Business Insurance Online :: News
SHARE

Share this news item!

AFCA finds MLC failed to give proper notice of rate increases

AFCA finds MLC failed to give proper notice of rate increases

AFCA finds MLC failed to give proper notice of rate increases?w=400

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.

A dispute ruling against MLC, the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) found that the company did not give adequate notice when it raised the critical illness premiums of a policyholder.

The complainant disputed the changes to his policy, saying he was misled about how the increases tied to annual rises in benefits would work. MLC also made underlying premium rate increases and the complainant says that he was misled into believing those would not happen.

The AFCA found that MLC did not mislead the customer but determined that it should have warned him about premium increases in accordance with its policy terms and Australian law..

But the ombudsman determined that MLC had not notified him of the change to premiums in 2014, 2015 or 2016 in accordance with its policy terms or under the Corporations Act.

The Australian Financial Complaints Authority has found that the insurer did not give notice of a change in premium rates and as such, it was not entitled to make these changes. The complainant is to have his premiums returned for the years 2014-2016.

Published:Thursday, 19th May 2022
Author:

Please Note: We do not endorse any specific products or companies. Some content is sourced from third parties, including press releases, and may not be independently verified for accuracy or completeness.

Share this news item:

Rate this article

Sign in with Google to rate

0 Comments

No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts.

Insurance News

New ransomware reporting rules put SME cyber cover under scrutiny
New ransomware reporting rules put SME cyber cover under scrutiny
12 Aug 2026: Paige Estritori
Australia's mandatory ransomware payment reporting regime is now a practical compliance issue for many business owners, not just a technology concern. Under the national cyber security reforms, entities above the relevant annual turnover threshold must report certain ransomware and cyber extortion payments within a short statutory timeframe. For SMEs operating close to, or above, that threshold, the change adds another layer to an already complex risk environment. - read more
What Strong Insurer Results Mean for Business Insurance Renewals
What Strong Insurer Results Mean for Business Insurance Renewals
05 Aug 2026: Paige Estritori
Latest general insurance performance data from APRA points to an industry that remains financially resilient, with insurers benefiting from disciplined underwriting, investment income and a continued focus on pricing risk accurately. For Australian small and medium-sized businesses, that is useful context heading into renewal season, but it should not be read as a simple promise of cheaper premiums. - read more
What Rising Insurance Disputes Mean for Small Businesses
What Rising Insurance Disputes Mean for Small Businesses
29 Jul 2026: Paige Estritori
Recent industry reporting on the latest insurance complaints environment points to a clear message for Australian small businesses: the hardest part of insurance is often not buying a policy, but relying on it when something goes wrong. Disputes continue to arise around claim delays, declined claims, settlement amounts, policy exclusions and communication breakdowns between customers and insurers. - read more
Why SMEs should double-check AI insurance advice
Why SMEs should double-check AI insurance advice
22 Jul 2026: Paige Estritori
Australian businesses are increasingly using AI tools to research products, shortlist providers and understand policy options. That convenience now comes with a clear warning for small business owners: not every insurance answer surfaced by AI search is coming from a licensed, accountable or locally relevant source. - read more
Lifeline Breach Puts Cyber Cover Back on the SME Agenda
Lifeline Breach Puts Cyber Cover Back on the SME Agenda
15 Jul 2026: Paige Estritori
A reported data breach involving Lifeline Australia has renewed attention on a widening protection gap in the Australian cyber insurance market. While Lifeline has indicated that help-seeker and financial information were not compromised, the incident is a timely reminder that staff, volunteer, client and supplier data can still create serious legal, operational and reputational exposure for any organisation. - read more
Click for more Insurance News
Insuring your most valuable asset
Image for Insuring your most valuable assetWhile many people would consider their home or their car to be their most valuable asset, it's your ability to earn an income that is most important in shaping your financial future. Statistically, two thirds of working Australians will suffer an injury or illness that will sideline them for 90 days or more. The majority of these people would not be able to pay their mortgage or meet car finance and other loan commitments without adequate income insurance.
... compare rates & options ...


Business Insurance Articles

Navigating Cyber Threats: Essential Cyber Insurance for Your Start-up
Navigating Cyber Threats: Essential Cyber Insurance for Your Start-up
Starting a new business venture is an exciting endeavor, but amid the myriad decisions start-up founders face, one must not overlook the importance of insurance. In today's digital-first world, the potential for cyber threats is a reality that can no longer be ignored by businesses of any size or sector, especially start-ups aiming to secure their future. - read more
How to Lower Your Insurance Costs Without Sacrificing Coverage
How to Lower Your Insurance Costs Without Sacrificing Coverage
Insurance costs can be a significant expense for businesses in Australia, and it is crucial to understand how they can affect your bottom line. With premiums on the rise, many business owners are looking for ways to cut costs while maintaining the coverage they need to protect their operations. - read more
Common Insurance Mistakes Small Business Owners Should Avoid
Common Insurance Mistakes Small Business Owners Should Avoid
Running a small business in Australia comes with its unique set of challenges and risks. One crucial aspect that every small business owner must consider is liability insurance. Liability insurance is designed to protect businesses from various claims and lawsuits that can arise in the course of their operations. Whether it's a customer slipping and falling in a store or a disgruntled employee filing a lawsuit, having the right insurance can provide a financial safety net. - read more
Cybersecurity Risk Assessment: An Essential Guide for Business Owners
Cybersecurity Risk Assessment: An Essential Guide for Business Owners
In today's digital age, cybersecurity has become a critical concern for businesses of all sizes. The increasing reliance on technology means that cyber threats are more prevalent than ever, making it essential for business owners to understand and manage these risks. - read more
The Top 5 Insurance Policies Every Australian Start-up Needs
The Top 5 Insurance Policies Every Australian Start-up Needs
When embarking on the entrepreneurial journey of a start-up, it's imperative to safeguard the nascent enterprise with a reliable insurance safety net. Insurance acts as a vital shield, protecting the hard work and innovation of new businesses against unforeseen events and liabilities which can arise in the unpredictable world of start-ups. - read more

Knowledgebase
Insurable Interest:
A financial or other kind of interest in the insured item or person, necessary for a valid insurance contract.

Quick Links: | Business Insurance | Business Insurance Quotes | Commercial Insurance | Public Liability Insurance | Small Business Insurance | Professional Indemnity Insurance | Business Insurance Comparison | Cyber Insurance | Business Interruption Insurance | Business Insurance Australia | Workers Compensation 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 act solely as an introducer and refer enquiries to licensed third-party brokers, insurers, and lenders. We do not provide financial product advice or credit assistance. 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 independently verify the credentials and licensing of any adviser or provider you engage. Visit the ASIC website for further information.