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: broker transparency moves that would require fee and commission disclosure to individuals and small businesses; councils considering a flood‑cover mutual as the Insurance Council of Australia argues for national risk pooling and mitigation; Victorian bushfires declared catastrophic with thousands of claims and potential premium pressure; and a travellers denied claim highlighting the need to add optional natural disaster cover. Listeners are urged to compare quotes, ask brokers for itemised costs, review sums insured, document mitigation steps, and check PDS add‑ons. Visit insuranceonline.com.au for fast quotes and broker support.
Hello and welcome to Insurance Online News, Im Paige Estritori, and its Thursday, 22 January 2026.
First up, a transparency push for anyone using a broker. NIBA, the National Insurance Brokers Association, has backed new code recommendations for brokers to disclose fees and commissions to individuals and small businesses. The aim is clearer, dollar‑based information at renewal and when youre quoted. For you, that means asking for an itemised breakdown when comparing cover, and using our platform to line up quotes side by side with expert broker support.
Next up, regional insurance affordability is back in the spotlight. A group of Queensland councils is exploring a local flood‑cover mutual, but the Insurance Council of Australia, or ICA, says a national pooling approach and stronger mitigation will likely work better than small local schemes that cant spread risk. If youre in a flood‑prone area, review your sums insured, document your risk‑reduction steps, and compare options early so youre not renewing under pressure.
Meanwhile, in Victoria, this months bushfires have been declared catastrophic, with thousands of claims already lodged and some properties total losses. Insurers say multiple costly disasters since spring could put upward pressure on premiums, though cover remains available. If youre affected, start your claim promptly, keep receipts, and speak with a broker to avoid underinsurance when you rebuild.
And a quick consumer reminder from a recent dispute decision. A travellers claim for weather‑disrupted plans was knocked back because she hadnt added the optional natural disaster upgrade, even though she bought a higher‑tier policy. Always check the Product Disclosure Statement—PDS—and make sure the optional extras match your trip, especially in cyclone or monsoon seasons. When you compare travel policies with us, look closely at those add‑ons before you buy.
Thats it for this week. For fast, free quotes and independent broker help across personal and business insurance, head to insuranceonline.com.au. Im Paige Estritori—thanks for listening, and talk to 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.
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