Welcome to the Insurance Online News podcast with your host, Paige Estritori, where we deliver the latest and most significant news from the world of insurance in Australia. Our dedicated team works tirelessly to bring you the freshest updates, focusing on the stories that matter the most to both Australian businesses and individual consumers over the past week.
Through meticulous research, we transform these developments into original content that not only keeps you informed but also offers deep insights into the insurance landscape as it stands today. Our podcast distills these crucial updates into a format that's both succinct and captivating. For professionals within the insurance realm or personal consumers keen on keeping up with insurance trends, look no further. Paige Estritori brings you all the essential information daily, making our podcast the ultimate destination for trustworthy and impactful insurance news.
This Week:
This week with Paige Estritori: life insurance reform looms with 85 recommendations for the Life Insurance Code; the General Insurance Code of Practice heads toward enforceability over a 24‑month transition; NSWs insurance levies keep pressure on premiums; and a probe flags missing pricing detail in renewal notices. Listeners are urged to compare policies, check renewals carefully, and seek broker support via InsuranceOnline.com.au.
Hello and welcome to Insurance Online News, Im Paige Estritori, and its Thursday, 2 July 2026.
First, life insurance standards are on the move. An independent review for the Council of Australian Life Insurers, or CALI, has delivered 85 recommendations to strengthen the Life Insurance Code of Practice. The big themes are fairer treatment for mental health, better support for vulnerable customers, and clearer claims and sales practices. If you hold life cover or are comparing options, check your policy terms for mental health and definitions, and consider fresh quotes with expert help so youre not paying for gaps you dont need.
Next up, general insurance is set for its first enforceable Code of Practice, known as the General Insurance Code of Practice or GICOP. The Insurance Council of Australia, or ICA, expects a 24‑month transition. Under the draft, key promises would be legally built into contracts, and claims left undecided after 12 months would be accepted automatically, with stronger support for vulnerable customers. For households and small businesses, that means clearer standards and timelines; keep records, read renewal letters closely, and compare cover so the policy fits your risks.
Meanwhile, New South Wales budget shows the state will collect about three billion dollars a year from insurance taxes and levies. The Emergency Services Levy, or ESL, adds about 18 per cent to a typical home premium and about 34 per cent to commercial property cover, on top of stamp duty. That pressure can tempt people to cut back cover. Before you do, shop around and talk to a broker about smarter ways to trim cost—like adjusting excesses—without drifting into underinsurance.
And a quick reminder from the Code Governance Committee: a recent probe found some renewal notices lacked clear pricing and payment details. If your renewal doesnt break down changes, ask your insurer—or get a broker to benchmark it. A couple of fast quotes can reveal if the jump is justified or if a better‑fit policy is available.
Thats the latest. For free quotes, easy comparisons, and Australia‑wide broker support, head to insuranceonline.com.au. Im Paige Estritori—thanks for listening, and Ill catch you next week.
The information on this website is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Consider seeking personal advice from a licensed adviser before acting on any information.
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A fresh compliance review into strata insurance broking has intensified the sector’s focus on transparency, governance and the way owners corporations are supported through major insurance decisions. The National Insurance Brokers Association has responded by saying it will continue working with members and the code compliance committee after the review identified shortcomings in strata-related arrangements. - read more
Fresh scrutiny of broker conduct in the strata insurance market is a useful reminder for home service businesses that insurance advice should be transparent, documented and clearly aligned with the client’s interests. The National Insurance Brokers Association has responded to findings from the Insurance Brokers Code Compliance Committee after a review identified weaknesses in representative arrangements, remuneration disclosure, conflict management and oversight. - read more
The Insurance Council of Australia has opened public consultation on a redrafted General Insurance Code of Practice, with feedback invited until 21 July 2026. The proposal is not yet final, but it is an important development for anyone who relies on insurance to keep a small business operating, including personal trainers, fitness instructors and studio owners. - read more
Canstar’s 3 July 2026 landlord insurance comparison update gives Australian property investors a timely reminder that price is only one part of the cover decision. Its latest published figures, based on March 2026 research, show the national average annual premium for landlord building and contents cover on houses at $2,640, compared with $432 for units. The gap underlines how strongly property type, location, rebuild exposure and insured assets can influence what landlords pay. - read more
Zurich Australia is set to deepen its position in the local personal insurance market through an expanded partnership with Honey Insurance, with landlord policies included in the new arrangement. From October 2026, Zurich will underwrite and manage claims for home, landlord and motor policies distributed under the Honey brand, as well as through Bank of Queensland and other partner channels. - read more
Running a nightclub is no small feat. It's a lively business that offers entertainment and enjoyment. Yet, it also comes with its own set of risks. That's where nightclub insurance comes in. Just as you craft the perfect atmosphere for your patrons, having the right insurance ensures that the unexpected doesn't catch you off guard. - read more
Business interruption insurance is a crucial safeguard for nightclub owners who want to protect their revenue streams from unexpected disruptions. This type of insurance is designed to cover the loss of income that businesses suffer after a disaster-related closing of the business premises or due to the rebuilding process afterward. - read more
Picture this: it's a busy Saturday night at your nightclub. The dance floor is packed, the DJ is spinning tunes, and everyone's having a great time. Suddenly, someone trips and falls, injuring themselves. In such situations, having the right insurance can be crucial. That's where public liability insurance comes into play. - read more
In the dynamic world of running a nightclub, unforeseen incidents can happen at any time. Whether it's a lively crowd that gets out of hand or an unexpected electrical issue that disrupts your night, the challenges of managing a nightlife venue are uniquely demanding. That's why having the right insurance coverage is not just advisable, it's essential for every nightclub owner. - read more
The nightlife industry is undergoing a significant digital transformation, reshaping how nightclubs operate and engage with their patrons. From online bookings to digital payments, many nightclubs are embracing technology to enhance customer experience and streamline operations. However, this digital shift comes with its own set of challenges. - read more
Knowledgebase
Waiting Period: The time period that must pass after filing a claim before the insurance coverage becomes effective or benefits are paid.
