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: the minister signals potential intervention on home insurance affordability for high‑risk areas, but without a timeline; Treasury advances the ban on using adverse genetic test results in life insurance from 8 October 2026; broker code breaches are led by missed renewal reminders, so set your own reminder and compare early; and a new report shows climate risk is shaping where Australians live and work, while many remain underprepared. Get fast quotes and expert comparisons at InsuranceOnline.com.au.
Welcome to Insurance Online News with Paige Estritori for Thursday, 18 June 2026.
First, home insurance affordability is back in the spotlight. The financial services minister says work continues on possible government intervention to help households in high‑risk areas, but theres no timeline yet. If youre facing steep renewals or non‑renewals in a flood or cyclone zone, act early: compare policies side by side, ask about mitigation discounts, and speak with a broker who can place cover across multiple insurers.
Next up, life cover and genetic tests. Treasury has released draft rules to implement the ban on using adverse genetic test results in life insurance, with the ban due to start on 8 October this year. That means insurers wont be able to request or use negative genetic results when assessing new life policies. If youve held off testing or reviewing cover, nows a good time to compare life insurance options and check how the rules could improve access and pricing for your situation.
Meanwhile, brokers have been reminded to keep clients in the loop at renewal. An annual code report found the top breach was missed renewal reminders, with many customers not contacted at least 14 days before expiry as the code requires. Dont wait on hold the week your policy rolls over. Set your own reminder a month out, line up fresh quotes, and ask your broker to confirm any changes to excesses, exclusions, or sums insured.
And finally, a new industry report says climate risk is shaping where many Australians choose to live and work, especially younger adults, but preparedness still lags. For homeowners and renters, that means reviewing storm, flood and fire cover, checking your home and contents sums insured, and keeping photos and receipts handy. For business owners, revisit public liability and business interruption limits, including extra costs of working elsewhere after an event.
Thats it for this week. For free, fast comparisons and access to independent brokers nationwide, 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.
New broker compliance data has put a spotlight on an issue that matters to every fitness professional who relies on public liability, professional indemnity or broader business insurance: renewal timing and communication. On 18 June 2026, Insurance Business reported that the Insurance Brokers Code Compliance Committee`s 2025 Annual Data Report recorded 5,417 breaches of the Insurance Brokers Code of Practice affecting 14,842 clients. - read more
Australian consultants rely on timely, accurate insurance renewals to keep professional indemnity, public liability and other business covers aligned with current contracts. A recent annual compliance update from the insurance broking sector has underlined why renewal discipline matters: missed or late renewal contact was reported as the leading category of broker code breaches for the past year. - read more
Build Australia’s latest construction technology coverage, published on 16 June 2026, highlights how geographic information systems, or GIS, are moving beyond digital mapping to become a practical project tracking tool for modern construction sites. The report frames GIS as a way to connect dispersed teams, complex schedules, site conditions and operational data into a shared spatial view, helping project leaders make faster and better-informed decisions. - read more
The liquidation of authorised representative network Sphere Insurance Group has put broker governance and client continuity back under the spotlight. According to early estimates reported by Insurance News, the failed network could owe more than $11 million to creditors, including insurers, underwriting agencies and a secured lender. The figures are preliminary and based on company records, with the liquidator still investigating the group’s financial position. - read more
Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance (BHSI) has announced the promotion of Anna Spink to Head of Marine, Australasia. This strategic move underscores BHSI's commitment to bolstering its marine insurance operations across the region. - read more
Landlord insurance is a specialized type of insurance designed to protect property owners who lease their homes or units to tenants. Unlike standard home insurance, which primarily covers owner-occupied properties, landlord insurance includes coverage tailored for the risks associated with rental properties. - read more
As a property investor, understanding the different types of insurance available is crucial. Whether you're a seasoned landlord or just starting, having the right coverage can safeguard your investment and provide peace of mind. With various options out there, knowing which insurance policies to choose can make all the difference in protecting your assets. - read more
Landlord insurance is a specialized type of insurance designed to protect property owners who rent out their properties. It covers a range of risks that landlords face, including damage to the property, loss of rental income, and liability for injuries that may occur on the premises. - read more
In recent years, short-term rentals have exploded in popularity across Australia. Platforms like Airbnb and Stayz have transformed how people approach accommodation, offering unique experiences that hotels often can't match. Whether it's a beachfront apartment in Sydney or a cozy cottage in the countryside, these rentals appeal to a wide range of travellers seeking flexibility and local charm. - read more
Landlord insurance is a specialized type of insurance designed to protect property owners from potential risks associated with renting out their property. Unlike standard home insurance, which typically covers owner-occupied residences, landlord insurance offers tailored coverage that addresses the unique challenges faced by landlords. - read more
Knowledgebase
Aggregate Limit: The maximum amount an insurer will pay for all covered losses during a policy period.
