Liability Insurance Australia :: News
SHARE

Share this news item!

ASIC Takes Hollard Insurance to Court Over Significant Claim Handling Issues

ASIC Takes Hollard Insurance to Court Over Significant Claim Handling Issues

ASIC Takes Hollard Insurance to Court Over Significant Claim Handling Issues?w=400

⚠️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 Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has initiated legal proceedings in the Federal Court against Hollard Insurance, alleging a breach of the duty of utmost good faith.
This action is in response to what ASIC describes as Hollard's "egregious" handling of a home and contents insurance claim filed by a couple from regional Victoria.

ASIC's case against Hollard revolves around the insurer's handling of the couple's claim following storm damage to their property in October 2021. The regulator claims Hollard's excessive delays and failure to conduct essential make-safe work have rendered the couple's home uninhabitable, leading to extensive moisture, mould, and decay issues that necessitate demolition and rebuilding.

Sarah Court, ASIC's deputy chair, highlighted the seriousness of the delays, stating that such prolonged inaction is unacceptable and potentially unlawful. The legal action aims to address growing concerns about increasing general insurance complaints and send a strong message about the unacceptability of such delays.

The claim, initially filed in October 2021, took Hollard nearly three and a half years to resolve. The insurer rejected the claim in April 2023, 18 months after its submission. Following this, the couple sought intervention from the Australian Financial Complaints Authority, which directed Hollard to provide compensation for non-financial losses and substantiated the storm as the proximate cause of the damage.

Hollard eventually consented to a cash settlement exceeding $1.5 million. However, ASIC contends that despite initially accepting the claim, Hollard delayed decisions regarding repairs, took over nine months to arrange a structural engineer inspection, and postponed the provision of temporary accommodation.

Responding to the legal action, a Hollard spokesperson acknowledged the proceedings and expressed support for ASIC's efforts in fostering consumer-positive outcomes. They noted Hollard's cooperation with ASIC but refrained from further commenting due to the ongoing nature of the legal matter.

Published:Monday, 14th Apr 2025
Source: Paige Estritori

Please Note: If this information affects you, seek advice from a licensed professional.

Share this news item:

Insurance News

Envest Group Unveils TLI Underwriting for Heavy Motor Fleets
Envest Group Unveils TLI Underwriting for Heavy Motor Fleets
31 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori
Envest Group, a prominent player in Australia's insurance sector, has announced the launch of TLI Underwriting, a new agency dedicated to providing specialised insurance solutions for heavy motor fleet operators. This strategic move aims to address the unique challenges faced by larger transport businesses in Australia. - read more
IAG Boosts Profit Forecast Post-RACQ Insurance Acquisition
IAG Boosts Profit Forecast Post-RACQ Insurance Acquisition
31 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori
Insurance Australia Group (IAG) has announced an upward revision of its annual profit forecast, attributing the increase to the recent acquisition of RACQ Insurance. The company now anticipates a reported insurance profit ranging between $1.55 billion and $1.75 billion for the financial year, marking a $100 million enhancement from the previous estimate. - read more
NTI Report Highlights Human Error as Leading Cause of Major Truck Crashes
NTI Report Highlights Human Error as Leading Cause of Major Truck Crashes
31 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori
The National Truck Accident Research Centre (NTARC), supported by National Transport Insurance (NTI), has released its latest Major Incident Investigation Report, shedding light on the predominant causes of significant truck crashes across Australia. The findings underscore the critical need for targeted interventions to enhance road safety within the transport industry. - read more
Hutch Underwriting Launches Comprehensive Professional Indemnity Insurance for Tradies
Hutch Underwriting Launches Comprehensive Professional Indemnity Insurance for Tradies
31 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori
Hutch Underwriting has unveiled a revamped professional indemnity (PI) insurance policy tailored specifically for tradespeople, including electricians, carpenters, and painters. This innovative coverage consolidates protection against advice, design, and incidental cyber exposures into a single, streamlined solution. - read more
Australian Builders Reassess Insurance Strategies Amid Escalating Construction Costs
Australian Builders Reassess Insurance Strategies Amid Escalating Construction Costs
31 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori
The Australian construction industry is currently grappling with significant cost increases, driven by persistent supply chain disruptions and a shortage of skilled labour. These challenges are compelling builders to reevaluate their insurance strategies to effectively manage heightened financial risks. - read more


Business Insurance Articles

The Cost of Safety: How Much Public Liability Insurance Does Your Australian Business Need?
The Cost of Safety: How Much Public Liability Insurance Does Your Australian Business Need?
As a business operating in Australia, understanding the ins and outs of public liability insurance is not just recommended, it's essential. This type of insurance serves as a safeguard, protecting your business against the financial repercussions of lawsuits and claims arising from third-party injuries or property damage due to your business operations. In a world where one unintended mishap can lead to costly legal battles, public liability insurance stands as your first line of defense. - read more
Reducing Your Risks: Public Liability Coverage Tips for Trade Professionals
Reducing Your Risks: Public Liability Coverage Tips for Trade Professionals
For tradesmen and trade professionals, venturing into the world of business comes with its set of challenges and risks. Among the myriad of precautions to consider, one critical safeguard stands out for its ability to protect both the tradesperson and their clients: Public Liability Insurance. This form of coverage is not just a safety net; it is a cornerstone of a responsible business practice within the trade industry. - read more
Understanding Liability Insurance: A Must-Read for Australian Business Owners
Understanding Liability Insurance: A Must-Read for Australian Business Owners
As a business owner in Australia, navigating the complexities of insurance is crucial to safeguard your enterprise against unforeseen events. Liability insurance emerges as a cornerstone of a sound risk management plan, protecting you financially when held responsible for accidents, injuries or negligence. Its importance cannot be understated, as it serves not only to defend your business assets but also to ensure peace of mind in a climate of continually evolving liabilities. - read more
Is Your Business Fully Protected? Top Signs It’s Time to Renew Your Liability Insurance
Is Your Business Fully Protected? Top Signs It’s Time to Renew Your Liability Insurance
As a business owner, one of your top priorities is safeguarding your enterprise from unforeseen events that could lead to financial liabilities. Liability insurance is the cornerstone of this protection, offering a safety net against claims that could otherwise derail your business's financial stability. However, it's not just about having insurance; it's crucial to ensure your coverage is current and adequate for your evolving business requirements. - read more
Decoding Public Liability Insurance: Is It a Must-Have for Your Australian Startup?
Decoding Public Liability Insurance: Is It a Must-Have for Your Australian Startup?
Public liability insurance is an integral safety net designed to protect businesses from the financial risks associated with lawsuits or claims. It provides coverage when a business is found legally responsible for personal injury to a third party or damage to their property. This form of insurance can significantly reduce the burden of legal fees, compensation claims, and other associated costs that may arise from unforeseen incidents. - read more


Start Here !
Your free liability insurance quote comparison starts here!
Cover Amount:
Postcode:

All quotes are provided free and without obligation by a Specialist from our National Broker referral panel. See our Privacy Statement for more details.


Knowledgebase
Loss Ratio:
The ratio of claims paid by an insurer to the premiums earned, used as a measure of profitability.