ASIC Takes Hollard Insurance to Court Over Significant Claim Handling Issues

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.

The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has initiated legal proceedings in the Federal Court against Hollard Insurance, alleging a breach of the duty of utmost good faith.

This action is in response to what ASIC describes as Hollard's "egregious" handling of a home and contents insurance claim filed by a couple from regional Victoria.

ASIC's case against Hollard revolves around the insurer's handling of the couple's claim following storm damage to their property in October 2021. The regulator claims Hollard's excessive delays and failure to conduct essential make-safe work have rendered the couple's home uninhabitable, leading to extensive moisture, mould, and decay issues that necessitate demolition and rebuilding.

Sarah Court, ASIC's deputy chair, highlighted the seriousness of the delays, stating that such prolonged inaction is unacceptable and potentially unlawful. The legal action aims to address growing concerns about increasing general insurance complaints and send a strong message about the unacceptability of such delays.

The claim, initially filed in October 2021, took Hollard nearly three and a half years to resolve. The insurer rejected the claim in April 2023, 18 months after its submission. Following this, the couple sought intervention from the Australian Financial Complaints Authority, which directed Hollard to provide compensation for non-financial losses and substantiated the storm as the proximate cause of the damage.

Hollard eventually consented to a cash settlement exceeding $1.5 million. However, ASIC contends that despite initially accepting the claim, Hollard delayed decisions regarding repairs, took over nine months to arrange a structural engineer inspection, and postponed the provision of temporary accommodation.

Responding to the legal action, a Hollard spokesperson acknowledged the proceedings and expressed support for ASIC's efforts in fostering consumer-positive outcomes. They noted Hollard's cooperation with ASIC but refrained from further commenting due to the ongoing nature of the legal matter.

Published:Monday, 14th Apr 2025
Author: Paige Estritori

Please Note: We do not endorse any specific products or companies. Some content is sourced from third parties, including press releases, and may not be independently verified for accuracy or completeness.

Share this news item:

Rate this article

0 Comments

No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts.

Insurance News

NSW Introduces Strata Law Reforms to Strengthen Community Protections

06 Jun 2026: Paige Estritori

The New South Wales (NSW) Government has initiated a series of reforms to modernise strata regulations, aiming to bolster transparency and accountability within strata management. These changes are designed to provide greater protection for property owners and enhance the governance standards of strata schemes. - read more

EML Group's Strategic Acquisition of Guild Insurance

06 Jun 2026: Paige Estritori

In a significant move within the Australian insurance landscape, EML Group has acquired a 70% stake in Guild Insurance. This strategic partnership is poised to unlock new growth avenues and accelerate the development of technological and artificial intelligence capabilities within the industry. - read more

APRA's Enhanced Capital Requirement for Sovereign Insurance Australia

06 Jun 2026: Paige Estritori

The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has mandated an additional $2 million capital requirement for Sovereign Insurance Australia, citing significant deficiencies in the company's risk management framework and operational risk management practices. - read more

IAG's Strategic Vision: Ambition 2030 Targets $25 Billion GWP

06 Jun 2026: Paige Estritori

Insurance Australia Group (IAG) has unveiled its 'Ambition 2030' strategy, setting a goal to achieve over $25 billion in gross written premium (GWP) by the year 2030. This ambitious plan also includes expanding its customer base to more than 11 million individuals. The announcement was made during IAG's Investor Day in Sydney, where the company outlined its refreshed long-term financial targets and strategic initiatives. - read more

Click for more Insurance News

Business Insurance Articles

Liability Risks: What Small Businesses in Australia Should Know

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on liability risks for small businesses in Australia. The world of business is fraught with challenges, and one often overlooked aspect is the array of potential liabilities that can stifle growth or even lead to catastrophic financial loss. It's crucial for small business owners to grasp the critical role that insurance plays in the protection and longevity of their ventures. - read more

The Cost of Public Liability Coverage: Is It Worth It?

Public liability insurance is a crucial safety net for both businesses and individuals, providing protection against the financial fallout from claims of injury or damage that your business operations might cause to third parties. This type of insurance is designed to cover legal and compensation costs, safeguarding you from unexpected financial burdens. - 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

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

Start Here !

Knowledgebase

Insurable Interest:
A financial or other kind of interest in the insured item or person, necessary for a valid insurance contract.

This website is owned and operated by Clark Family Pty Ltd (ACN 010 281 008) as Trustee for the Clark Family Trust (ABN 35 957 893 714), 43 Larch Street Tallebudgera QLD 4228. Clark Family Pty Ltd is an Authorised Representative (AR 1298860) of Unique Group Broker Services Pty Ltd (AFSL 509434) for financial product referrals and an Authorised Credit Representative (ACR 401491) of Saccasan Pty Ltd (ACL 386297). Check our licensing details on the ASIC registers: Clark Family Pty Ltd ACR, Clark Family Pty Ltd AR, Saccasan Pty Ltd, Unique Group Broker Services.

IMPORTANT: We act solely as an introducer and refer enquiries to licensed third-party brokers, insurers, and lenders. We do not provide financial product advice or credit assistance. 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 party 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. Whilst we have our own process for validating the legitimacy of our referral partners, you should independently verify the credentials and licensing of any adviser or provider you engage. Visit the ASIC website for further information.