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:
Paige Estritori covers four Australian insurance updates for the week ending 12 February 2026: NSWs Emergency Services Levy reforms move forward with guidance coming; NSW passes workers compensation changes with an 18‑month premium freeze and staged psychological injury thresholds; commercial insurance pricing softens with greater capacity, making this a good time to re‑market and compare; and a new cyber specialist launches in Australia, giving SMEs more options to align cover with cyber risk. Listeners are invited to compare personal and business insurance at insuranceonline.com.au.
Hello and welcome to Insurance Online News, Im Paige Estritori, and its Thursday, 12 February 2026.
First up, New South Wales Emergency Services Levy, or ESL, is edging towards reform. The states monitor has been meeting insurers and plans to issue guidance on expectations ahead of the levy being removed from premiums. Theres no start date yet, so dont expect instant price changes, but do watch for insurer communications. If youre in NSW, make sure your contact details are current and be ready to compare policies when timings are confirmed so youre not overpaying.
Meanwhile, NSW parliament has passed a workers compensation overhaul after months of deadlock. It includes an 18‑month freeze on average premium increases, plus a staged lift to the threshold for psychological injury benefits — rising from 21% today to 25% on 1 July 2026, 27% in 2027, and 28% from 1 July 2029. That should ease near‑term pressure for employers, but it changes how some claims are supported. Check in with your broker, update budgets and return‑to‑work plans, and make sure your broader business cover aligns with your risk profile.
Next up, the commercial insurance market stayed buyer‑friendly through the December quarter. A major market update says Australian prices fell by as much as about 20%, with abundant capacity and flexible underwriting. Directors and officers cover, cyber and casualty kept softening, while property also eased — though assets with heavy natural‑catastrophe exposure still face scrutiny. If youre renewing soon, its a good moment to re‑market, compare limits and deductibles, and consider multi‑year terms where appropriate.
And finally, more choice is landing in cyber insurance. A Zurich‑backed specialist has launched locally, targeting small and medium businesses with an AI‑driven platform and added risk insights. With many SMEs still under‑insured for cyber incidents, this extra competition is timely. Use it to review your incident‑response plan, confirm exclusions, and check that your limits match your actual exposure before your next renewal.
Thats the wrap. For fast, free quotes and expert help comparing personal and business cover, head to insuranceonline.com.au. Im Paige Estritori — thanks for listening, and Ill see you next week.
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, tips, tricks, resources and information.
In today's digital age, understanding the cyber threat landscape in Australia is not just important—it's essential. Cyber attacks are becoming more sophisticated and are affecting businesses and individuals at an alarming rate. Common types of cyber attacks include phishing, ransomware, and data breaches, each with the potential to cause significant harm. The impact of cybersecurity breaches on both the economy and the reputation of affected entities is profound, ranging from financial loss to long-lasting reputational damage. - read more
In today's rapidly evolving cyber landscape, Australian businesses must prioritize data security more than ever before. As companies continue to digitize operations and store sensitive data electronically, the need for robust cybersecurity measures has become paramount. This introduction lays the foundation for understanding the criticality of protecting your company's most valuable asset—its data. - read more
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
In the digital age, Australian small businesses find themselves navigating a world where online presence isn't just an advantage, it’s a necessity. With this increased online activity comes heightened vulnerability to cyber threats, making the protection of digital assets an urgent priority. - read more
Cybersecurity incidents are a growing concern for small businesses. These incidents can have disastrous consequences on the affected businesses and their customers. Cyber insurance policies provide a form of financial protection for small businesses in the event of a cyber-attack. This article will provide an overview of cyber insurance claims and its importance for small business owners. - read more
National Transport Insurance (NTI), Australia's premier transport and logistics insurance provider, has announced the appointment of Janelle Greene as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective July 1. Greene, who currently serves as NTI's Chief Customer Officer, will succeed Tony Clark, who has led the company for the past 18 years. - read more
In a significant ruling by the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA), a truck driver has been awarded a total and permanent disability (TPD) benefit, concluding a protracted dispute that spanned over a decade. - read more
The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) has recently updated its Master Code of Practice, marking the first revision since its initial release in 2018. This comprehensive update extends its reach beyond traditional road transport businesses to encompass a wider array of industries that utilise heavy vehicles, including manufacturing, construction, mining, retail, and logistics. - read more
The Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) has recently ruled against Zurich Insurance, instructing the insurer to maintain the current income protection benefits for a policyholder after an 11-year delay in proposing a reduction. This decision underscores the critical importance of timely and transparent communication between insurers and their clients. - read more
In the 2025 Life Insurance Awards presented by Money Magazine, Neos has been honored as the top provider in the Income Protection Insurance category. This accolade reflects Neos's commitment to delivering comprehensive and reliable income protection solutions to Australians. - read more
