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: NSW Emergency Services Levy reform modelling points to relief for households and small businesses; mid‑year reinsurance renewals soften with lower catastrophe rates and more capacity; the code watchdog probes motor repairer oversight amid rising complaints; and a reminder that ambulance cover varies by state, so check your health policy fine print. Practical takeaways: compare policies, review limits and excesses, keep documentation for car claims, and stay alert to ESL changes in NSW.
Hello and welcome to Insurance Online News, Im Paige Estritori, and its Thursday, 9 July 2026.
First up, a fresh analysis of the Emergency Services Levy, or ESL, suggests shifting NSW funding from insurance premiums to a property-based charge would ease pressure on households and many small businesses, especially in disaster‑prone areas. The modelling points to meaningful annual savings and broader insurance uptake if reform proceeds. If youre in NSW, keep an eye on the parliamentary review due later this year. In the meantime, compare policies carefully so you can see exactly what youre paying for and avoid underinsurance.
Next, mid‑year reinsurance renewals continued a softer trend. Brokers report double‑digit rate reductions on many loss‑free catastrophe programs, plus extra capacity returning to Australia. That doesnt automatically cut retail premiums, but it can reduce cost pressure on insurers and improve terms. The practical move is to shop around and check cover limits and excesses—better structures can matter as much as price.
Meanwhile, the industry code watchdog has launched a targeted review of how insurers oversee motor repairers, after a spike in complaints about delays and poor repair outcomes. Motor claims make up a large share of disputes, so this review could speed up turnarounds and lift transparency. If youve got a car claim, keep photos, quotes and timelines handy, and consider broker support to smooth the process.
And a quick consumer heads‑up on health cover: a recent case highlighted that ambulance billing rules vary by state, and some situations—like non‑patient transport—may fall outside private health insurance. Its a reminder to check the fine print on ambulance benefits, especially if youve moved interstate or travel often. Clarity up front can spare bill shock later.
Thats it for this week. For fast, free quotes and side‑by‑side comparisons across personal and business insurance, 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.
Follow us!
We are a proud member of the Financial Services Online network!
Connect with us on your favourite social media platform for the latest financial news, views, resources and information.
New Zealand’s younger workers are reshaping the traditional path into insurance. Fresh industry reporting, drawing on Deloitte’s 2026 Gen Z and Millennial Survey and Financial Services Council research, points to a clear shift: many Gen Z and millennial New Zealanders are delaying major life decisions because of financial pressure. Home ownership, starting a family and career changes have long been moments when people reassess life, mortgage and income protection cover. - read more
New Zealand’s financial advice sector is heading into a more targeted year of scrutiny after the Financial Markets Authority’s latest conduct priorities highlighted fraud, adviser commissions and complaints handling as areas of concern for 2026/27. For households arranging life, trauma, income protection or health-related cover, the message is practical: the quality of advice, disclosure and record keeping matters just as much as the premium on the page. - read more
Victoria has moved another step in its building reform program, with the Building and Plumbing Commission now operating with stronger consumer protection powers and a developer bond scheme scheduled for apartment buildings from 1 July 2027. For strata communities, the announcement is not simply a construction law update. It is a reminder that building quality, defect management and insurance planning are becoming increasingly connected. - read more
A recent Australian Financial Complaints Authority decision has delivered a timely reminder for small operators: insurance protection depends on the details being right before something goes wrong. The dispute involved a food delivery business that suffered theft and damage at a site that was not listed on its insurance schedule. - read more
Australia’s insurance broking sector is again facing scrutiny over how clearly small business clients are told about broker remuneration. The latest debate follows the release of a draft update to the Insurance Brokers Code of Practice, after earlier recommendations had supported broader disclosure of fees and commissions to individual and small business clients across more insurance products. - read more
Public liability insurance is a critical component for the agricultural sector, serving as a protective measure for livestock and crop producers against the legal liabilities they face in their daily operations. This type of insurance is designed to cover the costs associated with third-party injuries or property damage that occur on farm premises or as a direct result of farming activities. - read more
For Australian farmers, every day presents a complex web of activities that demand not only their physical toil but also a keen attention towards safety. On-farm safety is paramount and is the shield that guards the well-being of both workers and operations in Australia's diverse agricultural landscape. It's not just about the immediate repercussions of accidents, but also their long-term impact on a farm's viability. - read more
Risk mitigation is a strategy used to prepare for and lessen the effects of potential risks faced by rural farmers. It involves identifying potential threats and taking proactive steps to minimize their impact. - read more
In the world of farming, risks are an everyday reality. Whether you're dealing with unpredictable weather, pest invasions, or fluctuating market prices, the uncertainties can be overwhelming. This is where farm insurance comes into play. - read more
Welcome to the world of farm insurance, where no two policies are the same, just as no two farms mirror each other in operations and risks. As a farmer, you are acutely aware that your agricultural endeavors bring a unique set of challenges and needs. Recognizing this diversity is the first step in protecting your livelihood. - read more
Knowledgebase
Underwriting: The process by which an insurer determines the risk of insuring a client and decides the terms of coverage.
