The impetus behind this investigatory push stems from the flood of feedback ACIL received following their initial disclosures. Leveraging this outpouring, ACIL is currently conducting a comprehensive survey to gather a broad spectrum of experiences, focusing on the nature and scope of these reported issues.
"We are compiling concrete evidence that will serve as a foundation for advocating systemic reform in the industry. This will also aid us in promoting transparency, and our efforts should not be seen as an isolated endeavor by ACIL alone," stated Tyrone Shandiman, the chairperson of ACIL.
Previously, ACIL brought to the attention of the Australian Securities and Investments Commission and the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission a series of 146 problematic instances. These involved practices around the appointment and payment of strata manager brokers that warrant further scrutiny. ACIL has pushed for these regulators to consider a comprehensive review of these practices.
ACIL is reaching out to encourage stakeholders—whether they're individuals, companies, or industry professionals—to provide feedback through an online survey. This survey, which can be completed anonymously, welcomes contributions until the deadline on April 3.
"We're particularly keen to hear from companies adversely impacted by such strata practices, as well as whistleblowers—current or former employees within strata management firms or related insurance brokerages—who can provide insider perspectives," added Mr. Shandiman.
ACIL has called into question certain practices where strata managers have transitioned property owners to unreasonably high remuneration schemes, flagging an opaque veil over the fees and commissions charged to insured property owners.
Meanwhile, the Strata Community Association (SCA) has embarked on developing a 'best practice guide' aimed at bolstering transparency within the complex framework of remuneration agreements that define broker-strata manager relationships.
The focus of SCA's guide is to provide comprehensive disclosure on the nature of commissions, potential conflicts of interest, and a transparent breakdown of remuneration between relevant parties. After implementing educational initiatives and thorough assessments, SCA plans on incorporating these disclosure practices into its official Code of Conduct starting from the subsequent year.
Published:Thursday, 21st Mar 2024
Source: Paige Estritori
Antique Car Claim Hits the Brakes: Home Insurance Does Not Cover Vehicle Damage 24 Apr 2024: .Paige Estritori In an intriguing turn of events, a dedicated car enthusiast's claim for damages to his vintage vehicle under home insurance has been denied after a careful review by the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA). The individual's relic, a 1970 Mercedes-Benz 280e sedan, which was being lovingly restored and was far from operational, rolled into an adjacent van following the snap of a winch cable. - read more |
Communities Laud Insurance Improvements Post-Flood Events 23 Apr 2024: .Paige Estritori Residents and officials from regions affected by flooding have observed a discernable shift in insurers' handling of claims following natural catastrophes, with recent proceedings reflecting a more positive trajectory. This outlook emerged during a federal inquiry session that gave a voice to flood-impacted communities in Heathcote, Victoria. - read more |
Traveler's Appeal on Wildfire Claim Denied by Adjudicator 22 Apr 2024: .Paige Estritori An individual's anticipation of a serene vacation in Hawaii was met with a grievous twist when wildfires ravaged Maui, leading to an urgent evacuation and unplanned expenses. A customer of Mitsui Sumitomo ventured to the Pacific paradise only to have plans upended by nature's wrath. The ensuing insurance claim denial sparked a dispute which has now been resolved by the authoritative voice of the industry’s dispute resolver, leaving a glaring reminder of the importance of scrutinizing insurance options. - read more |
Life Insurance Participation Drops By Nearly One-Fifth in Five Years 19 Apr 2024: .Paige Estritori Last year, research from a major insurance provider signaled a significant shift in the life insurance landscape within Australia, showing a marked decrease in the percentage of insured non-dependent adults of working age. Only 77% now carry some form of life insurance, a stark contrast to the 94% coverage rate recorded in 2017. Industries evolve, yet the dip in these figures marks a noteworthy trend within the life insurance sector. - read more |
London's CFC Gears Up for Australian Expansion With Local Acquisition 18 Apr 2024: .Paige Estritori In a strategic move to fortify its Australian footprint, the prominent London-based cyber insurance firm CFC has announced the procurement of Melbourne's Solution Underwriting. Already an experienced player in the Australian insurance sector, CFC’s recent acquisition marks a significant augmentation of its local operations. - read more |
Urgent Call for Stamp Duty Reforms as Queensland Votes Loom 18 Apr 2024: .Paige Estritori In the lead-up to the imminent Queensland state election, the Australian Consumers Insurance Lobby (ACIL) is fervently appealing to prospective legislators to prioritize an overhaul of the antiquated stamp duty regime. ACIL has pinpointed this as a critical issue, particularly in the context of the escalating costs that have disproportionately impacted residents in the north of the state. - read more |
Clarification Call: Insurers Challenged on Confusing Terms Amid Crisis 11 Apr 2024: .Paige Estritori For two consecutive days, the flood-affected residents of Queensland have been voicing their concerns during the ongoing deliberations of a federal inquiry, tasked with examining insurers' responses to the catastrophes of 2022. The inquiry, in its concluding phase, conducted its second public hearing in the Logan area on April 10th, 2024. - read more |
Revamping Strategies Against Climate Threats After Sky-High Weather Losses 10 Apr 2024: .Paige Estritori The undeniable escalation in weather-related calamities has thrust insurers and governmental bodies into the spotlight, urging a tactical shift in Australia's fight against nature's fury. A recent assessment by prominent insurance broker Aon sheds light on the nation's susceptibility to meteorological mishaps. - read more |
Claims Handling Issues Propel Code Obligation Breaches Upward 10 Apr 2024: .Paige Estritori The Life Code Compliance Committee (Life CCC) has recently published findings indicating an upsurge in code obligation breaches among industry participants, marking this as the third year of escalating incidents. Their report, 'Annual Industry Data and Compliance Report,' highlights a notable 9% overall inflation in the quantity of breaches during the period spanning from the 1st of July, 2022 to the 30th of June, 2023. - read more |
Insurer Held Accountable for Overseeing Claim Delays 09 Apr 2024: .Paige Estritori Following a detailed review by the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA), it has been determined that the insurance giant QBE must compensate a policyholder to the tune of an additional $65,000. This ruling emerged on account of identified delays, by the insurer's assigned loss adjuster, that stalled crucial repairs to a fire-damaged bed and breakfast in Tasmania. - read more |
How to Protect Your Harvest: Tips for Choosing the Right Crop Insurance Farming, at its core, is an enterprise fraught with uncertainty. Weather calamities, pests, diseases, and fluctuating market conditions can all impact the output and quality of produce. This is where crop insurance proves its worth, serving as a safety net for farmers against the myriad risks they face each season. - read more
|
Agroforestry Insurance Guide: Protecting Your Investment in Australia's Sustainable Future Agroforestry is a transformative approach to land management that integrates trees into agricultural landscapes. In Australia, where farmers contend with variable climates and environmental challenges, agroforestry offers a resilient pathway to productivity and sustainability. - read more
|
Building Resilience Against Natural Disasters: Practical Steps for Aussie Farmers Australian farmers face an array of natural disasters that can threaten livelihoods and disrupt the delicate balance of agricultural ecosystems. From devastating bushfires and droughts to powerful storms and floods, these catastrophic events pose serious risks to the farming community. Understanding and preparing for these forces is not just about survival; it's about building a sustainable future for farms across the continent. - read more
|
Proven Strategies for Australian Farmers to Reduce Farm Insurance Premiums Welcome to our comprehensive guide on navigating the complexities of farm insurance for Australian farmers. As an integral part of the agricultural industry, insurance provides a safety net that helps secure the livelihood of farmers against unpredictable events that can lead to financial hardship. From property damage due to natural disasters to loss of livestock or crops, having adequate farm insurance can make all the difference in keeping a farming operation afloat in times of crisis. - read more
|
Protecting Your Herd: The Aussie Farmer's Guide to Livestock Insurance For Australian farmers, livestock is more than just a vital asset; it's the heartbeat of their livelihood. In a land where the sunburnt plains are as relentless as they are beautiful, protecting your herd isn't just a duty; it's a necessity. That's where livestock insurance comes into play—a shield against the unpredictability of Mother Nature. - read more
|
From Droughts to Floods: Understanding Weather-Related Coverage in Farm Insurance Australian farmers face a unique set of challenges due to the vast and varied climate conditions that sweep across the continent. From the scorching heat and prolonged droughts of the Outback to the tropical storms and torrential rains of the northern regions, weather-related risks are an integral part of agricultural life in Australia. - read more
|
How to Save Money on Your Farming Insurance Premiums When looking for farming insurance, it is important to shop around for the best deals. Don't simply rely on the first insurance company that you come across. Take the time to research various companies and their policies. Compare them based on their coverage, premiums, and deductibles. - read more
|
Livestock Insurance for Aussie Farmers: What You Need to Know Livestock farming is a significant part of the Australian agriculture industry. As with any business, farmers face numerous risks such as disease, death, theft or extreme weather events, which could cause damage or loss to their livestock assets. Livestock insurance provides cover against these risks, ensuring that farmers are financially protected from any potential financial losses, which could devastate their livelihoods. - read more
|
Navigating Farm Succession: A Step-by-Step Guide for Rural Australian Families Welcome to our comprehensive guide on navigating farm succession for rural Australian families. The journey of passing on a family farm from one generation to the next is both a critical and challenging milestone. Recognizing that every farm has its unique story and set of circumstances is fundamental to the process. - read more
|
Safeguarding Your Harvest: The Importance of Crop Insurance In the ever-unpredictable world of farming, crop insurance emerges as a pivotal ally for farmers, hedging against the myriad of risks that come with cultivating the land. As the first step to understanding this crucial safeguard, let's unfold the question: What is crop insurance, exactly? In essence, crop insurance is a type of cover designed to cushion farmers from financial losses due to unavoidable circumstances such as adverse weather conditions, pests, disease, or even market fluctuations. - read more
|