Farm Insurance Australia :: News
SHARE

Share this news item!

ASIC Challenges QBE Over Discount Discrepancies

ASIC Challenges QBE Over Discount Discrepancies

ASIC Challenges QBE Over Discount Discrepancies?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.

In a significant development, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has initiated legal proceedings in the Federal Court against QBE Insurance Group.
The move comes over what ASIC describes as serious issues with pricing discounts offered by the insurer that may have impacted over half a million policyholders.

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
Source: Paige Estritori

Please Note: If this information affects you, seek advice from a licensed professional.

Share this news item:

Insurance News

Isuzu Australia Introduces Comprehensive Truck Leasing and Finance Services
Isuzu Australia Introduces Comprehensive Truck Leasing and Finance Services
13 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori
Isuzu Australia has announced a significant advancement in its service offerings with the establishment of Isuzu Financial Services Australia (IFSA), a dedicated truck leasing and finance company. This initiative marks the first time the Isuzu Group has founded such a company outside of Japan, highlighting the strategic importance of the Australian market. - read more
Insurer Ordered to Cover Engine Damage Resulting from Driver's Negligence
Insurer Ordered to Cover Engine Damage Resulting from Driver's Negligence
13 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori
The Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) has recently ruled in favor of a trucking company, mandating that their insurer cover engine damage resulting from a driver's negligence. This decision underscores the importance of comprehending policy exclusions and the circumstances under which insurers are obligated to pay claims. - read more
Freight Company Prevails in Dangerous Goods Disclosure Dispute
Freight Company Prevails in Dangerous Goods Disclosure Dispute
13 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori
The Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) has ruled in favor of a freight company in a dispute over the disclosure of transporting dangerous goods. This decision provides clarity on the disclosure obligations of companies handling hazardous materials and their impact on insurance coverage. - read more
Navigating Rising Premiums in Australia's Insurance Sector
Navigating Rising Premiums in Australia's Insurance Sector
13 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori
In 2026, Australian insurers are grappling with significant challenges that are influencing premium costs and coverage availability. A recent survey by Gallagher Bassett highlights that premium affordability and insurability have emerged as the foremost concerns for the industry. This shift is largely attributed to escalating climate-related losses and evolving regulatory demands. - read more
Addressing Cybersecurity Threats in Australia's Insurance Industry
Addressing Cybersecurity Threats in Australia's Insurance Industry
13 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori
In 2026, the Australian insurance sector is increasingly prioritizing cybersecurity, recognizing it as a critical challenge in the digital age. According to Gallagher Bassett's latest industry survey, cyber and data security concerns have maintained their position as the second most significant issue for insurers, underscoring the persistent threat posed by digital vulnerabilities. - read more
The Future of Insurtech in Australia: A $4.2 Billion Market by 2034
The Future of Insurtech in Australia: A $4.2 Billion Market by 2034
13 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori
The Australian insurtech sector is on a trajectory of remarkable growth, with projections indicating a surge from $377 million in 2025 to an impressive $4.2 billion by 2034. This anticipated expansion, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 30.68%, underscores the transformative impact of digital innovation on the insurance landscape. - read more
BizCover and Zurich Collaborate to Enhance Professional Indemnity Insurance for Australian SMEs
BizCover and Zurich Collaborate to Enhance Professional Indemnity Insurance for Australian SMEs
13 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori
In a significant development for Australian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), BizCover has announced the addition of Zurich's Professional Indemnity (PI) insurance product to its online platform, effective from 3 March 2026. This collaboration aims to provide SMEs with enhanced access to comprehensive PI coverage, addressing a critical need in the business community. - read more
Markel Unveils Tailored Professional Indemnity Insurance for Australian Market
Markel Unveils Tailored Professional Indemnity Insurance for Australian Market
13 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori
In a significant development for the Australian insurance market, Markel, a US-based specialty insurer, has launched professional indemnity (PI) insurance products tailored specifically for Australian businesses. This strategic move comes in response to a notable reduction in PI insurance capacity over recent years, leaving many professionals seeking reliable coverage options. - read more
Sterling Insurance Enhances PI Offerings with Lloyd's Binder
Sterling Insurance Enhances PI Offerings with Lloyd's Binder
13 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori
Sterling Insurance has successfully secured a new professional indemnity (PI) binding authority with Lloyd's, a move that promises to provide Australian brokers with greater control over product offerings and pricing structures. This development is part of Sterling's ongoing commitment to delivering tailored insurance solutions that meet the specific needs of niche and complex risk sectors. - read more
Insights from CHU's 2025 Strata Market Report
Insights from CHU's 2025 Strata Market Report
13 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori
CHU, Australia's leading strata insurance underwriting agency, has unveiled its 2025 State of the Strata Market report, offering a comprehensive analysis of the current landscape and future outlook for the strata industry. This report is particularly relevant for property owners and investors seeking to navigate the evolving strata insurance environment. - read more


Farm Insurance Articles

Proven Strategies for Australian Farmers to Reduce Farm Insurance Premiums
Proven Strategies for Australian Farmers to Reduce Farm Insurance Premiums
Welcome to our comprehensive guide on navigating the complexities of farm insurance for Australian farmers. As an integral part of the agricultural industry, insurance provides a safety net that helps secure the livelihood of farmers against unpredictable events that can lead to financial hardship. From property damage due to natural disasters to loss of livestock or crops, having adequate farm insurance can make all the difference in keeping a farming operation afloat in times of crisis. - read more
A Farmer's Guide to Essential Farm Insurance Terminology
A Farmer's Guide to Essential Farm Insurance Terminology
Farming is a vital industry in Australia, requiring significant investment in equipment, crops, livestock, and labour. As with any major investment, protecting it is crucial. That's where farm insurance comes in. - read more
How to Protect Your Harvest: Tips for Choosing the Right Crop Insurance
How to Protect Your Harvest: Tips for Choosing the Right Crop Insurance
Farming, at its core, is an enterprise fraught with uncertainty. Weather calamities, pests, diseases, and fluctuating market conditions can all impact the output and quality of produce. This is where crop insurance proves its worth, serving as a safety net for farmers against the myriad risks they face each season. - read more
Risk Management and Insurance Options for Farmers
Risk Management and Insurance Options for Farmers
Risk management is the practice of identifying, assessing, and prioritizing risks followed by coordinated efforts to minimize, monitor, and control the probability or impact of unfortunate events. In farming, risk management involves various strategies to protect the financial health and operational stability of the farm. - read more
Common Pitfalls to Avoid When Insuring Your Farm Equipment
Common Pitfalls to Avoid When Insuring Your Farm Equipment
In the world of agriculture, having the right insurance coverage is essential. Farming is a high-risk industry that deals with unpredictable elements, and insuring your farm equipment can safeguard your livelihood. - read more
The Digital Farmer's Guide to Insuring Your Agribusiness in the Tech Age
The Digital Farmer's Guide to Insuring Your Agribusiness in the Tech Age
Welcome to the defining era where technology and agriculture entwine, bringing forth the digital farmer's era. With the evolution of agribusiness in the tech age, comes an array of new tools, opportunities, and risks. As a custodian of the earth and steward of the latest innovations, safeguarding your digital farm is just as crucial as nurturing your crops and livestock. - read more
Tractors, Livestock, and Crops: Tailoring Your Farm Insurance to Fit Your Needs
Tractors, Livestock, and Crops: Tailoring Your Farm Insurance to Fit Your Needs
Welcome to the world of farming, where the fruits of your labor are as tangible as the soil you till. But just as the land is subject to the whims of nature, so too is the business of agriculture. This is where farm insurance becomes essential. Farmers face a set of challenges and uncertainties unlike any other industry, primarily due to the unpredictable forces of weather. - read more
Building Resilience Against Natural Disasters: Practical Steps for Aussie Farmers
Building Resilience Against Natural Disasters: Practical Steps for Aussie Farmers
Australian farmers face an array of natural disasters that can threaten livelihoods and disrupt the delicate balance of agricultural ecosystems. From devastating bushfires and droughts to powerful storms and floods, these catastrophic events pose serious risks to the farming community. Understanding and preparing for these forces is not just about survival; it's about building a sustainable future for farms across the continent. - read more
Future-Proofing the Farm: What Every Tech-Savvy Australian Farmer Needs to Know About Insurance
Future-Proofing the Farm: What Every Tech-Savvy Australian Farmer Needs to Know About Insurance
Welcome to the first steps in future-proofing your farming legacy. When we think about the hustle and bustle of daily farm life, it's easy to overlook the critical importance of estate planning. For the Australian farmer, estate planning is not just a matter of securing your assets; it's about ensuring the survival and progression of your hard-earned labour to the next generation. - read more
Investing in Your Farm's Legacy: Estate Planning and Farm Insurance Combined
Investing in Your Farm's Legacy: Estate Planning and Farm Insurance Combined
Farming is much more than an occupation; it's a way of life and a heritage that often spans generations. In today's ever-evolving agricultural landscape, embracing modern practices while preserving your farm's future has never been more crucial. Estate planning emerges as a pivotal strategy for safeguarding your agricultural legacy, ensuring that your hard-earned investments and the land you hold dear are passed on according to your wishes. - read more


Need a Quote?
Start your free farm insurance quote comparison here.
Farm Type:
Postcode:

All quotes are provided free and without obligation by a Specialist from our National Broker referral panel. See our Privacy Statement for more details.


Knowledgebase
Liability Insurance:
A type of insurance that provides protection against claims resulting from injuries and damage to people and/or property.