Liability Insurance Australia :: News

Share this news item!

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.

Published:Tuesday, 6th May 2025
Source: Paige Estritori

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

Share this news item:

Insurance News

Leadership Transition at NTI: Janelle Greene Named New CEO

13 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori

National Transport Insurance (NTI), Australia's premier transport and logistics insurance provider, has announced the appointment of Janelle Greene as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective July 1. Greene, who currently serves as NTI's Chief Customer Officer, will succeed Tony Clark, who has led the company for the past 18 years. - read more

Decade-Long Battle Ends in TPD Payout for Injured Truck Driver

13 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori

In a significant ruling by the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA), a truck driver has been awarded a total and permanent disability (TPD) benefit, concluding a protracted dispute that spanned over a decade. - read more

NHVR's Revised Master Code: Broader Safety Guidelines for Heavy Vehicle Users

13 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori

The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) has recently updated its Master Code of Practice, marking the first revision since its initial release in 2018. This comprehensive update extends its reach beyond traditional road transport businesses to encompass a wider array of industries that utilise heavy vehicles, including manufacturing, construction, mining, retail, and logistics. - read more

AFCA Upholds Policyholder's Income Protection Benefits Against Zurich

12 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori

The Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) has recently ruled against Zurich Insurance, instructing the insurer to maintain the current income protection benefits for a policyholder after an 11-year delay in proposing a reduction. This decision underscores the critical importance of timely and transparent communication between insurers and their clients. - read more

Neos Recognized as Leading Income Protection Insurer in 2025

12 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori

In the 2025 Life Insurance Awards presented by Money Magazine, Neos has been honored as the top provider in the Income Protection Insurance category. This accolade reflects Neos's commitment to delivering comprehensive and reliable income protection solutions to Australians. - read more

Click for more Insurance News

Business Insurance Articles

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

Proven Strategies for Slashing Your Business Liability Insurance Costs

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

Why Every Business Needs Public Liability Insurance

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

Public Liability Insurance for Events: What Organizers Need to Consider

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

Understanding The Costs: How Much Does Public Liability Insurance Typically Cost?

Public liability insurance is a crucial form of protection for both businesses and individuals, safeguarding them against potential claims for personal injury or property damage that occur as a result of their operations or services. In an increasingly litigious society, having this coverage can mean the difference between staying afloat financially and facing business closure due to unexpected claims. - read more

Start Here !

Knowledgebase

Insurance Premium:
The periodic amount paid for the purchase of insurance.

This website is owned and operated by Clark Family Pty Ltd (as Trustee for the Clark Family Trust) 43 Larch Street Tallebudgera QLD 4228, A.C.N. 010281008, authorised Financial Services Representative of Unique Group Broker Services Pty Ltd, Australian Financial Services License 509434. Visit the ASIC website for additional licensing information.

IMPORTANT: We are neither authorised nor licensed to provide finance or financial products and we do not offer any form of credit or other financial advice. All product enquiries and requests for financial and/or other advice on this website are referred to third party intermediaries, insurers and lenders - with whom you can then deal directly. We may receive a fee or commission from these third parties in consideration for the referral. Before any action is taken to obtain a product or service referred to by this website, advice should be obtained (from either the third party to whom we refer you or from another qualified intermediary) as to the appropriateness of obtaining those products having regard to your objectives, financial situation and needs. Whilst we have our own process for vaidating the legitimacy of our referral partners, you should always verify the credentials of your financial adviser before proceeding with recommendations that they may present. Visit the ASIC website for further information.