Farm Insurance Australia :: News
SHARE

Share this news item!

Victorian Court Approves $34 Million Add-On Insurance Settlement

Victorian Court Approves $34 Million Add-On Insurance Settlement

Victorian Court Approves $34 Million Add-On Insurance Settlement?w=400
A Victorian court has ratified a $34 million settlement in a class action involving add-on insurance products sold by Suncorp.
This settlement culminates the legal proceedings surrounding alleged unlawful sales practices.

As part of the arrangement, Maurice Blackburn, the law firm representing the plaintiffs, will receive $8.5 million to cover costs and disbursements. Additionally, $1.36 million has been allocated for managing the distribution of settlement funds. The lead plaintiff will obtain $30,000 to compensate for personal time and stress endured during the case.

Justice Patricia Matthews of the Supreme Court of Victoria gave her approval after observing that no objections were raised by group members. Her detailed reasons were released this week, affirming the final settlement decision reached in late June.

The core of the lawsuit rested on the sale of add-on insurance products through MTA Insurance, acquired by Suncorp in 2014. These products, now under the AAI subsidiary, were claimed to hold little to no consumer value, allegedly contravening legal standards in their sale practices.

Despite denying all allegations, Suncorp agreed to the settlement in February, having since ceased selling add-on covers through car dealerships. The decision to settle was based on reducing the time and financial uncertainty that a formal trial would have involved.

Justice Matthews highlighted that a trial was projected to last 12 days, followed by potential lengthy appeals, which would prolong the resolution. By settling, the distribution of funds to plaintiffs is expected within 13-14 months, providing more immediate relief to affected parties.

Published:Friday, 8th Aug 2025
Source: Paige Estritori

Share this news item:

Insurance News

ASIC Considers Action as Professional Indemnity Insurance Transparency Falls Short ASIC Considers Action as Professional Indemnity Insurance Transparency Falls Short
12 Aug 2025: Paige Estritori

The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has voiced apprehension about the transparency of professional indemnity (PI) insurance amongst holders of the Australian Financial Services Licence (AFSLs). This concern arises from a recent market overview conducted to analyze PI insurance for AFSLs offering personal advice to retail clients. - read more
Traveller Triumphs in Insurance Dispute Over Unexpected Medical Detour Traveller Triumphs in Insurance Dispute Over Unexpected Medical Detour
11 Aug 2025: Paige Estritori

A savvy traveller has successfully challenged an insurance decision after having to make an impromptu stay in London due to a medical emergency. This came after the man needed urgent medical attention following a cat bite he sustained in Albania, which sent him to the UK capital for essential treatment. - read more
Revolutionising Life Insurance: Digital PMARs and Next-Gen Underwriting Revolutionising Life Insurance: Digital PMARs and Next-Gen Underwriting
11 Aug 2025: Paige Estritori

In the age of instant digital services, where everything from basic necessities to luxury items can be delivered in a blink, the life insurance sector in Australia is poised for a transformative change. Historically plagued by lengthy processing times, the sector faces a persistent underinsurance gap, with over a million Australians lacking adequate life protection. The introduction of a digital Personal Medical Attendant Report (PMAR) by Acenda, formerly MLC Life, marks a significant stride towards addressing this challenge. - read more
Victorian Court Approves $34 Million Add-On Insurance Settlement Victorian Court Approves $34 Million Add-On Insurance Settlement
08 Aug 2025: Paige Estritori

A Victorian court has ratified a $34 million settlement in a class action involving add-on insurance products sold by Suncorp. This settlement culminates the legal proceedings surrounding alleged unlawful sales practices. - read more
Study Bolsters Call to Eliminate Insurance Taxes Study Bolsters Call to Eliminate Insurance Taxes
07 Aug 2025: Paige Estritori

Recent research from Victoria University has provided new insights supporting the proposal to abolish insurance taxes in Australia. The study, conducted by Jason Nassios and James Giesecke, examined the effects of varying rates on four primary taxes: personal income tax, goods and services tax (GST), stamp duties, and insurance duties. Unlike previous studies, this research assessed the economic impacts of these taxes as their rates fluctuated, rather than analyzing them at static levels. - read more
Policyholder Triumphs in Machinery Damage Dispute Policyholder Triumphs in Machinery Damage Dispute
06 Aug 2025: Paige Estritori

A recent decision in an Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) case has ruled in favour of a business seeking coverage for damage to machinery, despite the hiring company not adhering to all prescribed safety guidelines. The matter involved a Winlet 575 Glass Robot that sustained damage when its stabiliser failed during operation. - read more
IVAA Claims Triumphs in Pitch Competition with Fraud Detection Technology IVAA Claims Triumphs in Pitch Competition with Fraud Detection Technology
05 Aug 2025: Paige Estritori

In a notable victory, Brisbane-based IVAA Claims emerged as the winner of the esteemed Beyond the Buzzwords pitch contest. The company, which specializes in jewellery validation assessments and settlement guidance for contents claims, impressed the judges with its innovative approach to tackling insurance fraud. - read more
CALI Advocates for Reforms to Bridge Financial Advice Gap for Young Australians CALI Advocates for Reforms to Bridge Financial Advice Gap for Young Australians
04 Aug 2025: Paige Estritori

The Council of Australian Life Insurers (CALI) has highlighted a significant gap in access to affordable, professional life insurance advice among young Australians. A recent study conducted by CALI reveals that only 11% of 18-to-34-year-olds obtain formal financial guidance, with the majority relying instead on advice from informal and often inaccurate sources such as friends, family, social media, and online forums. - read more
Digitalisation Revolutionises Life Insurers’ Medical Report Process Digitalisation Revolutionises Life Insurers’ Medical Report Process
04 Aug 2025: Paige Estritori

The process of obtaining Personal Medical Attendant Reports (PMARs) has been a significant administrative issue for Australian life insurers. General Practitioners (GPs) often face an overwhelming amount of paperwork, dedicating nearly a full workday each week to administrative tasks. PMARs, essential for assessing applicants’ health for life insurance, have traditionally been cumbersome and time-consuming, with many GPs delaying their completion. However, the development of digital solutions is set to transform this process and improve efficiency drastically. - read more
Kell to Lead Comprehensive Review of Australia's Life Insurance Code Kell to Lead Comprehensive Review of Australia's Life Insurance Code
01 Aug 2025: Paige Estritori

Starting on October 1, a comprehensive review of the voluntary Life Insurance Code of Practice will commence, with a focus on assessing the effectiveness of revisions made to its regulations and standards in 2023. The Council of Australian Life Insurers (CALI) has appointed Peter Kell to lead this independent review and deliver the final report by June 30 next year. - read more



Farm Insurance Articles

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
Proven Strategies for Australian Farmers to Reduce Farm Insurance Premiums Proven Strategies for Australian Farmers to Reduce Farm Insurance Premiums
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
The Modern Farmer's Checklist for Assessing Farm Equipment Insurance Needs The Modern Farmer's Checklist for Assessing Farm Equipment Insurance Needs
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
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
The Digital Farmer's Guide to Insuring Your Agribusiness in the Tech Age The Digital Farmer's Guide to Insuring Your Agribusiness in the Tech Age
Welcome to the defining era where technology and agriculture entwine, bringing forth the digital farmer's era. With the evolution of agribusiness in the tech age, comes an array of new tools, opportunities, and risks. As a custodian of the earth and steward of the latest innovations, safeguarding your digital farm is just as crucial as nurturing your crops and livestock. - read more
Tractors, Livestock, and Crops: Tailoring Your Farm Insurance to Fit Your Needs Tractors, Livestock, and Crops: Tailoring Your Farm Insurance to Fit Your Needs
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
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
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
Future-Proofing the Farm: What Every Tech-Savvy Australian Farmer Needs to Know About Insurance Future-Proofing the Farm: What Every Tech-Savvy Australian Farmer Needs to Know About Insurance
Welcome to the first steps in future-proofing your farming legacy. When we think about the hustle and bustle of daily farm life, it's easy to overlook the critical importance of estate planning. For the Australian farmer, estate planning is not just a matter of securing your assets; it's about ensuring the survival and progression of your hard-earned labour to the next generation. - read more

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

Knowledgebase
Professional indemnity:
An insurance that provides cover for liability incurred in the course of exercising a profession.