The general insurance industry’s reputation remains intact following two days of questioning by MPs.

Many feared the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Economics hearings, part of a broader inquiry including the big four banks, could turn hostile after committee Chairman Tim Wilson talked about “holding the industry to account”.

Click here to see our live blog of the proceedings.

But while major insurers Suncorp, IAG and QBE were today asked for an account of progress on issues raised by 2018’s royal commission, the level of scrutiny was well below that administered by Royal Commissioner Kenneth Hayne.

On COVID-19, there were questions about customer support measures and how they are being implemented. IAG was criticised for not giving refunds on motor, and QBE for tightening up on trade credit.

But there was no broad criticism of pandemic exclusions on travel or business interruption policies, with MPs apparently understanding the reasons that the industry cannot respond to such systemic risks.

On natural disasters, niche concerns were given rather more airtime than warranted.

Deputy Chairman Andrew Leigh asked again and again about consumer group Choice’s concerns over fire exclusions, because some policies exclude damage caused by heat, soot or smoke.

The industry is open to working on a standard definition, but there is no real problem in practice.

Climate change and the future insurability of Australia was the issue given the most thorough examination – thanks primarily to Greens leader Adam Bandt’s persistent line of questioning.

IAG and Suncorp were asked directly whether they would support greater reductions in emissions of greenhouse gases.

Both said they would – but both also said it is not their major focus.

“As an organisation we support action on climate change,” Suncorp CEO Insurance Gary Dransfield said.

But he added that the insurer’s focus is primarily on mitigation and “nearer-term” issues.

IAG MD & CEO Peter Harmer told MPs that “everybody has a responsibility to do their bit in terms of climate change and emissions reduction” but stressed the importance of managing the transition.

Both insurers say that without a greater focus on mitigation measures, insurance affordability issues will worsen.

The only company facing any real hostility was funeral insurer Youpla, which was heavily criticised during the Hayne royal commission under its former name, the Aboriginal Community Benefit Fund.

There has been a change of ownership, and CEO Bryn Jones says the company has been “listening and learning”, but MPs were annoyed by an apparent defence of previous practices which were slammed by the royal commission.

Dr Leigh said “every other witness” had been apologetic. “You seem to be rejecting the royal commission's findings, which would be very worrying for your customers.”

Youpla is currently not selling new policies due to legislative changes and the fact that it is awaiting approval of its AFSL application, but continues to service 15,000 current policies.

Dr Leigh asked if Youpla will “continue to sign up children”.

Mr Jones says the company has never sold policies to children, but that previously adults including grandparents have nominated children under their own policies. He says if the AFSL is granted the company will continue to allow adults to do this.

"It is easy for a white person ... to turn around and say it’s not needed. You can't say that to an individual who has just lost a two-year-old.

"I invite everyone on the committee to come out to communities and hear what we hear.

"You are asking questions and asking why we are defending ourselves and it's because we believe wholeheartedly in what we do and the community that we are representing."