Welcome to the Insurance Online News podcast with your host, Paige Estritori, where we deliver the latest and most significant news from the world of insurance in Australia. Our dedicated team works tirelessly to bring you the freshest updates, focusing on the stories that matter the most to both Australian businesses and individual consumers over the past week.
Through meticulous research, we transform these developments into original content that not only keeps you informed but also offers deep insights into the insurance landscape as it stands today. Our podcast distills these crucial updates into a format that's both succinct and captivating. For professionals within the insurance realm or personal consumers keen on keeping up with insurance trends, look no further. Paige Estritori brings you all the essential information daily, making our podcast the ultimate destination for trustworthy and impactful insurance news.
This Week:
This week on Insurance Online News, Paige Estritori covers an ACCC action over alleged misleading insurance debt notices, an AFCA ruling that a verbal tenancy can trigger landlord cover, rising post‑disaster repair scams ahead of storm season, and new bushfire research showing property‑level features drive outcomes. Listeners are urged to keep good records, verify repairers, review sums insured, and compare policies with broker support. Visit insuranceonline.com.au for fast, free quotes.
Hello and welcome to Insurance Online News with Paige Estritori, its Thursday, 17 September 2026.
First today, a major insurers debt collector is under fire after aggressive tactics against a customer. The consumer watchdog, the ACCC — thats the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission — has launched action alleging hundreds of thousands of misleading debt notices. If you receive a demand you dont agree with, contact your insurer or broker, keep everything in writing, and remember you can escalate disputes to AFCA, the Australian Financial Complaints Authority. Choosing cover with strong claims support can save time and stress.
Meanwhile, AFCA has ruled that a landlords verbal periodic tenancy counted as a rental agreement for tenant‑protection cover, even though the policy wording required it in writing. But the theft part of that claim failed because the owner couldnt prove what was taken or when. For landlords, the signal is clear: document tenancies and inspections, keep photos and receipts, and check optional protections. Compare landlord policies side by side so youre not caught out at claim time.
Next up, ahead of storm season, insurers are warning about “disaster chasers” — operators who door‑knock after hail, fire or floods, push for cash, and claim to be working with your insurer. Reports have risen sharply since 2023. A real insurer wont demand upfront payment or send a tradie without notice. Call your insurer or broker, use approved repairers, and review your home and business sums insured before summer.
Finally, new analysis of the January Victorian bushfires shows property‑level features — like cleared vegetation and defensible space — made a big difference to which homes survived, even when homes were the same distance from the fire front. Risk, premiums and claims outcomes can hinge on details at your address. Its a good moment to check cover limits, consider mitigation, and refresh quotes that reflect your specific property or site.
Thats it for this week. For fast, free personal and business insurance quotes and access to independent brokers nationwide, head to insuranceonline.com.au. Im Paige Estritori — thanks for listening.
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.
Follow us!
We are a proud member of the Financial Services Online network!
Connect with us on your favourite social media platform for the latest financial news, views, resources and information.
Australia's construction sector remains under pressure, with recent insolvency figures continuing to show building and construction as one of the most exposed parts of the economy. Higher material costs, tight margins, labour shortages, delayed payments and fixed-price contract stress have all contributed to a tougher operating environment for builders, subcontractors and project owners. - read more
Recent transport industry sales updates point to a more selective new-truck market, with operators weighing replacement timing against finance costs, emissions planning, availability and contract confidence. For truck businesses, that matters well beyond the showroom. A change in buying momentum can flow through to vehicle values, repair economics, insurer appetite and the way fleets should set insurance sums before renewal. - read more
Fresh small business cyber warnings are a practical reminder that digital risk is no longer just a concern for large companies with complex IT systems. For Australian tradespeople, the most damaging cyber incident may be far simpler: a fake invoice, altered bank details, a compromised email account or a scam message that looks like it came from a supplier, builder, real estate agent or client. - read more
ASICs continuing focus on superannuation member services has put another practical issue in front of Australian workers: insurance inside super is not just about whether cover exists, but whether members can understand and use it when they need help. Recent regulatory attention on trustee administration, communication and claims support is a timely reminder for anyone relying on salary continuance or income protection benefits through their fund. - read more
Recent transport industry reporting has again highlighted growing interest in Performance Based Standards vehicles and other high-productivity truck combinations across Australia. For operators, the attraction is clear: fewer trips, better payload efficiency and stronger productivity on approved routes. For insurers, however, the shift is not simply a matter of adding another truck to the schedule. PBS combinations can alter exposure across vehicle value, route compliance, load responsibility, driver capability and recovery after an incident. - read more
Business interruption insurance is a crucial safeguard for nightclub owners who want to protect their revenue streams from unexpected disruptions. This type of insurance is designed to cover the loss of income that businesses suffer after a disaster-related closing of the business premises or due to the rebuilding process afterward. - read more
Public liability insurance can help nightclub operators respond to claims involving patron injury or third-party property damage. For Australian venues, alcohol service, crowd behaviour, security practices and RSA obligations can all influence risk, policy terms and claims outcomes. - read more
In the dynamic world of running a nightclub, unforeseen incidents can happen at any time. Whether it's a lively crowd that gets out of hand or an unexpected electrical issue that disrupts your night, the challenges of managing a nightlife venue are uniquely demanding. That's why having the right insurance coverage is not just advisable, it's essential for every nightclub owner. - read more
Running a nightclub is no small feat. It's a lively business that offers entertainment and enjoyment. Yet, it also comes with its own set of risks. That's where nightclub insurance comes in. Just as you craft the perfect atmosphere for your patrons, having the right insurance ensures that the unexpected doesn't catch you off guard. - read more
Nightclub insurance costs can vary widely because insurers assess each venue's risk profile, cover needs and claims history. This guide explains the factors that may influence premiums and how Australian nightclub operators can prepare accurate information for a quote or renewal review. - read more
Knowledgebase
Grace Period: A set amount of time after the premium is due during which a policyholder can make a payment without the insurance coverage lapsing.
