In this episode of the weekly Insurance News Wrap, Paige Estritori covers a range of developments within Australia's transport and logistics insurance sector. Insuregroup marks a remarkable growth with over ten-thousand insurance policies processed due to surging freight volumes and regulations. In response to the critical need for comprehensive truck insurance, Envest Group has launched TLI Underwriting, a service dedicated to providing custom insurance products for heavy motor fleet operators. The rise of telematics technology, which allows real-time tracking of vehicle data, is also discussed as a significant factor shaping the future of the insurance industry. However, the episode concludes with a caveat on rapidly increasing insurance premiums, linked to rising labor and material costs, and the recent natural disasters in Australia. The listeners are advised to stay informed to effectively navigate these changes.n

This Weekly Insurance News Wrap, hosted by Paige Estritori, highlights the record-breaking profitability of the Australian insurance industry in 2024, with after-tax profit reaching $6.1 billion. However, experts predict potential economic and natural challenges could impact this upward trend. US-based firm, Markel, is launching professional indemnity insurance in Australia, aiming to support the rising premiums in six key sectors. According to APRA data, costs in public liability and professional indemnity insurance are escalating, a concern especially for large businesses. Insurance broker Gallagher issued a warning to New South Wales builders regarding new obligations under the Design and Building Practitioners Act 2020 and a High Court ruling. The importance of staying updated, managing risks, and adjusting strategies in response to regulatory changes is underscored.n

In this episode of the weekly Insurance News Wrap, Paige Estritori discusses recent developments in Australia's insurance industry. She covers the strong financial performance of general insurers, highlighting a rise in after-tax profits due to higher premium revenues and decreased claim levels. She also warns of escalating insurance risks for businesses due to increased litigation, technology developments, supply chain disruptions, and climate incidents. The discussion then moves to the positive changes in Australia's Directors and Officers' insurance market, with increased competition leading to improved terms and conditions. Lastly, she touches on Suncorp Group's move to focus solely on insurance operations, which could lead to more tailored and competitive products for freelancers and self-employed professionals.

In this episode of the Weekly Insurance News Wrap, we discuss industry events affecting Australian consumers. There was a significant increase in Australian general insurers' after-tax profits during Q3 of 2025, due to a rise in premium revenues and a decline in claim numbers. Suncorp Group recently sold its banking operations to ANZ, enabling a concentrated focus on becoming a leading Trans-Tasman insurer by 2027. Insurance Australia Group launched its second NextGen Ambition Program, highlighting the dedication to workforce development and consumer needs. On a less positive note, Allianz Australia and AWP Australia received a $16.8m fine for misleading consumers, emphasizing the importance of fully understanding insurance policies and considering professional advice. We recommend visiting financialservicesonline.com.au to further understand these trends.

In this week's podcast by Paige Estritori for Financial Services Online, key highlights from the insurance and financial sectors in Australia were discussed. The Australian general insurers reported substantial after-tax profits of nearly 2.3 billion Aussie dollars in Q3 of 2025, fueled by higher premium revenues and fewer claims. As for home services business owners, this could denote upcoming premium adjustments. In transport regulations, Queensland transferred its heavy vehicle compliance duties to the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator, implying reduced administrative burdens and more regulatory consistency for interstate transport operators. The summer holiday season has brought increased road safety risks, highlighting the importance of proactive safety protocols. Fleet operators face increasing motor collision claims, prompting many to adopt Usage-Based Insurance and telematics technology for fine-tuned risk assessments and potential premium reduction.

This week's podcast focuses on recent developments in the Australian insurance and transport sectors. The State of Queensland transfers its heavy vehicle compliance duties to the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator to reduce administrative burden and streamline regulations, aligning with other Australian states. As freight activity peaks over the summer holidays, the importance of implementing safety protocols for safer travel is emphasized. The transport sector is adopting proactive risk management strategies and advanced insurance products in response to increased motor collision risks. Usage-based insurance and telematics technology are being used for accurate tracking of driving behaviours and refining risk assessments. Lastly, superannuation funds face scrutiny for delays in processing mental health insurance claims, with substantial steps being made to improve procedures, transparency, and staff training.

In this week's Financial Services Online podcast, Paige Estritori discusses the challenges Australian insurers face with emerging risks like cybersecurity and artificial intelligence, as outlined in PwC's Insurance Banana Skins Survey. The focus shifts on the third annual conference by Insurance News, scheduled for March 19th, promising insights on market trends and broking's future. Estritori also highlights concerns over escalating home insurance premiums due to increased weather events attributed to climate change. Citing Insurance Australia Group's CFO, Bill McDonnell, she warns of a 67% surge in claims indicating the urgency for policy reassessment. Meanwhile, Australian agriculture receives a boost as Rural Affinity and Munich Re Specialty renew their partnership for five years, targeting gaps in farm coverage and unique risks due to climate change. The podcast is a comprehensive overview of the week's key insurance industry developments.

In this podcast, Paige Estritori of Financial Services Online reviews key aspects of the insurance sector. Topics include the 21st Australian Insurance Industry Awards nominees by ANZIIF, set for August in Sydney, with mention of notable contenders in the Small to Medium Broking Company category. The growth of Australia's strata property sector, now exceeding $1.4 trillion insured value, and its associated challenges due to aging infrastructure, are discussed. Netstrata comes under scrutiny for inflating insurance brokerage fees, sparking outrage and investigations. Similarly, Steadfast Group faces allegations of misleading clients by preferring more expensive policies, impacting its share price and trading status. The episode underscores the importance of integrity, transparency, and informed decision-making in the Australian insurance industry.

In this episode of the Financial Services Online podcast, host, Paige Estritori, discusses major financial stories from Australia. Highlights include a warning from PwC that Australian insurers are falling behind globally in their readiness for cyber threats. Antonie Jagga of PwC advises insurers to use more data-driven, AI-infused pricing aligning premiums with actual risks. The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) focuses on enforcing transparency in insurance pricing and claims handling. Significant insolvency cases, such as Shield and First Guardian Master Funds, are also discussed. Furthermore, we delve into the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority's (APRA) proposed changes to the reinsurance framework and Queensland's success in aligning heavy vehicle compliance with the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator. The podcast wraps up encouraging Western Australia and the Northern Territory to follow this regulatory harmony.

This week's episode of 'Weekly Insurance News Wrap' with Paige Estritori discusses significant evolutions in Australia's insurance sector. The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) is seeking an overhaul of civil liability laws to combat rising public liability insurance premiums, potentially aiding sustainability within the market and lowering financial strain for small businesses. The Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) has made consequential rulings, reminding restaurateurs of the importance of transparency and comprehensive record-keeping in managing insurance policies. The episode also highlights a high increase in insurance premiums in New South Wales; Business NSW revealed staggering numbers of businesses lacking full catastrophe coverage and being hit by premium hikes. They're advocating for taxation reviews and the removal of the emergency services levy to mitigate such challenges.n