Complaints against general insurance brokers fell about 41% last financial year, latest data from the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) shows.

The number of complaints received dropped to 251 compared to 425 previously, AFCA told insuranceNEWS.com.au.

“There could be different reasons why we have seen a decrease in complaints against general insurance brokers this year,” Lead Ombudsman Insurance Emma Curtis said.

“However, one reason could be the effects of COVID-19 and changes to business practices and operations. Most general insurance broker complaints concern small business policies, rather than domestic insurance policies.”

AFCA last month said overall it received 72,358 complaints against banks, insurers, super funds, investment firms and financial advisers for the year to June 30, up 3% on the previous corresponding period.

Across all areas, the top five most commonly complained about products were credit cards (9153), personal transactions (7416), home loans (6439), home building insurance (6120) and comprehensive motor insurance (5791).

AFCA will provide more detail on its work at rescheduled member forums that are taking place today and tomorrow, after previous plans were disrupted by technical difficulties.

Sessions on banking and finance, small business and investments and advice will take place this afternoon.

Tomorrow’s sessions begin at 11am with superannuation. That will be followed by an accessibility and inclusion panel at 12pm. The general insurance session starts at 1pm, followed by life insurance at 2pm.