Potential AI Errors: A Looming Challenge for Insurers
Potential AI Errors: A Looming Challenge for Insurers
2
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.
Industry experts are signaling a potential risk for underwriters due to claims arising from inaccuracies produced by artificial intelligence (AI), likening it to the "silent cyber" phenomenon of the past.
Clyde & Co partner, Darryl Smith, highlights the issue, emphasizing how AI inaccuracies could impact various insurance policies, sometimes without immediate detection.
The comparison to "silent cyber" recalls previous instances when insurers faced substantial losses because cyber incidents like ransomware were unintentionally covered by non-cyber policies. Mr. Smith advises that policy proposal and renewal forms should scrutinize the use of AI by asking specific questions about its application and purpose.
While AI is becoming integral to a wide array of professional services, its reliability varies, and errors can lead to significant insurance claims. These concerns mirror those previously seen with cyber risks, and although solutions such as exclusions might deter policyholders, they could also lead to new opportunities for tailored coverage solutions.
The potential vulnerabilities mainly threaten professional indemnity and errors and omissions policies, as errors often remain unnoticed for extended periods, potentially intensifying the impact of claims. Furthermore, directors’ and officers’ policies may also face risks of claims related to intellectual property breaches, defamation, or misuse of personal information.
In the future, the insurance sector might evolve to establish dedicated AI policies, minimizing unforeseen exposures similar to the asbestos precedent, which, despite not receiving any premiums, resulted in substantial costs to insurers. AI remains a pervasive factor within numerous organizations, and any associated errors could lead to significant claims.
In navigating this landscape, insurers are encouraged to proactively address these issues and explore new insurance policy structures to safeguard against unanticipated AI-related claims.
QBE Insurance Group, a prominent player in the Australian insurance sector, has recently experienced a notable decline in its share value, reaching a seven-month low. This downturn is primarily attributed to a slowdown in the company's premium rate growth during the third quarter of the 2025 fiscal year. - read more
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has recently voiced concerns regarding Insurance Australia Group's (IAG) proposed acquisition of the Royal Automobile Club of Western Australia's (RAC) insurance business. Valued at A$1.35 billion, this deal aims to expand IAG's footprint in Western Australia. However, the ACCC warns that such consolidation could diminish competition in the state's motor and home insurance markets, potentially leading to higher premiums and reduced service quality for consumers. - read more
QBE Insurance Group, Australia's largest insurer by market value, has recently experienced a significant downturn in its share price, reaching a seven-month low. This decline is primarily attributed to a slowdown in the company's premium rate growth during the third quarter of fiscal 2025. For tradespeople across Australia, this development could have notable implications, particularly concerning insurance premiums and coverage options. - read more
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has recently raised significant concerns regarding the quality of financial advice provided to individuals about self-managed superannuation funds (SMSFs). This development is particularly relevant for tradespeople considering SMSFs as a means to manage their retirement savings. - read more
Australia's financial regulators, the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) and the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), have issued a strong warning to the country's A$4.5 trillion superannuation industry. They emphasize the urgent need to prepare for an anticipated influx of approximately 2.5 million retirees over the next decade. This development holds significant implications for tradespeople, many of whom rely on superannuation funds for their retirement savings. - read more
Market Lane Insurance Group has introduced Back Bay Professional Risks, a new underwriting division offering professional indemnity insurance tailored for consulting engineers and a range of professional service providers in Australia. This expansion addresses the growing demand for specialized insurance solutions in the professional services sector. - read more
In 2024, medical incidents emerged as the leading cause of travel insurance claims among Australian travellers, accounting for more than 40% of all claims handled by nib Travel. This trend underscores the critical importance of securing comprehensive travel insurance to mitigate the financial risks associated with medical emergencies abroad. - read more
QBE Insurance Group, Australia's largest insurer by market value, recently reported a slowdown in premium rate growth, leading to a significant decline in its share price. The company's global average premium rate increased by only 1.5% in the nine months leading up to September 30, 2025, a decrease from the first-half pace. This deceleration is primarily attributed to slower growth in business property insurance prices. - read more
In a significant move within the Australian insurance industry, Swedish private equity firm EQT has extended a takeover offer for AUB Group, valuing the company at A$5.25 billion. This proposal includes a price of A$45 per share, representing a 25.1% premium over AUB's last closing price. Following the announcement, AUB shares surged up to 11% to A$39.95, though they remained below the offer price. - read more
Australia's general insurance industry has reported a return on equity (ROE) of 19% for the 2025 financial year, marking the highest in a decade. This impressive performance is attributed to a combination of factors, including benign weather conditions, strong investment gains, and the continued flow-through of premium increases. - 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
Agroforestry is a transformative approach to land management that integrates trees into agricultural landscapes. In Australia, where farmers contend with variable climates and environmental challenges, agroforestry offers a resilient pathway to productivity and sustainability. - 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
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
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
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
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
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
For Australian farmers, livestock is more than just a vital asset; it's the heartbeat of their livelihood. In a land where the sunburnt plains are as relentless as they are beautiful, protecting your herd isn't just a duty; it's a necessity. That's where livestock insurance comes into play—a shield against the unpredictability of Mother Nature. - read more
Need a Quote?
Start your free farm insurance quote comparison here.
Knowledgebase
Underwriting: The process by which an insurer determines the risk of insuring a client and decides the terms of coverage.