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.
Published:Monday, 14th Apr 2025
Source: Paige Estritori
| Upcoming NDIS Planning Reforms and Their Impact on Allied Health Services 26 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) in Australia is undergoing significant planning reforms scheduled to commence in July 2026. These changes are poised to have a profound impact on allied health services, necessitating proactive engagement from healthcare professionals and stakeholders. - read more |
| Australian Private Health Insurance Premiums Set to Increase in 2026 26 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori From April 1, 2026, Australian private health insurance premiums are set to rise by an average of 4.41%, marking the most significant increase since 2017. This adjustment reflects the escalating costs associated with providing medical and hospital services, which have risen by 5% over the past financial year. - read more |
| Artificial Intelligence Transforming Allied Health Services in Australia 26 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into allied health services across Australia is significantly enhancing patient care and streamlining clinical operations. This technological advancement is reshaping the healthcare landscape, offering innovative solutions to longstanding challenges. - read more |
| AUSactive's New Insurance Offering: Enhanced Protection at Lower Costs 26 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori AUSactive, Australia's leading body for the exercise and active health sector, has unveiled a new insurance solution designed specifically for fitness and active health professionals. This initiative aims to provide enhanced protection while offering lower premiums compared to existing market options. - read more |
| How to Compare Income Protection Policies When You Have a Medical History In today's ever-changing world, financial security is a cornerstone of peace of mind, particularly for Australians grappling with medical histories. Income protection insurance emerges as a pivotal solution, safeguarding not only the individual’s fiscal health but the well-being of their dependents. This introduction explores the nuances of income protection insurance and its particular significance for those with pre-existing medical conditions. - read more
|
| The Essential Role of Income Insurance in Your Financial Plan An income insurance policy, often referred to as income protection insurance, is a financial safety net designed to provide you with a steady income stream if you're unable to work due to illness or injury. It ensures that you can still support yourself and your family, even when unforeseen medical conditions prevent you from earning a salary. This policy typically covers a percentage of your pre-tax income, helping to alleviate the financial burden during recovery periods. - read more
|
| Top 5 Reasons to Consider Life Insurance While You're Young When you’re young, life is all about new experiences and making plans for a promising future. While factors like travel, career, and relationships often take centre stage, one aspect often overlooked is life insurance. It might seem like something to consider later in life, but starting a policy while you're young can be a savvy financial move. - read more
|
| Maximize Your Safety Net: Top Tips for Optimizing Income Protection Benefits Welcome to a pivotal guide dedicated to empowering you with the essentials of income protection insurance in Australia. As we navigate through times of uncertainty, safeguarding your financial wellbeing becomes not just a priority, but a necessity. Income protection insurance stands as one of the key pillars of financial security, ensuring a steady flow of income during periods when you're unable to work due to illness or injury. - read more
|