According to the data, income protection and funeral plans trailed, accounting for 22% and 11% of customer dissatisfaction, respectively. A staggering total of 54,896 life insurance-related grievances were logged during the 2023-24 financial period, leading to over $11 million in compensatory actions being taken to address these issues.
A notable feature of the report is the efficiency with which these complaints were handled. Half of all life insurance grievances were settled within the same day they were reported, and 75% saw closure within just eight days. These statistics reflect the urgent nature with which life insurers are addressing customer concerns.
The primary concerns raised by consumers were categorized into service-related issues (29%), delays (13%), and premium disputes (10%). The emphasis on service issues underscores the importance for insurers to enhance customer interaction and mitigate operational delays.
Starting from October 5, 2021, financial services are mandated to document all grievances filed through their dispute resolution mechanisms. This data collection became a formal requirement at the outset of the current year, aimed at providing transparency and accountability within the financial sector.
According to ASIC, "As the first step in the financial dispute resolution framework, internal dispute resolution plays a vital role in providing remedies and protections for consumers. It is an avenue for redress to millions of Australians who complain to financial firms each year."
This report finds its origin from the comprehensive study at ASIC and serves as a stepping stone towards understanding how internal processes can be optimized for public benefit.
Published:Friday, 13th Dec 2024
Source: Paige Estritori
Building Resilience: ICA Aligns Floods Inquiry Plan 19 Dec 2024: Paige Estritori The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) is strategically addressing the recommendations from recent inquiries into flood responses and code of practice in its latest updates. Acknowledging the variety and complexity of the suggestions, ICA supports 78 out of the total recommendations presented, tackling them in a staged and structured manner. - read more |
Major Acquisitions Shake Up the Australian Life Insurance Sector 18 Dec 2024: Paige Estritori In a significant move estimated at $13 billion, MLC Life Insurance and Resolution Life’s subsidiaries in Australia and New Zealand are set to merge. This development is part of an acquisition involving Nippon Life, a major player in the global insurance industry. - read more |
Sure Highlights Coverage Gaps in Cyclone Zones 17 Dec 2024: Paige Estritori An alarming gap in insurance coverage has been spotlighted by Queensland underwriting agency, Sure, as it drew attention to underinsurance among cyclone-susceptible areas. Their comparison of coverage across the state reveals stark contrasts that could have dire consequences for residents. - read more |
Term Life Insurance Fuels Customer Grievances 13 Dec 2024: Paige Estritori New insights from the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) highlight that term life insurance sparked the most grievances among consumers last financial year. ASIC's newly released internal dispute resolution report indicates that 41% of the complaints were linked to term life policies. - read more |
Understanding Liability Insurance: A Must-Read for Australian Small Business Owners Liability insurance is a form of insurance designed to offer protection against claims resulting from injuries and damage to people or property. It covers legal costs and any payouts for which the insured party would be responsible if found legally liable. Intended to protect against claims resulting from injuries and damage to other people or property, liability insurance is critical for small businesses as it shields them from potentially crippling legal expenses. - read more
|
Understanding Product Liability Insurance in Australia: A Business Owner's Guide As a business owner in Australia, navigating the complexities of protecting your company is crucial, with product liability insurance being an essential aspect to consider. This type of insurance is designed to shield businesses from financial losses that may arise if a product they manufacture, supply, or sell causes harm to a consumer or damages property. - read more
|
How to Lower Public Liability Insurance Premiums Without Sacrificing Coverage In the ever-evolving landscape of Australian commerce, business insurance stands as a crucial bulwark, safeguarding enterprises against unforeseen financial perils. Recognizing this, our in-depth exploration begins with an overview of the monumental role business insurance plays for Australian companies, both large and small. It's a cornerstone for risk management, providing business owners with peace of mind as they navigate the intricacies of their industries. - read more
|
The Cost of Being Uninsured: Why Every Australian Small Business Needs Liability Coverage Welcome to the complex world of running a small business in Australia where navigating through liability risks is as crucial as managing daily operations. This article is crafted to illuminate why every Australian small business needs liability coverage — a shield to protect against potential financial catastrophes. - read more
|
The Impact of Environmental Liability on Australian Business Operations In today's ever-evolving business landscape, the significance of environmental sustainability and legal accountability is increasingly paramount. Australian enterprises, in particular, are encountering a growing need to understand and manage environmental liability. This reality not only influences corporate image but also carries substantial financial and legal ramifications. - read more
|
The Cost of Being Uninsured: Why Every Australian Small Business Needs Liability Coverage Welcome to the complex world of running a small business in Australia where navigating through liability risks is as crucial as managing daily operations. This article is crafted to illuminate why every Australian small business needs liability coverage — a shield to protect against potential financial catastrophes. - read more
|
Understanding Product Liability Insurance in Australia: A Business Owner's Guide As a business owner in Australia, navigating the complexities of protecting your company is crucial, with product liability insurance being an essential aspect to consider. This type of insurance is designed to shield businesses from financial losses that may arise if a product they manufacture, supply, or sell causes harm to a consumer or damages property. - read more
|
How to Lower Public Liability Insurance Premiums Without Sacrificing Coverage In the ever-evolving landscape of Australian commerce, business insurance stands as a crucial bulwark, safeguarding enterprises against unforeseen financial perils. Recognizing this, our in-depth exploration begins with an overview of the monumental role business insurance plays for Australian companies, both large and small. It's a cornerstone for risk management, providing business owners with peace of mind as they navigate the intricacies of their industries. - read more
|