Cyber Insurance Online :: News
SHARE

Share this news item!

Consumer Advocates Criticise Insurers Over 'Poverty Premiums' and 'Loyalty Taxes'

Consumer Advocates Criticise Insurers Over 'Poverty Premiums' and 'Loyalty Taxes'

Consumer Advocates Criticise Insurers Over 'Poverty Premiums' and 'Loyalty Taxes'?w=400
Consumer advocacy groups have voiced strong opposition to the insurance industry's decision to reject recommendations designed to eliminate practices that disadvantage consumers, including charging higher rates for monthly bill payments and increasing renewal premiums for loyal customers.
The Financial Rights Legal Centre has cited ongoing reports from consumers being adversely affected by these pricing practices, which they refer to as a "poverty premium" and a "loyalty tax."

The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) recently published an action plan in response to 150 recommendations from the parliamentary floods inquiry and a comprehensive review of the industry code of practice. Despite the consensus among both reviews that insurers should not charge more for monthly payments than they do for annual ones, and renewal premiums should not surpass those offered to new customers, the ICA asserts that enforcing pricing policies is not within the code's remit due to competition law restrictions.

Continuous concerns have been raised about the code's enforceability and the numerous recommendations the ICA did not fully endorse. Financial Rights Legal Centre's Drew MacRae stated that around 38 recommendations are still under consideration, or have been delegated to individual companies to decide upon.

Financial Counselling Australia has expressed significant concern that the ICA's action plan does not actively address inequitable pricing practices. According to their disaster recovery co-ordinator, Louise Hayes, it is essential for insurers to address these unfair practices and incorporate them into the industry code to ensure accountability and equity.

While the ICA's action plan includes some positive initiatives, such as a framework for assisting vulnerable customers, it also drew criticism for lacking a firm commitment to enforceability. The recommendations from the inquiry suggested these policies should be embedded contractually within product disclosure statements to strengthen consumer protection.

Stephanie Tonkin, CEO of Consumer Action Law Centre, highlights the importance of rebuilding consumer trust, especially following the response to the 2022 floods. She stresses that the industry's focus should shift more towards customer welfare rather than profitability, with enforceable actions driving this change.

ICA CEO Andrew Hall noted that the action plan aims to guide industry changes over the coming years with a central focus on enhancing the customer experience. He acknowledged the necessity of collaborating with consumer advocates, regulators, and the government to tackle the underlying issues cited in the reviews.

Published:Wednesday, 26th Mar 2025
Source: Paige Estritori

Share this news item:

Insurance News

AFCA Rules in Favour of Owners in Lift Vandalism Dispute AFCA Rules in Favour of Owners in Lift Vandalism Dispute
28 Mar 2025: Paige Estritori

In a landmark decision, the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) has mandated that Chubb Insurance replace the hoist ropes of two lifts in an apartment block, following damage attributed to vandalism. The owners' corporation successfully argued that the damage to the lifts was part of a previously recognized vandalism incident. - read more
NSW Government Targets Predatory Practice of Claim Farming NSW Government Targets Predatory Practice of Claim Farming
28 Mar 2025: Paige Estritori

The New South Wales Government is taking decisive action against 'claim farming', a predatory practice that exploits vulnerable individuals by pressuring them to file compensation claims. This practice often involves unethical tactics targeting susceptible groups, including child abuse survivors. To combat this, the government is set to introduce the Claim Farming Practices Prohibition Bill 2025. - read more
RAA Partners with Duck Creek for Major Tech Overhaul RAA Partners with Duck Creek for Major Tech Overhaul
27 Mar 2025: Paige Estritori

The Royal Automobile Association (RAA), a leading motoring group in South Australia, is set to revamp its technology infrastructure by adopting Duck Creek's OnDemand cloud platform. This strategic transition will see RAA's outdated systems for motor and home insurance transformed to include streamlined policy, rating, billing, and claims management, as well as enhanced data handling and insights capabilities. - read more
Consumer Advocates Criticise Insurers Over 'Poverty Premiums' and 'Loyalty Taxes' Consumer Advocates Criticise Insurers Over 'Poverty Premiums' and 'Loyalty Taxes'
26 Mar 2025: Paige Estritori

Consumer advocacy groups have voiced strong opposition to the insurance industry's decision to reject recommendations designed to eliminate practices that disadvantage consumers, including charging higher rates for monthly bill payments and increasing renewal premiums for loyal customers. The Financial Rights Legal Centre has cited ongoing reports from consumers being adversely affected by these pricing practices, which they refer to as a 'poverty premium' and a 'loyalty tax.' - read more
Urgent Reforms Needed to Curb Rising Motor Insurance Premiums Urgent Reforms Needed to Curb Rising Motor Insurance Premiums
25 Mar 2025: Paige Estritori

The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) has called for urgent action to address the factors driving the significant rise in motor insurance premiums. In a detailed policy paper, the ICA has outlined a strategic plan, urging government intervention to address key issues like labour shortages, supply chain disruptions, and inefficiencies in accident management practices. - read more


Cyber Insurance Articles

Case Studies: The True Impact of Cyber Attacks on Australian Small Businesses Case Studies: The True Impact of Cyber Attacks on Australian Small Businesses
As we delve into the digital era, the number of cyber threats that challenge Australian small businesses is significantly on the rise. Cyber attacks have become more sophisticated, frequent, and continue to disrupt the operations of small enterprises, often with devastating consequences. The need to fortify defenses against such threats has never been more paramount. - read more
Protecting Your Business from Online Threats: The Benefits of Cyber Insurance Protecting Your Business from Online Threats: The Benefits of Cyber Insurance
In today's digital age, businesses are increasingly becoming more vulnerable to online threats. Cyber attacks are not just limited to large corporations. Small businesses are also at risk and can suffer severe financial losses due to cyber threats. It is essential for small businesses to invest in cyber insurance. Cyber insurance offers protection against online threats, providing financial assistance if a company experiences a data breach, cyber attack, or other forms of cybercrime. - read more
Cyber Insurance 101: What Every Australian Business Owner Needs to Know Cyber Insurance 101: What Every Australian Business Owner Needs to Know
Cyber insurance, also known as cyber liability insurance, is a type of coverage designed to protect businesses from the financial repercussions of cyber attacks and data breaches. As cyber threats become more sophisticated, the need for a safety net to mitigate the impact of such incidents has grown significantly. - read more
Understanding Cyber Threats and How They Affect Your Finances Understanding Cyber Threats and How They Affect Your Finances
Cyber threats refer to malicious acts that seek to damage data, steal information, or disrupt digital operations. These threats can come in various forms, such as malware, phishing attacks, ransomware, and more. - read more
Understanding the Importance of Cyber Insurance in the Digital Age Understanding the Importance of Cyber Insurance in the Digital Age
As we dive deeper into the digital era, the topic of cyber security becomes increasingly critical. With businesses and individuals relying heavily on digital technologies, the threat of cyber attacks looms larger than ever. This introductory section aims to unpack the concept of cyber insurance as a tool to mitigate these risks. - read more
The Essential Guide to Cyber Insurance for Australian Businesses The Essential Guide to Cyber Insurance for Australian Businesses
Cyber insurance is a type of insurance designed to protect businesses from internet-based risks and, more generally, from risks relating to information technology infrastructure and activities. It covers losses related to data breaches, cyber extortion, and other kinds of cyber attacks. - read more
Protecting Your Business from Online Threats: The Benefits of Cyber Insurance Protecting Your Business from Online Threats: The Benefits of Cyber Insurance
In today's digital age, businesses are increasingly becoming more vulnerable to online threats. Cyber attacks are not just limited to large corporations. Small businesses are also at risk and can suffer severe financial losses due to cyber threats. It is essential for small businesses to invest in cyber insurance. Cyber insurance offers protection against online threats, providing financial assistance if a company experiences a data breach, cyber attack, or other forms of cybercrime. - read more
From Phishing to Hacking: Examining the Coverage Options of Cyber Insurance Policies From Phishing to Hacking: Examining the Coverage Options of Cyber Insurance Policies
In today's digital landscape, Australian small businesses face a myriad of cyber risks that can threaten their operations and financial stability. From sophisticated phishing scams to debilitating hacking attacks, the need to safeguard against such digital threats has never been more pressing. This introductory guide serves to illuminate the complexities of the cyber risk environment within Australia, focusing on the small business sector's unique vulnerabilities. - read more
Understanding the Importance of Cyber Insurance in the Digital Age Understanding the Importance of Cyber Insurance in the Digital Age
As we dive deeper into the digital era, the topic of cyber security becomes increasingly critical. With businesses and individuals relying heavily on digital technologies, the threat of cyber attacks looms larger than ever. This introductory section aims to unpack the concept of cyber insurance as a tool to mitigate these risks. - read more
Understanding the Cost of Cyber Attacks on Small Businesses and How to Avoid Them Understanding the Cost of Cyber Attacks on Small Businesses and How to Avoid Them
Cybersecurity refers to the practice of protecting systems, networks, and programs from digital attacks. These cyber attacks are usually aimed at accessing, changing, or destroying sensitive information, extorting money from users, or interrupting normal business processes. - read more


Your free Cyber insurance quote comparison starts here!
First Name:
Postcode:

All quotes are provided free (via our secure server) and without obligation. We respect your privacy.

Knowledgebase
Indemnity:
A legal principle that stipulates that insurance policies should restore the insured to the financial position they were in before the loss.

Quick Links: | Cyber Insurance Australia | Cyber Insurance | Cyber Insurance Quote | Compare Cyber Insurance | Cyber Insurance Online | Best Cyber Insurance
This website is owned and operated by Clark Family Pty Ltd (as Trustee for the Clark Family Trust) 43 Larch Street Tallebudgera QLD 4228, A.C.N. 010281008, authorised Financial Services Representative of Unique Group Broker Services Pty Ltd, Australian Financial Services License 509434. Visit the ASIC website for additional licensing information.
IMPORTANT: We are neither authorised nor licensed to provide finance or finance products. We do not recommend any specific financial products and we do not offer any form of credit or other financial advice. All product enquiries and requests for financial and/or other advice on this website are referred to third party, qualified intermediaries with whom you can deal directly. We may receive a fee or commission from these third parties in consideration for the referral. Before any action is taken to obtain a product or service referred to by this website, advice should be obtained (from either the third part to whom we refer you or from another qualified intermediary) as to the appropriateness of obtaining those products having regard to your objectives, financial situation and needs.