ASIC Takes Hollard Insurance to Court Over Significant Claim Handling Issues

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.

ASIC's case against Hollard revolves around the insurer's handling of the couple's claim following storm damage to their property in October 2021. The regulator claims Hollard's excessive delays and failure to conduct essential make-safe work have rendered the couple's home uninhabitable, leading to extensive moisture, mould, and decay issues that necessitate demolition and rebuilding.

Sarah Court, ASIC's deputy chair, highlighted the seriousness of the delays, stating that such prolonged inaction is unacceptable and potentially unlawful. The legal action aims to address growing concerns about increasing general insurance complaints and send a strong message about the unacceptability of such delays.

The claim, initially filed in October 2021, took Hollard nearly three and a half years to resolve. The insurer rejected the claim in April 2023, 18 months after its submission. Following this, the couple sought intervention from the Australian Financial Complaints Authority, which directed Hollard to provide compensation for non-financial losses and substantiated the storm as the proximate cause of the damage.

Hollard eventually consented to a cash settlement exceeding $1.5 million. However, ASIC contends that despite initially accepting the claim, Hollard delayed decisions regarding repairs, took over nine months to arrange a structural engineer inspection, and postponed the provision of temporary accommodation.

Responding to the legal action, a Hollard spokesperson acknowledged the proceedings and expressed support for ASIC's efforts in fostering consumer-positive outcomes. They noted Hollard's cooperation with ASIC but refrained from further commenting due to the ongoing nature of the legal matter.

Published:Monday, 14th Apr 2025
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

Newline Group Strengthens Australian Presence with Sydney Office and Key Appointment

14 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori

Specialty insurer Newline Group has announced the opening of a new office in Sydney, marking a significant expansion of its Australian operations. This strategic move aims to bring the company closer to its distribution partners and clients in the region, enhancing service delivery and fostering stronger relationships. - read more

Markel Insurance Introduces Tailored Financial Institution Products for Australian Market

14 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori

Markel Insurance has unveiled a suite of financial institution products specifically designed for the Australian market, featuring localized policy wordings to better address the unique needs of local businesses. This initiative reflects Markel's commitment to providing tailored insurance solutions that resonate with the specific requirements of Australian financial institutions. - read more

KPMG Survey Highlights Australian CEOs' Changing Views on Office Work

14 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori

A recent survey conducted by KPMG has unveiled a significant shift in the expectations of Australian CEOs regarding office work. The findings indicate that only 22% of those surveyed anticipate a full-time return to the office for corporate employees within the next three years. This marks a substantial decrease from the 82% reported in the previous year, signaling a notable change in leadership perspectives on workplace dynamics. - read more

IAG's Recommendations to the Federal Inquiry on Small Business Insurance

14 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori

Insurance Australia Group (IAG) has recently submitted its recommendations to the Federal Parliamentary Joint Committee on Corporations and Financial Services, focusing on the Inquiry into Small Business Insurance. In its submission, IAG outlines how small business insurance operates across its retail and intermediated channels and provides recommendations to support stronger, more sustainable outcomes for small businesses in Australia. - read more

ASIC Directs 11 Insurers to Refund $815 Million to Customers

14 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori

The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has ordered 11 insurance companies to refund a total of $815 million to customers following an investigation into pricing failures and governance issues. The investigation revealed that these insurers engaged in complex and reckless pricing models, lacked appropriate governance systems, and failed to adequately monitor and control their distributors, leading to millions of customers being overcharged. - read more

APRA's 2026 Report Calls for Immediate Action on Extreme Weather Mitigation

14 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori

The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has released a pivotal report emphasising the urgent need for substantial action and investment to shield communities from the increasing impacts of extreme weather events. The Insurance Climate Vulnerability Assessment (ICVA) serves as a stress test, modelling potential future scenarios rather than forecasting specific outcomes. However, the risks outlined are already becoming evident, reinforcing the insurance industry's calls for urgent intervention to mitigate extreme weather risks. - read more

HIF's 2026 Health Insurance Premiums to Rise by 2.6% from April

14 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori

Health Insurance Fund of Australia (HIF) has announced a 2.6% increase in health insurance premiums, effective from 1 April 2026. This adjustment is notably below the industry average increase of 4.41%, reflecting HIF's commitment to maintaining affordability for its members. - read more

APRA Reports Increase in General Insurance Premiums via Intermediaries

14 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori

The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has released its latest intermediated general insurance statistics, revealing an increase in premium volumes placed through intermediaries in the six months to 31 December 2025. The total intermediated premium invoiced for this period was $22.97 billion, up from $21.59 billion in the preceding six months and $22.28 billion in the corresponding period of the previous year. - read more

NSW Builders Required to Obtain Professional Indemnity Insurance by July 2026

14 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori

Starting 1 July 2026, all registered building practitioners in New South Wales (NSW) will be mandated to hold professional indemnity (PI) insurance, as stipulated by the Design and Building Practitioners Act 2021. This legislative change aims to enhance accountability and protect clients from potential financial losses due to professional negligence or defects in construction work. - read more

Rising Professional Indemnity Claims in Australia's Financial Services Sector

14 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori

The Australian financial services sector is currently experiencing a significant increase in professional indemnity (PI) insurance claims, largely due to intensified regulatory scrutiny. This trend has profound implications for professionals and insurers operating within the industry. - read more

Click for more Insurance News