Smartphone quake fails to stir NZ interest
20 April 2015
New Zealand experts say a US plan to use smartphones as early warning systems for large earthquakes in poorer regions has limited application for them…
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Clarification: AIG cyber cover
20 April 2015
The article “Web of Lies” in the April/May edition of Insurance News (the magazine) states that AIG’s cyber cover does not respond to reputational damage…
Combined Insurance: critics say it’s tip of iceberg
13 April 2015
Fraud allegations against Combined Insurance have led to consumer groups suggesting fraudulent sales practices could be endemic within the insurance industry…
Combined faced ASIC probe 15 years ago
13 April 2015
The furore enveloping Combined Insurance over dubious sales techniques is not the first time the US-owned company has faced investigation by the Australian regulator…
CTP schemes performing well: Finity
13 April 2015
The funding positions of most motor insurance compulsory third party schemes in Australia and New Zealand improved last financial year, according to Finity…
Building council spreads word on bushfire resilience
13 April 2015
The new Bushfire Building Council of Australia has begun operations, aiming to tackle an information gap among homeowners and help people make their properties more resilient…
Marcia claims top $412 million
13 April 2015
Insured losses from Cyclone Marcia were estimated at $412.5 million from 32,971 claims at March 25, according to the Insurance Council of Australia…
Canterbury claims delays trouble insurers
13 April 2015
The transfer of claims from the Earthquake Commission to private insurers four years after the Canterbury quakes continues to cause concerns, according to Insurance Council of New Zealand President Jacki Johnson…
Injury claims for back strains fall
13 April 2015
Back strains accounted for one in five serious-injury workers’ compensation claims over the past decade, according to research by Konekt…
In this issue of Insurance News (the magazine)
13 April 2015
What happens in reinsurance over the next year or two is likely to change the face of general insurance. So Insurance News (the magazine) has interviewed three leading players in the reinsurance industry – one a global broker who predicts remarkable change, one a European with a cautious but expansive view, and the other a local leader who sees opportunity everywhere…
Insurers must innovate: Aon
30 March 2015
In an increasingly competitive market, insurers must work harder to differentiate themselves, Aon says…
CGU cuts premiums after north Queensland strata checks
30 March 2015
CGU has cut premiums to more than 7000 unit-owners in north Queensland after conducting assessments on strata buildings in the region…
North Queensland comparator to go live
30 March 2015
The comparison website for home and contents insurance in north Queensland will begin operating this week, Assistant Treasurer Josh Frydenberg announced this morning…
Customers expect ‘omni-channel experience’
30 March 2015
About 85% of insurance consumers prefer using the internet to research, buy and check details of their policies, but 40% find buying or looking for cover online confusing, research shows…
Climate change debate ignores recent events, reinsurer warns
30 March 2015
The debate over whether climate change is man-made or cyclical misses the point that, whatever the cause, unusual weather events are becoming more commonplace, according to a reinsurance claims expert…
Fire survey reveals coverage gaps
30 March 2015
A survey of SA fire victims has shown 85% had their homes fully insured in January last year when lightning strikes caused blazes that destroyed a dozen houses…
No let-up in growth struggle: actuary
23 March 2015
With the reinsurance market awash in alternative capital, insurance premium rates are expected to fall slightly this year in Australia, according to a new report from actuarial group Taylor Fry…
Challenger brands jump in top company list
23 March 2015
Direct insurer Youi has entered the Ibisworld top 1000 companies chart, while Auto & General, owner of Budget Insurance, has jumped up the list…
Insurers meet Cyclone Marcia victims
23 March 2015
About 45 people attended the Insurance Council of Australia’s forums in Yeppoon and Rockhampton last week for policyholders hit by Cyclone Marcia…
Auditor-General attacks councils’ insurance process
23 March 2015
Victorian Auditor-General John Doyle has criticised the Municipal Association of Victoria’s insurance operation for not running a competitive tender for its insurance services…