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.
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.
Australian farmers now have clearer, but tighter, rules for two widely used knockdown herbicides after the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority finalised its review of paraquat and diquat on 23 June 2026. The chemicals have not been removed from the market, but their continued use will sit behind significant new conditions affecting application rates, equipment, handling systems and worker protection. - read more
A reported ransomware incident affecting Mackay Sugar has put agricultural cyber risk back in the spotlight, this time with a clear lesson for producers who depend on processors, contractors and shared infrastructure. ABC Rural reported on 18 June 2026 that a Russian-speaking ransomware operation known as The Gentlemen had claimed responsibility for a cyber attack that disrupted two Mackay Sugar mills, with the company working to verify the claim and restart Farleigh and Racecourse mills in stages. - read more
In a significant shift within the Australian insurance landscape, NRMA has announced its withdrawal from the farm insurance market, ceasing the sale of new policies as of July 1, 2025. This decision affects both hobby and commercial farm insurance policies, leaving many farmers in search of alternative coverage options. - read more
Achmea Farm Insurance and Protected Cropping Australia (PCA) have announced a strategic partnership aimed at bolstering risk mitigation and resilience within Australia's protected cropping sector. This collaboration seeks to empower greenhouse and glasshouse growers by providing tailored insurance solutions and fostering knowledge exchange on best practices. - read more
Allstate Underwriting Agencies Pty Ltd and Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Co., Ltd have announced a multi-year capacity agreement, marking the beginning of a strategic partnership aimed at bolstering farm insurance offerings in Australia. This collaboration focuses on providing additional capacity to the medium, small, and hobby farm sector, addressing the unique needs of these operations. - read more
In a significant development for Australia's agricultural sector, Harland Green, a newly established Lloyd's coverholder, has unveiled an all-risk farm insurance package specifically designed for large commercial farming operations. This initiative aims to address the complex and evolving needs of the agricultural industry by offering comprehensive coverage that encompasses various aspects of farm operations. - read more
In the face of increasing climate volatility, Australian farmers are shifting their approach to risk management by integrating sustainability into their core business strategies. This evolution reflects a broader recognition that environmental stewardship and economic resilience are deeply interconnected. - read more
Australian farmers are currently navigating a complex landscape marked by escalating input costs, driven by global conflicts and economic volatility. The recent Middle East conflict has notably disrupted energy and shipping markets, leading to increased prices for essential farm inputs such as diesel and fertiliser. This surge in costs is placing significant pressure on farm margins and influencing operational decisions across the sector. - read more
The integration of digital technologies into Australian farming practices has revolutionised the sector, enhancing efficiency and productivity. However, this digital transformation has also introduced significant cybersecurity risks, which many farmers may not be fully prepared to address. - read more
In a remarkable achievement, Australia's agricultural sector has reached its ambitious $100 billion production value target four years ahead of schedule. This milestone underscores the resilience and adaptability of Australian farmers in the face of global challenges. - read more
As the backbone of Australian agriculture, farm equipment plays an essential role in day-to-day operations across our expansive and diverse landscapes. From the vast wheat belts to the tropical fruit farms, machinery ensures efficiency and productivity in the face of constant challenges. But with reliance on such equipment comes significant risk—the financial burden of damage or loss can be devastating to a farmer's livelihood. - read more
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
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
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
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
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
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
Farming in Australia is more than just a way of life; it is a critical sector that supports the nation’s economy and food supply. However, managing a farm comes with its own set of unique risks. From natural disasters to equipment failures, farmers face numerous challenges that can impact their livelihood. - read more
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
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
Need a Quote?
Start your free farm insurance quote comparison here.
Knowledgebase
Peril: A specific risk or cause of loss covered by an insurance policy, such as fire, theft, or flood.
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts.