ASIC Takes Hollard Insurance to Court Over Significant Claim Handling Issues
ASIC Takes Hollard Insurance to Court Over Significant Claim Handling Issues
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
Share this news item:
| Significant Reduction in Farm Liability Claims Reflects Enhanced Safety Practices 25 Jan 2026: Paige Estritori Recent data from WFI Insurance indicates a substantial 75% decrease in farm liability claims over the past year, suggesting that Australian farmers are adopting more effective safety measures. This decline is particularly notable in incidents involving falls from height, which have reached their lowest level in four years. - read more |
| Heightened Road Risks During Holiday Season Due to Increased Freight Traffic 25 Jan 2026: Paige Estritori As Australia enters the summer holiday season, insurers and transport specialists are raising alarms about heightened road risks resulting from the convergence of increased freight activity and holiday travel. This period sees a significant uptick in both passenger vehicles and heavy trucks on the roads, amplifying the potential for accidents and safety incidents. - read more |
| Celebrating Excellence: 2025 National Trucking Industry Award Winners 25 Jan 2026: Paige Estritori The Australian Trucking Association (ATA) has proudly announced the recipients of the 2025 National Trucking Industry Awards, recognizing outstanding contributions and achievements within the sector. These awards highlight the dedication and excellence of individuals and organizations that drive the industry forward. - read more |
| Australian Insurers Achieve $6.1 Billion Profit in 2024 25 Jan 2026: Paige Estritori In 2024, Australia's insurance industry recorded an after-tax profit of $6.1 billion, a significant increase from the five-year average of $2 billion. This surge is primarily attributed to substantial premium hikes and a reduction in severe weather events. - read more |
| How Illness Can Impact Your Financial Stability: The Role of Income Protection Life is unpredictable, and unforeseen health issues can strike at any time, profoundly impacting your financial well-being. An unexpected illness can bring not only physical pain but also financial strain as medical bills pile up and the capacity to generate income diminishes. - read more
|
| Life Insurance Audit: Regular Check-Ups for Your Policy's Health Life insurance serves as a crucial safety net, guarding your loved ones against the unforeseen. Just as you would take care of your health through regular check-ups, it is equally important to ensure that your life insurance policy remains in sound condition to provide the necessary protection. - read more
|
| Insuring Your Practice: Key Considerations for Australian Health Care Workers Income protection insurance is a safeguard for your financial stability, designed to provide peace of mind when you most need it. As a healthcare professional, you’re dedicated to caring for others, but it’s essential to protect your own income against unexpected events. - read more
|
| Income Safety Net: How to Choose the Right Income Protection for Your Lifestyle In the face of life's unpredictable twists and turns, few things are as disconcerting as the possibility of suddenly losing your ability to earn an income due to illness. Such events are often unexpected and can have significant financial repercussions that interrupt not only your flow of daily life but also compromise your future plans. - read more
|
The process by which an insurance company seeks to recover the amount paid to the policyholder from a third party responsible for the loss.