
According to insuranceNEWS.com.au, the association contends that the recent uptick in breaches was expected as a result of numerous new obligations embedded within the revised 2022 code. According to NIBA, this demonstrates an industry adjusting to more rigorous expectations.
Yesterday, the Insurance Brokers Code Compliance Committee (IBCCC) released its annual data report, highlighting an increase in breaches. Specifically, 63.4% of insurance brokers reported breaches in the preceding year, up from 55.2% in 2022. The total number of breaches escalated by 36% to 4642, impacting 794,000 clients as opposed to 412,081 the prior year.
A particular area of concern flagged by the committee was remuneration disclosure, with 106 breaches reported compared to just 23 cases a year earlier.
"The data in our report should be seen as a wake-up call," said committee chair Oscar Shub. "Brokers must emphasize robust compliance and reporting procedures to enhance service quality and maintain client trust."
On the rising remuneration breaches, Mr. Shub added, "This significant increase signals that brokers must improve their practices."
NIBA has expressed encouragement over the growing trend of brokers reporting their breaches. The body noted a more than 26% increase in the number of subscribers self-reporting since 2020.
"Given the considerable number of new obligations introduced with the revised code, an increase in reported breaches was anticipated," NIBA explained. "The data from the IBCCC shows that the profession is actively considering and adapting to higher standards, aiming to better fulfill client needs."
While NIBA acknowledges ongoing needs for improvement, it plans to collaborate with subscribers and the IBCCC over the coming year to foster greater transparency and enhance compliance reporting habits.
Providing a contrastive perspective, Insurance Advisernet MD Shaun Standfield expressed disappointment in the IBCCC’s critical stance on compliance outcomes. He noted, “The committee should recognize our efforts in promoting breach awareness and reporting. It’s disheartening to receive mixed signals when we've almost tripled reportable breaches over three years."
Mr. Standfield cautioned that such criticism might dissuade brokers from reporting breaches faithfully. "We do not want our advisers to backtrack on reporting for fear of negative commentary from the IBCCC. Despite the surge in reported breaches, brokers work diligently to serve their clients every day," he concluded.
Published:Saturday, 28th Sep 2024
Source: Paige Estritori
| Australian Insurers Face Challenges in Risk Preparedness 21 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori Recent findings from the PwC Insurance Banana Skins Survey reveal that Australian insurers are trailing their global counterparts in risk preparedness, scoring 6.6% lower on the Preparedness Index. This gap highlights the pressing need for the Australian insurance industry to bolster its strategies against emerging threats. - read more |
| Market Concentration in Australian Insurance Industry Under Scrutiny 21 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori Australia's general insurance market is currently dominated by four major companies—Insurance Australia Group (IAG), Suncorp, QBE, and Allianz—which collectively control nearly 75% of the market. This high level of concentration has sparked discussions about its implications for competition and consumer outcomes. - read more |
| Rising Insurance Premiums Challenge Australian Small Businesses 21 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori Australian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are grappling with escalating insurance premiums, a trend largely driven by the increasing frequency and severity of natural disasters. Data from insurance comparison site BizCover indicates that business claims for severe weather events have nearly doubled over the past three years, underscoring the growing impact of climate-related incidents on the business sector. - read more |
| Hutch Underwriting's New Landlord Insurance: A Digital Age Solution 20 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori In August 2025, Hutch Underwriting unveiled a pioneering landlord insurance product tailored for the Australian market. This policy stands out by integrating cyber protection, addressing the evolving digital risks that modern landlords face. - read more |
| Allianz Identifies Australian Suburbs with Elevated Landlord Insurance Claims 20 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori In April 2025, Allianz Australia released a report highlighting Australian suburbs with the highest number of landlord insurance claims. The findings provide valuable insights for property investors, emphasizing the importance of understanding regional risks. - read more |
| QBE's 2025 Survey Highlights Financial Vulnerabilities Among Australian Landlords 20 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori In June 2025, QBE released a comprehensive survey shedding light on the financial resilience of Australian landlords. The findings are particularly concerning: 38% of landlords indicated they would encounter financial difficulties if their rental properties became uninhabitable or if tenants defaulted on rent for a period exceeding two to six weeks. - read more |
| Protecting Your Farming Future: Why Machinery Breakdown Coverage is Essential Farming is a vital part of New Zealand's economy and cultural heritage, representing a way of life for thousands across the country. With its unique landscapes and diverse climate, New Zealand farmers are renowned for producing a wide array of high-quality products that serve not only the nation's needs but also supply a multitude of international markets. - read more
|
| Natural Disaster Preparedness: Insurance Tips for Farmers Facing Adversity In the heart of New Zealand's pastoral verdure, the significance of preparedness for natural disasters is paramount for the farming industry. The distinct landscape, while providing an idyllic backdrop for agricultural pursuits, is not without its challenges. Farmers are often at the mercy of nature's unpredictability, making disaster preparedness not just prudent but essential for the continuity of their livelihood. - read more
|
| Customizing Your Farm Insurance: Tailoring Policies to Fit Unique Agricultural Needs Those who work the land know that every farm has its own heartbeat - its unique rhythm defined by the crops it yields, the livestock it nurtures, and the natural environment it exists within. Recognizing this individuality is crucial, especially when it comes to safeguarding your agricultural investment with the right insurance policy. - read more
|
| Securing Your Farm's Future: Top Estate Planning Tips for New Zealand Farmers New Zealand's farming community forms the backbone of its thriving agricultural sector, yet many overlook the critical importance of proactive estate planning. With farmland often being held within families for generations, securing its future is not just a financial concern, but a deeply personal one as well. - read more
|
| Risk Mitigation: Best Practices for Rural Farmers Risk mitigation is a strategy used to prepare for and lessen the effects of potential risks faced by rural farmers. It involves identifying potential threats and taking proactive steps to minimize their impact. - read more
|
| How to Safeguard Your Farm: A Guide for Australian Farmers Farming is inherently risky. With factors like weather, pests, and market fluctuations affecting crops, it's crucial to manage these risks effectively. - read more
|
|
Customizing Your Farm Insurance: Tailoring Policies to Fit Unique Agricultural Needs Those who work the land know that every farm has its own heartbeat - its unique rhythm defined by the crops it yields, the livestock it nurtures, and the natural environment it exists within. Recognizing this individuality is crucial, especially when it comes to safeguarding your agricultural investment with the right insurance policy. - read more
|
|
Protecting Your Farming Future: Why Machinery Breakdown Coverage is Essential Farming is a vital part of New Zealand's economy and cultural heritage, representing a way of life for thousands across the country. With its unique landscapes and diverse climate, New Zealand farmers are renowned for producing a wide array of high-quality products that serve not only the nation's needs but also supply a multitude of international markets. - read more
|
|
Natural Disaster Preparedness: Insurance Tips for Farmers Facing Adversity In the heart of New Zealand's pastoral verdure, the significance of preparedness for natural disasters is paramount for the farming industry. The distinct landscape, while providing an idyllic backdrop for agricultural pursuits, is not without its challenges. Farmers are often at the mercy of nature's unpredictability, making disaster preparedness not just prudent but essential for the continuity of their livelihood. - read more
|