Farm Insurance Australia :: News
SHARE

Share this news item!

ASIC Takes Hollard Insurance to Court Over Significant Claim Handling Issues

ASIC Takes Hollard Insurance to Court Over Significant Claim Handling Issues

ASIC Takes Hollard Insurance to Court Over Significant Claim Handling Issues?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.

The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has initiated legal proceedings in the Federal Court against Hollard Insurance, alleging a breach of the duty of utmost good faith.
This action is in response to what ASIC describes as Hollard's "egregious" handling of a home and contents insurance claim filed by a couple from regional Victoria.

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

Rising Claims Challenge Australia's Compensation Scheme of Last Resort
Rising Claims Challenge Australia's Compensation Scheme of Last Resort
22 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori
Australia's Compensation Scheme of Last Resort (CSLR) is facing significant pressure due to a surge in claims linked to failed financial products. This uptick has led the Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) to call for structural reforms to ensure the scheme's sustainability. - read more
Escalating Professional Indemnity Claims in Australia's Financial Services Industry
Escalating Professional Indemnity Claims in Australia's Financial Services Industry
22 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori
Australia's financial services sector is currently experiencing a notable increase in professional indemnity (PI) claims, driven by intensified regulatory scrutiny and recent legal actions. This trend has significant implications for professionals and insurers operating within the industry. - read more
NSW Builders Required to Obtain Professional Indemnity Insurance by July 2026
NSW Builders Required to Obtain Professional Indemnity Insurance by July 2026
22 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori
Effective 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 2020. 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
NSW Productivity Commissioner Advocates for Immediate Ban on Strata Manager Commissions
NSW Productivity Commissioner Advocates for Immediate Ban on Strata Manager Commissions
22 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori
In a significant development for New South Wales' housing sector, Productivity Commissioner Peter Achterstraat has called for the prompt elimination of commissions received by strata managers. This recommendation aims to bolster transparency and affordability within the state's burgeoning strata housing market. - read more
CHU's 2025 Strata Market Report: Stability in Strata Insurance Amid Rising House Insurance Costs
CHU's 2025 Strata Market Report: Stability in Strata Insurance Amid Rising House Insurance Costs
22 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori
In its recently released 2025 State of the Strata Market report, CHU, Australia's leading strata insurance underwriting agency, provides an insightful analysis of the current landscape of strata insurance. The report underscores a notable stability in strata insurance premiums, which have seen a modest increase of 2.8% over the past year, rising from $954 to $981 per lot annually. This increment is significantly lower than the 14% surge observed in house insurance premiums during the same period. - read more
Insurance Council of Australia Advocates for Strata Law Reforms to Mitigate Rising Premiums in Victoria
Insurance Council of Australia Advocates for Strata Law Reforms to Mitigate Rising Premiums in Victoria
22 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori
The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) has recently called for comprehensive reforms to Victoria's strata legislation, highlighting that inadequate governance and deferred maintenance are contributing to escalating insurance premiums for the state's strata property owners. This appeal underscores the pressing need for legislative updates to enhance the management and maintenance of strata-titled properties. - read more
Strengthening Small Business Resilience: ICA's Call for Insurance Reforms
Strengthening Small Business Resilience: ICA's Call for Insurance Reforms
22 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori
In a recent submission to the Parliamentary Joint Committee's inquiry into small business insurance, the Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) has highlighted the pressing need for reforms to enhance the resilience of Australia's 2.5 million small businesses. These enterprises, which employ nearly half of the private sector workforce, are facing mounting challenges due to escalating insurance premiums and evolving risks. - read more
Deloitte's Vision for the Future: 2026 Insurance Industry Predictions
Deloitte's Vision for the Future: 2026 Insurance Industry Predictions
22 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori
Deloitte has released its 'Growth in Insurance Series: Insurance Predictions 2026,' offering insights into the transformative trends expected to shape the Australian insurance industry. The report identifies eight key predictions that insurers should consider to remain competitive and responsive to the evolving market landscape. - read more
APRA Strengthens Oversight: Additional Capital Mandate for Sovereign Insurance
APRA Strengthens Oversight: Additional Capital Mandate for Sovereign Insurance
22 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori
The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has recently imposed an additional $2 million capital requirement on Sovereign Insurance Australia Pty Ltd. This directive aims to bolster the insurer's financial resilience and ensure its capacity to meet policyholder obligations. - read more
Australian Insurers Face Growing Challenges in Risk Preparedness
Australian Insurers Face Growing Challenges in Risk Preparedness
22 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori
Recent findings from the PwC Insurance Banana Skins Survey reveal that Australian insurers are falling behind their global counterparts in terms of risk preparedness. The survey, which gathered insights from 698 insurance executives across 42 territories, indicates that Australian insurers scored 6.6% lower on the Preparedness Index compared to the global average. - read more


Farm Insurance Articles

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
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
5 Essential Farm Insurance Policies Every Australian Farmer Needs
5 Essential Farm Insurance Policies Every Australian Farmer Needs
Farming in Australia is not just a job, it's a way of life. However, it’s also a livelihood that comes with its own unique set of risks. From unexpected weather events to machinery breakdowns, the life of an Australian farmer is fraught with uncertainties. - read more
From Droughts to Floods: Understanding Weather-Related Coverage in Farm Insurance
From Droughts to Floods: Understanding Weather-Related Coverage in Farm Insurance
Australian farmers face a unique set of challenges due to the vast and varied climate conditions that sweep across the continent. From the scorching heat and prolonged droughts of the Outback to the tropical storms and torrential rains of the northern regions, weather-related risks are an integral part of agricultural life in Australia. - read more
Understanding Farm Equipment Insurance: A Breakdown for Australian Farmers
Understanding Farm Equipment Insurance: A Breakdown for Australian Farmers
In the dynamic world of Australian agriculture, farm equipment plays a crucial role in the day-to-day operations of farms. From tractors to harvesters, having the right machinery means managing your farm more efficiently. However, the high value of this equipment makes it essential to protect it adequately through insurance. - 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
Farm Liability Insurance Costs vs. Benefits: Is It Worth It?
Farm Liability Insurance Costs vs. Benefits: Is It Worth It?
Farm liability insurance is a type of coverage that protects farmers from financial losses due to legal claims and lawsuits. This insurance is crucial for safeguarding your farm against various liabilities that may arise from farm operations. - read more
Insurance for Hobby Farms: Finding the Right Coverage
Insurance for Hobby Farms: Finding the Right Coverage
Hobby farming has become increasingly popular in Australia, with many individuals and families embracing the joys of growing their own produce, raising livestock, and enjoying a rural lifestyle. Whether it's a small vegetable garden, a few chickens, or a larger mixed farming operation, hobby farms offer both relaxation and a connection to nature. - 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


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

All quotes are provided obligation-free by a participating broker from our national referral partner network. We respect your Privacy.


Knowledgebase
Premium:
The amount paid for an insurance policy, usually on a regular basis, to maintain coverage.