Call for Stricter Timelines on Insurance Claims and Renewals
Call for Stricter Timelines on Insurance Claims and Renewals
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
Share this news item:
| Escalating Fuel Prices Challenge Australia's Trucking Sector 30 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori The Australian trucking industry is currently grappling with significant financial pressures due to escalating fuel prices. This surge is placing immense strain on operators who already contend with narrow profit margins, raising concerns about the sector's sustainability and the broader implications for the national economy. - read more |
| Court Ruling Emphasises Need for Clarity in Superannuation Insurance 30 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori A recent Federal Court decision has underscored the critical importance of understanding insurance coverage within superannuation accounts, particularly for individuals in high-risk occupations such as truck driving. - read more |
| Envest Group's TLI Underwriting Targets Large Truck Fleet Insurance 30 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori Envest Group, a prominent entity in the insurance sector, has announced the launch of TLI Underwriting, a specialised heavy motor agency set to commence operations at the end of this month. This new venture is poised to cater specifically to the insurance needs of larger truck fleets, marking a significant expansion in Envest's service offerings. - read more |
| ASIC Takes Legal Action Against Budget Direct for Misleading Discounts 30 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has initiated legal proceedings against Auto & General, the parent company of Budget Direct, alleging that the insurer engaged in misleading advertising practices concerning policy discounts. This action underscores the regulator's commitment to ensuring transparency and fairness within the Australian insurance industry. - read more |
| Why Life Insurance Matters: Securing Your Family's Financial Future Life insurance is a financial product designed to provide peace of mind by ensuring that your loved ones are financially secure even in your absence. It offers a safety net, paying out a sum of money upon the policyholder's death or, in some cases, after a set period. This payout can help cover expenses such as mortgage payments, children's education, or day-to-day living expenses, thereby maintaining family stability during difficult times. - read more
|
| Tackling Unexpected Illness: How Income Insurance Can Help Maintain Your Standard of Living Illness limps in unannounced, derailing both physical health and financial stability without warning. When you're sideswiped by unexpected medical conditions, the uncertainty can compound, leading to a precarious balance of meeting health needs and financial commitments. Many are left pondering how to maintain their lifestyle amidst this turmoil. - read more
|
| The Role of Health Insurance in Supporting Preventive Care Preventive healthcare refers to measures taken to prevent diseases, rather than treating them after they occur. This includes actions like regular health screenings, vaccinations, and adopting healthy lifestyle practices. - read more
|
| Busting the Myth That Income Protection is Only for Physical Injuries To all the self-employed Australians! You're the backbone of our economy, recognized for your entrepreneurial spirit and abilities to navigate the unique challenges of managing your own business. Yet, with great freedom comes great responsibility, particularly when it comes to securing your financial well-being. - read more
|
Notification to an insurance company requesting payment of an amount due under the terms of the policy.