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: commercial insurance prices fell about 12% in Q3, with property, liability and cyber easing; car insurance premiums keep rising as regulators push for transparency and claim costs climb; life insurance data shows most claims are paid but TPD has more disputes and longer processing; and a new brokers code strengthens strata insurance protections and commission disclosure. Practical tips throughout focus on comparing cover, asking for clearer pricing, checking policy definitions, and using brokers for better outcomes.
Hello and welcome to Insurance Online News for Thursday, 22 October 2026; Im Paige Estritori.
First up, good news for many businesses. New market data shows Australian commercial insurance pricing fell about 12 per cent in the September quarter, with property premiums down around 14 per cent and cyber and liability also easing. Capacity is strong and some insurers are broadening cover and lowering deductibles. If your policy renews soon, ask your broker to re‑market your risk and compare options — you could improve cover or contain costs.
Meanwhile, motorists are still feeling the pinch. Comprehensive car premiums have jumped again this year after steep rises since 2020. Regulators say prices rose well above inflation and want clearer explanations of how premiums are set, while rising claim costs — now about $6,300 on average — are a big driver. Dont just roll your policy: compare, ask your insurer to explain changes, check your listed drivers and kilometres, and consider an excess that suits your budget and risk.
Next up, life insurance claims. APRA, the prudential regulator, and ASIC, the corporate regulator, report most claims are paid, but total and permanent disability, or TPD, still sees more disputes and slower processing than death or income protection. Average TPD decision times are close to four months and most declines come down to policy definitions. The practical step is simple: review definitions and waiting periods before you buy, keep medical and employment records organised, and lean on expert help at claim time.
And finally, a change for strata owners and committees. The brokers industry body, the National Insurance Brokers Association, has updated its code to strengthen strata protections. Brokers engaged via a strata manager must confirm theyre properly appointed by the owners corporation, and disclosure now extends to any commissions or benefits paid to third parties, with amounts or the basis clearly set out. If youre on a body corporate, ask for that disclosure in writing and make sure your appointment documents are on file.
Thats the latest. For fast, free quotes and expert help comparing personal and business cover, head to insuranceonline.com.au and connect with an Australia‑wide network of independent brokers. Im Paige Estritori — thanks for listening, and Ill see 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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Knowledgebase
Beneficiary: The person or entity designated to receive the death benefit from a life insurance policy.
