Call for Stricter Timelines on Insurance Claims and Renewals
Call for Stricter Timelines on Insurance Claims and Renewals
3
⚠️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.
Australian Super, one of the nation's largest superannuation funds, is facing criticism over significant delays in processing insurance claims, particularly those related to income protection and total and permanent disability (TPD). Members have reported prolonged waiting periods, leading to financial hardships and uncertainty. - read more
Club Marine, Australia's leading provider of recreational boat insurance, has announced significant enhancements to its commercial boat insurance offerings. This strategic move aims to better align commercial policies with the company's recreational insurance products, providing comprehensive coverage for vessels used in both business operations and occasional leisure activities. - read more
Marsh, a leading global insurance broker and risk advisor, has been appointed by the Australian Government to oversee the insurance and risk advisory components of the Royal Australian Navy's Maritime Insurance Program (MIP). This program is integral to the Navy's extensive fleet expansion and infrastructure development initiatives. - read more
Australia's insurance industry has reported an after-tax profit of $6.1 billion for 2024, a substantial increase from the five-year average of $2 billion, according to KPMG's annual review. This surge is attributed to premium hikes and a year with fewer significant weather events. - read more
Australian businesses are confronting heightened insurance risk pressures stemming from increased litigation, technological advancements, supply chain disruptions, catastrophic events, and geopolitical tensions. A recent report from Gallagher underscores the importance of risk insights and awareness for organizations preparing for insurance renewals. - read more
Running a business comes with inherent financial risks. Whether you own a small café or a large construction company, unforeseen incidents can lead to significant financial losses. - 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
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
Liability insurance is a form of coverage that protects businesses against claims resulting from injuries and damage to people or property. It provides crucial peace of mind, ensuring that your business is shielded from potentially devastating financial losses due to lawsuits or claims against it. - read more
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
Claim Adjuster: An insurance professional who investigates and evaluates insurance claims to determine the amount the insurance company should pay.