ASIC Takes Hollard Insurance to Court Over Significant Claim Handling Issues
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.
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.
In a significant move to accommodate the evolving landscape of strata developments, CHU, Australia's leading strata insurance underwriting agency, has more than doubled its maximum single risk capacity. The agency now offers coverage up to $690 million, a substantial increase from the previous limit of $300 million. This enhancement applies to both residential and commercial strata properties, reflecting the trend towards larger and more complex strata developments across the country. - read more
CHU, Australia's premier strata insurance underwriting agency, has expanded its suite of insurance products to better serve the diverse needs of strata communities. The agency now offers tailored landlord insurance and home and contents cover specifically designed for individual lot owners, regardless of who holds the association's common property policy. This initiative provides lot owners with the flexibility to select coverage that aligns precisely with their property and occupancy circumstances. - read more
CHU, Australia's largest strata insurance underwriting agency, has unveiled its 2025 State of the Strata Market report, offering an in-depth analysis of the current trends and challenges within the strata industry. The report provides valuable insights into premium trends, climate-related risks, regulatory developments, and emerging sector challenges, serving as a crucial resource for stakeholders navigating the evolving landscape of strata insurance. - read more
The New South Wales (NSW) government has introduced a new tranche of strata reforms aimed at enhancing the maintenance and safety of apartment buildings across the state. A key component of these reforms is the proposal to grant NSW Fair Trading the authority to enter any apartment building without a warrant if there are reasonable grounds to believe that the owners corporation is failing to maintain common property adequately. - read more
CHU, Australia's leading strata insurance underwriting agency, has released its 2025 State of the Strata Market report, providing a comprehensive analysis of the current state of the industry. The report offers valuable insights into premium movements, the impact of weather events, regulatory developments, and emerging risks affecting strata insurance. - read more
In response to the evolving landscape of strata developments in Australia, CHU, the nation's leading strata insurance underwriting agency, has significantly increased its capacity to underwrite individual strata risks. The agency has raised its maximum single risk capacity to $690 million, a substantial rise from the previous limit of $300 million. This enhancement applies to CHU's strata insurance policies across both residential and commercial properties. - read more
Australian homeowners are facing substantial increases in home insurance premiums, with the average premium rising by 16% over the past year, according to a recent report by consumer advocacy group Choice. Notably, insurers such as Kogan, RAC, and Honey have implemented hikes exceeding 30%, placing additional financial strain on policyholders. - read more
The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has released its quarterly aggregate statistics for the insurance sector, covering the period ending September 30, 2025. The data reveals notable shifts across general insurance, life insurance, and private health insurance sectors, reflecting the dynamic nature of the Australian insurance landscape. - read more
As 2026 unfolds, Australian insurers are confronting a trio of pressing challenges: premium affordability, escalating cyber threats, and difficulties in attracting and retaining skilled talent. These issues are reshaping the industry's landscape and influencing strategic priorities. - read more
Starting April 1, 2026, Australians will experience an average increase of 4.41% in private health insurance premiums, marking the steepest rise since 2017. This adjustment reflects the escalating costs associated with delivering healthcare services and the growing demand for medical treatments. - 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
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
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
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
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
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
Crop insurance is a type of insurance policy designed to protect farmers from the financial losses that arise from damages to their crops. This could be due to various risks, including adverse weather conditions, pests, and diseases. - read more
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
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 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
Need a Quote?
Start your free farm insurance quote comparison here.
Knowledgebase
Term Life Insurance: A form of life insurance that is a pure protection policy with no cash or maturity value which lasts for a specific length of time, called a term.