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: ASIC sues over misleading “comparison” websites and urges clearer disclosures; the ACCC blocks IAGs bid for RAC Insurance in WA, with IAG pursuing a new public‑interest path; an Australian AI flood tool may cut flood‑risk premiums for some elevated homes; and an AFCA decision sees a travel insurer pay an emergency dental claim after review. Listeners are urged to verify comparison services, keep shopping around, ask brokers to use the latest risk data, and challenge claim denials with evidence.
Hello and welcome to Insurance Online News with Paige Estritori for Thursday, 24 September 2026.
First today, the corporate regulator ASIC — thats the Australian Securities and Investments Commission — has launched court action against a marketing outfit it says misled people with so‑called “insurance comparison” websites. ASIC alleges the sites didnt actually compare multiple providers or give tailored recommendations, and instead sold enquiries to the highest bidder. If youre comparing cover online, check disclosures carefully and look for licensed services. To save time and avoid surprises, use trusted brokers and get like‑for‑like quotes you can actually compare.
Next up, the competition watchdog ACCC — the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission — has opposed IAGs planned purchase of RAC Insurance in Western Australia. IAG says it will keep pursuing approval via a new public‑interest pathway introduced this year. For WA motorists and homeowners, nothing changes today, but consolidation can affect choice and pricing over time. Keep shopping around and ask an independent broker to canvas multiple insurers for you.
Meanwhile, theres promising tech on flood risk. A new First Floor Elevation tool, developed in Australia and using AI — artificial intelligence — to read aerial and ground imagery, lets insurers price at a building‑by‑building level. Early modelling suggests about 13 per cent of at‑risk homes could see the flood portion of premiums drop by around 50 per cent where raised floors are proven. Practical tip: when seeking home or business property cover, have accurate building details ready and ask whether your quote reflects the latest flood modelling.
And finally, an AFCA ruling — thats the Australian Financial Complaints Authority — ordered a travel insurer to pay an emergency dental claim after its own medical adviser undercut the original denial. Its a reminder to read definitions, keep medical notes, and challenge a knock‑back if the facts support you. A broker can help you frame a clear, policy‑based case.
Thats it for this week. For fast, free personal and business insurance quotes and expert help comparing policies, head to insuranceonline.com.au.
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.
Renewed debate around proposed changes to the NSW workers compensation system is a timely reminder that employee injury cover is not a set-and-forget obligation for business owners. While the details of reform are still being scrutinised by government, regulators, unions, employers and insurers, the underlying issue is clear: claims costs, psychological injury trends and scheme sustainability are placing pressure on how workplace injury risk is funded and managed. - read more
Fresh industry attention on cyber underinsurance is a timely reminder that many Australian small and medium businesses are still treating digital risk as an IT problem rather than a balance sheet risk. As more trading, payments, customer records, bookings and supplier relationships move online, a cyber incident can quickly become a cash flow, legal, operational and reputational event. - read more
Fresh industry attention on disaster resilience is a timely reminder that Australian small and medium businesses cannot treat severe weather as an occasional inconvenience. The message emerging from the insurance sector is increasingly consistent: premiums, availability of cover and claims outcomes are being shaped not only by what a business owns, but by where it operates, how exposed it is, and what practical risk controls are in place. - read more
Lithium-ion batteries are moving from a workplace convenience to a serious insurance consideration for Australian small and medium businesses. As more businesses rely on rechargeable tools, e-bikes, scooters, point-of-sale devices, backup power units and portable electronics, insurers are paying closer attention to how those items are stored, charged and managed. - read more
Fresh industry updates on severe weather claims are a reminder that storm, flood and cyclone losses are no longer rare planning scenarios for Australian small and medium businesses. Claims linked to major weather systems affecting Queensland and New South Wales continue to move through insurer assessment, repair and settlement processes, with businesses facing familiar pressure points: damaged premises, interrupted trading, ruined stock, delayed repairs and uncertainty about what is actually covered. - read more
Cyber security refers to the practices and technologies designed to protect computers, networks, programs, and data from unauthorized access, attacks, or damage. It's a crucial aspect of modern business operations, and understanding its importance is vital for all businesses, especially small ones. - read more
Different occupations face different business risks. This guide explains how Australian sole traders, contractors, consultants, retailers, trades and other small business owners can assess which types of business insurance may be relevant to their activities. - read more
Starting a new business is an exciting journey filled with opportunities and challenges. One of the most important parts of planning for a new venture is understanding how financing and insurance can work together to support a stronger financial foundation. - read more
As a business owner, understanding the ins and outs of insurance can feel like navigating a maze. The terminology alone can be daunting, yet it's crucial to grasp these concepts to make informed decisions about protecting your enterprise. - read more
Professional indemnity insurance can help protect Australian businesses that provide advice, designs, health services, consulting, technology services or other professional work if a client alleges negligence, error, omission or breach of professional duty. - read more
Knowledgebase
Insurance Deductible: the amount that an insured is required to contribute toward an insurance claim as stipulated in an insurance policy. Otherwise known as the "policy excess".
