ASIC Takes Hollard Insurance to Court Over Significant Claim Handling Issues
ASIC Takes Hollard Insurance to Court Over Significant Claim Handling Issues
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.
Please Note: We do not endorse any specific products or companies. Some content is sourced from third parties, including press releases, and may not be independently verified for accuracy or completeness.
The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has recently taken decisive action to address escalating concerns within the commercial auto insurance sector. In response to widespread industry protests over substantial premium increases, APRA has implemented emergency regulations aimed at protecting independent transport operators and logistics enterprises from potential financial distress. - read more
As 2026 unfolds, Australian insurers are confronting a trio of pressing challenges that are reshaping the industry's landscape. According to insights from Gallagher Bassett's upcoming report, 'The Carrier Perspective: 2026 Claims Insights,' the foremost concerns include rising premium costs coupled with shrinking insurability, escalating cyber and data risks, and increasing difficulties in attracting and retaining skilled workers. - read more
Australia's transport industry is sounding the alarm over a significant and growing shortage of truck drivers, a situation that poses a substantial threat to the nation's supply chain. The National Road Transport Association (NatRoad) has highlighted that the current shortfall of approximately 28,000 drivers is projected to escalate to 78,000 unfilled positions by 2029, representing a 26% decrease from the current workforce of 189,900 drivers. - read more
The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has released a pivotal report highlighting the pressing need for immediate and substantial action to shield communities from the escalating impacts of extreme weather events. This Insurance Climate Vulnerability Assessment (ICVA) serves as a stress test, modelling potential future scenarios rather than forecasting specific outcomes. However, the risks outlined are already becoming evident, reinforcing the insurance industry's calls for urgent intervention to mitigate extreme weather risks. - read more
The Financial Advisers Association of Australia (FAAA) has recently voiced its opposition to proposed increases in professional indemnity (PI) insurance limits, cautioning that such changes could lead to significant cost burdens for financial advisers. In a submission to the Treasury's consultation on potential reforms to PI insurance within the financial services sector, the FAAA emphasised that reforms to the Compensation Scheme of Last Resort (CSLR) should take precedence over adjustments to minimum PI settings. - read more
Welcome to our comprehensive guide on public liability insurance, an essential safeguard for businesses across Australia. Navigating the complexities of liability insurance can be a daunting task for many business owners, but it’s a critical component of your business protection plan. If incidents such as accidents or property damage occur, liability insurance is the barrier that stands between your business and financial calamity. - read more
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
For Australian business owners, planning for unforeseen disasters is not just prudent; it's an essential aspect of sustaining operations amidst challenges. Recognizing the importance of comprehensive strategies, including robust insurance cover, can make all the difference in business longevity and legal protection. As we navigate the complexities of running a business, it's imperative to have a safeguard against mishaps that could otherwise jeopardize our hard-earned success. - read more
As an Australian business owner, you face numerous financial risks daily. Accidents can happen at any time, whether it's a slip and fall on your premises or damage caused by your products or services. These incidents can lead to costly legal actions that may put significant strain on your business finances. - read more
Public liability insurance is a type of coverage designed to protect businesses and individuals from the financial fallout associated with claims for injury or damage caused to third parties. It is particularly crucial for event organizers, who are responsible for ensuring the safety and security of attendees, vendors, and participants. - read more
Start Here !
Knowledgebase
Subrogation: An insurance carrier may reserve the "right of subrogation" in the event of a loss. This means that the company may choose to take action to recover the amount of a claim paid to a covered insured if the loss was caused by a third party.