Call for Stricter Timelines on Insurance Claims and Renewals
Call for Stricter Timelines on Insurance Claims and Renewals
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 Insurance Brokers Code Compliance Committee is advocating for significant changes to improve transparency and clarity in their industry standards, amidst ongoing reviews of the National Insurance Brokers Association (NIBA) code.
This call to action coincides with the recent closure of feedback collection from stakeholders, setting the stage for a draft report expected next month.
A major focus of the committee's recommendations is the enhancement of protection for small business clients. Currently, remuneration disclosure requirements are predominantly aimed at retail clients; however, the committee argues that small businesses should also be afforded the same level of transparency.
Another key area highlighted by the committee is the need for stricter timelines around claims and renewals. Presently, brokers are expected to “keep clients informed in a timely manner regarding the progress of their claim,†as stated in clause 7.1. However, the committee suggests a more specific commitment of providing updates every 20 business days. Additionally, they advocate for increasing the notification period for policy renewals from the current 14 days before expiry to a minimum of 30 business days in advance.
These proposed time frames are designed to align client expectations with broker obligations, fostering informed decision-making and improving the overall client experience. The committee emphasizes that such measures will enhance trust in brokers and minimize the risk of lapses in coverage.
Breach and complaint identification, along with reporting, are also under scrutiny in the committee's submission. It urges brokers to report all breaches, including those by representatives, and calls for improved training regarding the code. “Named reporting†on breaches is one of the committee's key recommendations, aiming to enhance transparency and promote better compliance practices. This approach allows firms to benchmark their performance against peers, highlighting industry outliers.
To support these initiatives, the committee proposes securing sufficient funding, enabling them to conduct their own independent investigations and reviews, arguing that reliance solely on self-reported data is inadequate for effective compliance monitoring.
The committee mentions potentially extending the code review period from the current three years to five years, contingent upon the code's approval by the corporate regulator. Such changes are intended to provide a more robust framework for oversight in the industry.
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.
Recent transport and insurance industry attention on lithium-ion battery safety is a timely warning for Australian truck operators. The issue is no longer limited to consumer products catching fire in homes or warehouses. Batteries now move through freight networks in tools, scooters, e-bikes, electronics, spare parts and energy storage equipment, and that creates a different risk profile for carriers, depots and subcontracted linehaul work. - read more
Recent income protection cost commentary has put a practical issue back in front of Australian workers: two policies that appear similar at first glance can carry very different long-term costs. For people relying on their income to meet mortgage repayments, rent, school fees, business expenses or family commitments, the premium is important, but it should not be viewed in isolation. - read more
Recent insurance market commentary has again highlighted a growing challenge for Australian professional service firms: cyber incidents are no longer just an IT problem. When a system outage, data handling error, failed implementation, software defect or poor security recommendation causes a client financial loss, the dispute can quickly move into professional indemnity territory. - read more
Recent consumer reporting has again highlighted a familiar travel risk: some Australians are looking for savings by travelling without insurance, or by choosing the cheapest cover without checking whether it suits the trip. With airfares, accommodation and day-to-day holiday costs still stretching household budgets, it is understandable that travellers are scrutinising every expense. The problem is that travel insurance is often treated as optional until something goes wrong. - read more
Fresh industry attention on cyber underinsurance is a timely reminder that many Australian small and medium businesses are still treating digital risk as an IT problem rather than a balance sheet risk. As more trading, payments, customer records, bookings and supplier relationships move online, a cyber incident can quickly become a cash flow, legal, operational and reputational event. - read more
Public liability insurance is a type of insurance policy that provides coverage for businesses and individuals against claims made by third parties for injuries or damages sustained while on their property or as a result of their activities. - read more
Public liability insurance can help protect a business against the financial impact of third-party injury or property damage claims connected with its activities. Comparing rates is not just about finding the lowest premium; it is about understanding the cover, limits, exclusions and insurer support behind each quote. - read more
Liability insurance is not automatically mandatory for every Australian business, but it can be required by law, licence conditions, contracts, leases, tenders, professional rules or event permits. This guide explains when cover may be compulsory and how to check your obligations. - read more
Public liability insurance is a crucial aspect of managing risk for businesses in Australia. This type of insurance covers costs associated with claims made against a business for property damage or personal injury caused during business operations. - read more
Welcome to our comprehensive guide on public liability insurance. If you run a business, you've probably heard this term thrown around quite often. But what exactly is public liability insurance? - read more
Start Here !
Knowledgebase
Insurance Policy Excess: The amount you will have to contribute when you make a claim.
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts.