ASIC Takes Hollard Insurance to Court Over Significant Claim Handling Issues

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.

The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has initiated legal proceedings in the Federal Court against Hollard Insurance, alleging a breach of the duty of utmost good faith.

This action is in response to what ASIC describes as Hollard's "egregious" handling of a home and contents insurance claim filed by a couple from regional Victoria.

ASIC's case against Hollard revolves around the insurer's handling of the couple's claim following storm damage to their property in October 2021. The regulator claims Hollard's excessive delays and failure to conduct essential make-safe work have rendered the couple's home uninhabitable, leading to extensive moisture, mould, and decay issues that necessitate demolition and rebuilding.

Sarah Court, ASIC's deputy chair, highlighted the seriousness of the delays, stating that such prolonged inaction is unacceptable and potentially unlawful. The legal action aims to address growing concerns about increasing general insurance complaints and send a strong message about the unacceptability of such delays.

The claim, initially filed in October 2021, took Hollard nearly three and a half years to resolve. The insurer rejected the claim in April 2023, 18 months after its submission. Following this, the couple sought intervention from the Australian Financial Complaints Authority, which directed Hollard to provide compensation for non-financial losses and substantiated the storm as the proximate cause of the damage.

Hollard eventually consented to a cash settlement exceeding $1.5 million. However, ASIC contends that despite initially accepting the claim, Hollard delayed decisions regarding repairs, took over nine months to arrange a structural engineer inspection, and postponed the provision of temporary accommodation.

Responding to the legal action, a Hollard spokesperson acknowledged the proceedings and expressed support for ASIC's efforts in fostering consumer-positive outcomes. They noted Hollard's cooperation with ASIC but refrained from further commenting due to the ongoing nature of the legal matter.

Published:Monday, 14th Apr 2025
Source: Paige Estritori

Please Note: If this information affects you, seek advice from a licensed professional.

Share this news item:

Insurance News

Club Marine Launches Land-Based Insurance for Race Boats

28 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori

Club Marine, Australia's leading boat insurance provider, has expanded its offerings to include land-based insurance coverage for race boats. This initiative is designed to support participants in the Australian Offshore Superboat Championship (AOPC) by providing protection for their vessels while on land. - read more

Pantaenius Australia Offers New 90-Day Lift Cover for Boat Maintenance

28 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori

Pantaenius Australia, a specialist in marine insurance, has introduced a 90-day lift cover policy designed to provide boat owners with third-party liability insurance while their vessels are out of the water for maintenance or survey purposes. - read more

Ocean Underwriting Expands Product Suite with Cyber Insurance for SMEs

20 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori

Ocean Underwriting, in collaboration with Tokio Marine Management Australasia, has launched a new cyber insurance product tailored for Australian small and medium enterprises (SMEs). This addition marks a significant expansion of Ocean's offerings, which already include property, liability, and professional indemnity insurance. - read more

Club Marine Revamps Policies to Reflect Modern Boating Innovations

20 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori

Club Marine, Australia's leading provider of recreational boat insurance, has undertaken a comprehensive review of its product disclosure statements (PDS) to better align with contemporary boating trends and technologies. This initiative reflects the company's commitment to staying at the forefront of the marine insurance industry. - read more

Northern Australian Marinas Struggle with Rising Insurance Costs

12 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori

Marina operators in Northern Australia are confronting a significant crisis as insurance premiums escalate dramatically, with some experiencing increases exceeding 300% over recent years. This surge in costs is placing immense financial strain on the industry, prompting urgent calls for government intervention. - read more

Click for more Insurance News

Boat Insurance Articles

Discover the Safe Harbor: Expert Advice for Choosing the Right Boat Insurance Policy

Navigating through the tranquil blue waters of Australia can be the highlight of any skipper's day, but the true peace of mind comes from knowing your vessel is protected. Boat insurance isn't just another tick on your checklist; it's an essential safeguard for your maritime lifestyle. In this article, we delve into why choosing the right boat insurance policy is not a luxury, but a necessity for boaters across Australia. - read more

How Proper Boat Maintenance Can Lower Your Insurance Costs

Owning a boat is a cherished luxury for many Australians, offering endless adventures on the open water. But with this privilege comes the responsibility of proper boat maintenance. Regular upkeep isn't just about preserving the longevity and performance of your vessel; it's a crucial aspect that directly impacts your insurance premiums. - read more

Understanding Boat Maintenance Schedules: A Seasonal Guide

Owning a boat comes with a wave of responsibilities, notably in the realm of maintenance. Regular maintenance plays a crucial role in ensuring the longevity and performance of your boat, much like adhering to a trusty roadmap for a long journey. Without it, not only may you encounter unwanted breakdowns, but the overall lifespan of your vessel could be significantly shortened. - read more

Top 10 Eco-Friendly Tips for Responsible Boating in Australia

As boating enthusiasts, it's crucial to recognize the significant impact we have on our environment. Australia's beautiful waterways and marine life depend on our commitment to eco-friendly practices. - read more

Understanding the Fine Print: A Beginner's Guide to Boat Insurance in Australia

Welcome to the nautical world of boat insurance – a crucial safeguard for any Australian skippering their own vessel. Whether you're a seasoned sailor or just beginning to dip your toes in the water, understanding the intricacies of boat insurance is essential in ensuring your maritime escapades are smooth sailing. - read more

Knowledgebase

Elimination Period:
The time period between an injury and the receipt of benefit payments from an insurer, particularly in disability insurance.

This website is owned and operated by Clark Family Pty Ltd (ACN 010 281 008) as Trustee for the Clark Family Trust (ABN 35 957 893 714), 43 Larch Street Tallebudgera QLD 4228. Clark Family Pty Ltd is an Authorised Representative (AR 1298860) of Unique Group Broker Services Pty Ltd (AFSL 509434) for financial product referrals and an Authorised Credit Representative (ACR 401491) of Saccasan Pty Ltd (ACL 386297). Check our licensing details on the ASIC registers: Clark Family Pty Ltd ACR, Clark Family Pty Ltd AR, Saccasan Pty Ltd, Unique Group Broker Services.

IMPORTANT: We do not provide financial product advice or credit assistance. We act solely as an introducer and refer enquiries to licensed third-party intermediaries, insurers, and lenders - with whom you can then deal directly. We may receive a fee or commission from these third parties in consideration for the referral. Before any action is taken to obtain a product or service referred to by this website, advice should be obtained (from either the third party to whom we refer you or from another qualified intermediary) as to the appropriateness of obtaining those products having regard to your objectives, financial situation and needs. Whilst we have our own process for validating the legitimacy of our referral partners, you should always verify the credentials of your financial adviser before proceeding with recommendations that they may present. Visit the ASIC website for further information.