utm_source=openai))
- Climate Change Impacting Home Insurance Costs
Insurance Australia Group (IAG) has issued a warning to Australian homeowners about the escalating impact of climate change on home insurance premiums. The insurer's recent report indicates that the increasing frequency and severity of weather events are leading to higher claims costs, which are subsequently driving up premiums. ([abc.net.au](https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-11-04/climate-change-plays-role-in-growing-home-insurance-iag-warns/105964560?utm_source=openai))
- Home Insurance Premiums Surge Over 30% for Some Australians
Consumer advocacy group Choice has released a report highlighting substantial increases in home insurance premiums across Australia. The findings indicate that while the average premium rose by 16% over the past year, certain insurers have implemented hikes exceeding 30%. ([theguardian.com](https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/feb/28/choice-australian-insurance-provider-review-kogan-rac-honey?utm_source=openai))
- ICA Advocates for Overhaul of Civil Liability Laws to Curb Rising Insurance Premiums
The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) has recently released a white paper highlighting the urgent need for reforms to state and territory civil liability laws, which have remained largely unchanged for nearly 25 years.
- Liberty Adds 'Safe Harbour' Insolvency Cover to D&O Policies
Liberty Specialty Markets has announced the addition of a company insolvency extension to its Australian directors' and officers' (D&O) liability policies. This innovative feature is designed to support companies and their directors by covering reasonable costs incurred when engaging approved advisers under the 'safe harbour' insolvency regime.
- APRA Reports Significant Underwriting Gains in Short-Tail Insurance
The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has released data indicating a substantial underwriting profit of $1.55 billion in short-tail insurance lines for the September quarter. This marks a notable improvement in the sector's performance, with householders insurance contributing $636 million to the overall profit.
- NSW Court Decision Escalates Liability Risks for Construction Industry
A recent landmark ruling in New South Wales has significantly altered the liability landscape for the construction industry.
- Rising Public Liability Insurance Premiums Challenge Australian Businesses
The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has released its latest National Claims and Policies Database (NCPD) statistics, revealing a substantial increase in public liability insurance premiums over recent years.
- ICA Advocates for Overhaul of Civil Liability Laws Amid Rising Insurance Premiums
The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) has recently released a white paper highlighting the urgent need for reforms to state and territory civil liability laws, which have remained largely unchanged for nearly 25 years.
- APRA Data Shows Significant Rise in Public Liability Insurance Premiums
The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has released its latest National Claims and Policies Database (NCPD) statistics, revealing a substantial increase in public liability insurance premiums over recent years.
- Upcover Unveils Comprehensive Management Liability Insurance for Australian SMEs
Sydney-based insurtech company Upcover has launched a new management liability insurance product designed specifically for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and sole traders across Australia.
- Australian Insurers Face Challenges in Risk Preparedness
Recent findings from the PwC Insurance Banana Skins Survey reveal that Australian insurers are trailing behind their global counterparts in risk preparedness. The survey, which gathered insights from 698 insurance executives across 42 territories, indicates that Australian insurers scored 6.6% lower on the Preparedness Index compared to the global average.
- Surge in Profits for Australian Insurers Following Premium Increases
Australia's insurance sector has reported a substantial after-tax profit of $6.1 billion for the year 2024, according to KPMG's annual review. This figure is three times higher than the five-year average of $2 billion, highlighting a significant financial upturn for the industry.
- Significant Premium Increases Reported by Australian Insurers
Consumer advocacy group Choice has released a report indicating that several Australian insurers have implemented substantial increases in home insurance premiums over the past year. Notably, Kogan, RAC, and Honey have raised their average premiums by more than 30%, significantly outpacing the industry average increase of 16%.
- ICA Advocates for Overhaul of Civil Liability Laws Amid Rising Insurance Premiums
The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) has recently released a white paper highlighting the urgent need for reforms to state and territory civil liability laws, which have remained largely unchanged for nearly 25 years.
- Soaring Insurance Premiums Threaten Australia's Leisure and Recreation Industry
The Australian Amusement Leisure & Recreation Association (AALARA) has raised concerns over the escalating costs of public liability insurance, which are placing significant pressure on amusement and recreation operators across the country. This warning follows the Insurance Council of Australia's (ICA) recent call for reforms to civil liability laws.
- APRA Reports Significant Increase in Public Liability Insurance Premiums
The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has released its latest National Claims and Policies Database (NCPD) statistics, revealing a substantial increase in public liability insurance premiums over recent years.
- ICA Advocates for Overhaul of Civil Liability Laws to Curb Rising Insurance Premiums
The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) has recently released a white paper highlighting the urgent need for reforms to state and territory civil liability laws, which have remained largely unchanged for nearly 25 years.
- APRA Data Shows Significant Rise in Public Liability Insurance Premiums
The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has released its latest National Claims and Policies Database (NCPD) statistics, revealing a substantial increase in public liability insurance premiums over recent years.
- ICA Advocates for Overhaul of Civil Liability Laws Amid Rising Insurance Premiums
The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) has recently released a white paper highlighting the urgent need for reforms to state and territory civil liability laws, which have remained largely unchanged for nearly 25 years.
- APRA Data Shows Significant Rise in Public Liability Insurance Premiums
The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has released its latest National Claims and Policies Database (NCPD) statistics, revealing a substantial increase in public liability insurance premiums over recent years.
- Upcover's New Management Liability Insurance: A Boon for SMEs
In a significant development for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and sole traders across Australia, Sydney-based insurtech company Upcover has unveiled a new management liability insurance product.
- ACCC Scrutinises IAG's Proposed Acquisition of RAC Insurance
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has expressed concerns regarding Insurance Australia Group's (IAG) proposed A$1.35 billion acquisition of the Royal Automobile Club of Western Australia's (RAC) insurance business.
- IAG Highlights Climate Change's Role in Rising Home Insurance Costs
Insurance Australia Group (IAG) has highlighted the growing impact of climate change on home insurance premiums in Australia. The insurer reports that increasingly frequent and severe weather events are contributing to higher costs for homeowners seeking coverage.
- ASIC Takes Legal Action Against RACQ Insurance Over Misleading Premium Information
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has commenced legal proceedings against RACQ Insurance, a subsidiary of Insurance Australia Group (IAG), alleging that the insurer misled over 570,000 customers between September 2019 and December 2024.
- Rising Liability Costs Put Pressure on Australia's Leisure Sector
The Australian Amusement Leisure & Recreation Association (AALARA) has raised concerns over the escalating costs of public liability insurance, which are placing significant pressure on amusement and recreation operators across the country. This warning follows the Insurance Council of Australia's (ICA) recent call for reforms to civil liability laws.
- New Report Highlights Insurance Challenges for Australian Small Businesses
A recent report by the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) has revealed that small businesses in Australia are paying up to 30% more for their insurance premiums due to taxes and levies imposed by state and territory governments.
- Upcover Unveils Comprehensive Management Liability Insurance for Australian SMEs
Sydney-based insurtech company Upcover has launched a new management liability insurance product designed specifically for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and sole traders across Australia.
- APRA Data Shows Stability in Professional Indemnity Claims Amid Declining Premiums
The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has released its latest National Claims and Policies Database (NCPD) report, providing insights into the professional indemnity (PI) insurance sector. The data indicates that while claims payments for non-facility business remained relatively stable at $1.
- ICA Advocates for Overhaul of Civil Liability Laws to Curb Rising Insurance Premiums
The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) has recently released a white paper highlighting the urgent need for reforms to state and territory civil liability laws, which have remained largely unchanged for nearly 25 years.
- APRA Data Shows Significant Rise in Public Liability Insurance Premiums
The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has released its latest National Claims and Policies Database (NCPD) statistics, revealing a substantial increase in public liability insurance premiums over recent years.
- ICA Advocates for Overhaul of Civil Liability Laws Amid Rising Insurance Premiums
The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) has recently released a white paper highlighting the urgent need for reforms to state and territory civil liability laws, which have remained largely unchanged for nearly 25 years.
- Australian Businesses Demand National Action on Rising Insurance Costs
In response to escalating insurance premiums, Australian businesses are calling for a coordinated national reform agenda to alleviate the financial pressures associated with obtaining adequate coverage.
- APRA Reports Significant Increase in Public Liability Insurance Premiums
The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has released its latest National Claims and Policies Database (NCPD) statistics, revealing a substantial increase in public liability insurance premiums over recent years.
- QBE Under Scrutiny for Misleading Discount Practices
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has initiated legal action against QBE Insurance, alleging that the insurer misled over 500,000 customers regarding promised discounts on various insurance products. This development underscores the critical importance of transparency and accuracy in the insurance sector, particularly concerning pricing and customer communications.
- Upcover's New Management Liability Insurance: A Boon for SMEs
In a significant development for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and sole traders across Australia, Sydney-based insurtech company Upcover has unveiled a new management liability insurance product.
- APRA's Findings: Stability in PI Claims Amid Declining Premiums
The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has released its latest National Claims and Policies Database report, providing insights into the professional indemnity (PI) insurance sector. The data indicates that while claims payments for non-facility business remained relatively stable at $1.
