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:
| Understanding the 4.41% Increase in Health Insurance Premiums 18 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori Australian health insurance policyholders are set to experience a significant increase in their premiums, with an average rise of 4.41% scheduled to take effect from April 1, 2026. This adjustment marks the most substantial hike since 2017, when premiums rose by 4.84%. - read more |
| Rising Insurance Premiums in Australia: What Policyholders Need to Know 18 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori Recent industry reports indicate that Australian insurers are grappling with escalating claims costs and broader economic pressures, leading to adjustments in premium rates across various sectors. This trend is particularly significant for consultants and professionals who rely on comprehensive insurance coverage to mitigate risks associated with their services. - read more |
| Western Australia's Transport Sector Pushes for Enhanced Truck Licensing Standards 17 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori Western Australia's transport industry is urging the state government to implement more stringent heavy vehicle licensing requirements, aiming to bolster road safety and ensure drivers possess adequate experience. This initiative follows South Australia's recent reforms, which introduced tougher conditions for truck drivers after a tragic triple fatality in 2024. - read more |
| Aon's 2026 Report Highlights Escalating Climate Risks for Australian Businesses 17 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori Aon plc, a leading global professional services firm, has released its 2026 Climate and Catastrophe Insight report, shedding light on the escalating climate-related risks facing Australian businesses. The report indicates that insured catastrophe losses in Australia totaled an estimated US$2.9 billion in 2025, underscoring the growing financial impact of climate events on the insurance sector. - read more |
| How Much Life Insurance Do I Need? There are many different reasons to purchase life insurance (generation skipping tax, estate plan, estate preservation, surviving spouse needs, planning for your children's future and more). There is no right amount of life insurance, but here are some guidelines that might help you decide how much life insurance you need. - read more
|
| The Single Parent’s Guide to Securing Your Child’s Financial Future Single parenting brings with it a mosaic of responsibilities and challenges, not least of which is securing a stable financial future for your child. The rollercoaster of raising a child alone often means that planning for the future can take a back seat to the day-to-day demands of parenting. Unexpected illnesses and injuries can compound these challenges, causing stress to multiply and plans to go awry. - read more
|
| Covering the Unexpected: A Guide to Trauma Insurance for Australian Families Trauma insurance, also known as critical illness insurance, is a type of coverage that provides a lump sum payment in the event that the insured suffers from a critical illness or injury. Unlike health insurance, which covers medical expenses, trauma insurance is designed to provide financial protection by helping to cover the additional costs associated with recovery from a severe illness or injury. - read more
|
| Family Planning: Exploring Life Insurance Options for New Parents Stepping into parenthood comes with a myriad of responsibilities, one of which includes securing your family's financial future. Life insurance serves as a financial cornerstone for young professionals who are navigating the complexities of family planning. Recognizing the significance of the role insurance plays can empower new parents to make informed decisions that corroborate their family's safety and well-being. - read more
|
The ratio of claims paid by an insurer to the premiums earned, used as a measure of profitability.