ASIC Challenges QBE Over Discount Discrepancies

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.

According to ASIC, certain pricing mechanisms implemented by QBE inadvertently nullified the promised discounts under specific conditions, potentially reducing them to non-existence.

As ASIC deputy chair Sarah Court emphatically stated that the failure by insurers to deliver on pricing promises is a key priority for ASIC and that they will continue to take action to hold insurers to account. She further emphasized the need for robust systems and controls to ensure customers receive their entitled discounts.

The contentious discounts were marketed primarily through renewal communications to various customer segments, including retirees, loyal clients, shareholders, policyholders with multiple QBE products, and those without claims. Furthermore, these discount offers were featured in QBE's product disclosure statements available online.

ASIC elaborates that the post-discount pricing system at QBE allowed mechanisms like a minimum premium system, alongside cupping and capping procedures, which could significantly alter the actual discount value available to customers.

In response, QBE acknowledged the legal process concerns its delivery of pricing promises on policies such as caravan, household, marine, and motor insurance. These issues, QBE points out, stem from practices between July 2017 and September 2022.

QBE has since undertaken measures to rectify past inconsistencies, submitting a report to ASIC and emphasizing its continued cooperation. They stated in a release, “QBE apologises for the inconsistencies. QBE understands the importance of meeting its promises to its customers. QBE will review the pleadings and continue to work with ASIC on these matters.”

For severity, QBE had reserved $US75 million ($112 million) in July 2022 as part of a remediation initiative aimed at addressing these issues.

The ongoing focus of ASIC on pricing discounts dates back to October 2021, when it instructed several insurers to scrutinize and rectify their discount practices. ASIC further requested 11 companies to “fix, repay and report” any issues associated with such discounts.

According to a regulator report released in June of the previous year, significant corrective measures had led general insurers to repay a cumulative $815 million to in excess of 5.6 million customers due to discrepancies in pricing observed since January 2018.

Such legal entanglements aren’t new for the industry. In recent history, IAG faced action resulting in a $40 million penalty for loyalty discounts related to home insurance under the NRMA brand.

The insurance news source Insurance News Magazine has covered similar outcomes, highlighting challenges faced by major insurers such as RACQ, which incurred a $10 million fine for similar allegations.

Published:Thursday, 24th Oct 2024
Author: Paige Estritori

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:

Insurance News

Clear

Climate Change Threatens to Widen Australia's Insurance Protection Gap

13 May 2026: Paige Estritori

The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has released its Insurance Climate Vulnerability Assessment (ICVA), shedding light on the potential impact of climate change on the nation's insurance landscape. The report indicates that escalating climate-driven pressures on insurance premiums could significantly widen Australia's insurance protection gap, posing increased financial risks across the system. - read more

Victorian Bushfires Prompt Concerns Over Rising Insurance Premiums

13 May 2026: Paige Estritori

Recent bushfires in Victoria have led to significant property damage, with over 2,600 insurance claims filed, nearly half of which pertain to commercial properties, including farms. The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) has declared the fires a catastrophic event, highlighting the potential for rising insurance premiums in affected regions. - read more

Elders Insurance Urges Farmers to Prepare for Summer Storm Risks

13 May 2026: Paige Estritori

Elders Insurance is calling on Australian farmers to brace for another challenging summer, as recent data reveals a significant rise in storm-related insurance claims and associated financial impacts across the nation's agricultural regions. - read more

ACCC Halts IAG's Bid to Acquire RAC WA's Insurance Operations

05 May 2026: Paige Estritori

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has recently opposed the proposed acquisition of RAC WA's insurance division by Insurance Australia Group (IAG). This decision stems from concerns that the merger could significantly reduce competition within Western Australia's insurance sector, potentially leading to higher premiums for consumers. - read more

South-West Queensland Councils Explore Community Insurance Mutual to Combat Rising Premiums

05 May 2026: Paige Estritori

In response to escalating insurance premiums, with some residents experiencing increases of up to 500%, councils in South-West Queensland are exploring the establishment of a community insurance mutual. This initiative aims to provide more affordable and accessible insurance options for local communities, particularly those in flood-prone areas. - read more

IAG Highlights Climate Change as a Factor in Rising Home Insurance Premiums

05 May 2026: Paige Estritori

Insurance Australia Group (IAG) has recently highlighted the impact of climate change on rising home insurance premiums across Australia. The insurer reports that increasingly frequent and severe weather events are contributing to higher costs for homeowners seeking coverage. - read more

Nutrien Ag Solutions Tops Roy Morgan's Trusted Agribusiness Survey

27 Nov 2025: Paige Estritori

In a significant development within the Australian agricultural sector, Nutrien Ag Solutions has been recognised as the nation's most trusted agribusiness, according to the latest Roy Morgan survey. This marks the first time Nutrien has achieved this distinction, overtaking Elders, a longstanding leader in the industry. - read more

Australian Sheep Industry's $139.8 Million Transition Plan in Full Swing

27 Nov 2025: Paige Estritori

The Australian sheep industry is making significant strides in its $139.8 million transition plan, aimed at modernising and strengthening the sector. Recent weeks have seen the release of several grant programs under the Sheep Industry Transition Assistance Package (SITAP), providing much-needed support to farmers and associated businesses. - read more

PGA of Western Australia Back on Track After Financial Turmoil

27 Nov 2025: Paige Estritori

The Pastoralists and Graziers Association of Western Australia (PGA) has successfully navigated a period of financial uncertainty, emerging stronger after addressing internal financial irregularities. The organisation's commitment to transparency and effective management has been pivotal in restoring confidence among its members and the broader agricultural community. - read more

Rising Insurance Premiums Pose Financial Challenges for Australian Farmers

27 Nov 2025: Paige Estritori

Australian farmers are currently facing significant financial challenges due to a sharp increase in insurance premiums. Reports indicate that some farmers have experienced a 20% rise in premiums over the past year, a trend largely attributed to the escalating risks associated with climate change. This surge in costs is prompting a concerning number of farmers to reconsider their insurance coverage, with some opting to forgo it entirely, thereby exposing themselves to substantial financial risk. - read more

Click for more Insurance News