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:
ASIC tightens its conflicts guidance, flagging that commission‑only pay structures should be avoided. A broker code review pushes for fee and commission disclosure to all individuals and small businesses. Younger homeowners are under‑prepared for summer hazards as storm‑related claims surge, prompting a quick check of maintenance and sum‑insureds. And an ABC report alleges some super funds are delaying disability (TPD) claims, highlighting the need to understand whats covered and to keep records handy. Listeners are urged to compare policies and costs and use independent brokers via InsuranceOnline.com.au.
Hello and welcome to Insurance Online News, Im Paige Estritori, and its Thursday 25 December 2025.
First up, the corporate regulator ASIC has updated its conflicts-of-interest guide. It says commission‑only pay structures should be avoided, and its added fresh examples for general insurance, including volume bonuses and white‑labelled products. This matters because you should get clearer, more consistent conversations about how advice and distribution are paid for. When you compare personal or business insurance quotes, ask for fees and commissions in writing and weigh them alongside cover and exclusions.
Meanwhile, a review of the brokers code recommends that all individuals and small businesses be told about fees and commissions, not just retail clients. If adopted, that would standardise transparency at quote and renewal. If you run a business, request a full cost breakdown and compare like‑for‑like limits and conditions so you dont pay for cover you dont need or miss what you do need.
Next up, a new survey highlights a preparedness gap among younger homeowners heading into summer, while insurers report a surge in storm‑related claims this year. Thats a reminder that simple maintenance can cut damage and downtime. Take a few minutes to clear gutters, secure loose items, check your sum insured against current rebuild costs, and compare your home or landlord policy if its been a while.
And a quick note on life and disability cover: a report this week alleged some super funds are too slow on disability claims, often called TPD, total and permanent disability. If your cover sits inside super, timelines can stretch without complete information. Check what youre covered for, keep medical and employment records organised, and consider whether a top‑up outside super suits your needs so income protection and TPD work together.
Thats it for now. For fast, free quotes and access to independent brokers nationwide, head to insuranceonline.com.au. Im Paige Estritori—thanks for listening, and stay safe this holiday period.
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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