Indemnity: A legal principle that stipulates that insurance policies should restore the insured to the financial position they were in before the loss.
Professional Indemnity Insurance (PII) remains one of the keystones of risk management for professionals across Australia. Yet, misconceptions and lack of awareness can lead to inadequate coverage, leaving individuals and businesses vulnerable in a litigious environment. - read more
If you're an Australian consultant, you understand that your advice is a valuable commodity. But with that value comes responsibility, and a level of risk that you could be held liable if your guidance results in financial loss to a client. This is where professional indemnity insurance comes into play, serving as a vital shield, providing protection and peace of mind for both you and your clients. - read more
Professional indemnity insurance is an essential safeguard for practitioners and businesses that provide expert advice or services. This type of insurance helps to protect professionals against legal costs and claims for damages from an act, omission, or breach of professional duty in the course of their work. For Australian professionals, where litigation is increasingly common, it's a pivotal component of risk management. - read more
Starting a business is a thrilling venture, but it comes with its share of risks and uncertainties. One often underestimated aspect by many entrepreneurs is the need for adequate insurance, particularly, professional indemnity insurance. This type of insurance is crucial for protecting your start-up against potential financial liabilities resulting from errors, omissions, or professional negligence. - read more
Professional Indemnity Insurance is a critical safety net for professionals, offering protection against claims of negligence or breach of duty arising from the services they provide. It helps cover legal costs and any compensation that might be awarded if you are found to be at fault. - read more
Professional Indemnity Insurance is a critical safety net for professionals, offering protection against claims of negligence or breach of duty arising from the services they provide. It helps cover legal costs and any compensation that might be awarded if you are found to be at fault. - read more
Professional Indemnity Insurance (PII) is a type of insurance designed to protect professionals against claims of negligence or breach of duty made by their clients. It covers the costs and expenses incurred in defending against such claims, as well as any resulting damages or compensation that may be awarded. - read more
Intellectual Property (IP) stands as one of the core components of any modern business, particularly for startups where innovation is often the primary competitive edge. Understanding and protecting IP is not just about safeguarding ideas; it's a critical aspect of maintaining a business's unique market position and its long-term viability. - read more
Starting a business is a thrilling venture, but it comes with its share of risks and uncertainties. One often underestimated aspect by many entrepreneurs is the need for adequate insurance, particularly, professional indemnity insurance. This type of insurance is crucial for protecting your start-up against potential financial liabilities resulting from errors, omissions, or professional negligence. - read more
The landscape of work is changing in Australia, with more individuals embracing the flexibility and autonomy that freelancing offers. A significant surge in the freelance economy is a testament to this shift, as a myriad of professionals, from writers and designers to IT consultants, choose to offer their services independently. The burgeoning freelance community contributes not only to innovation but also to the country's economic vibrancy. - read more
Insurer's Overcharge: A Case for Rigorous Internal Audits
Insurer's Overcharge: A Case for Rigorous Internal Audits
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An overlooked discrepancy by a life insurance company led to thousands of policyholders not receiving promised discounts, having continued unchecked for over a year.
This issue was unearthed following an unexpected internal audit, demonstrating the company's need for better oversight and auditing practices.
The lapse came to light when a random review uncovered that the obligations under the industry's code of conduct had been violated. The industry imposes strict guidelines for clarity in advertising and aligning quoted prices with what policyholders ultimately incur.
As outlined by a Life Code Compliance Committee report, "This case highlights the critical need for insurers to test and review the implementation of new pricing features to ensure they apply advertised benefits correctly."
Commenting further, the committee noted, "Failing to do so can result in financial detriment to customers and damage the trust between insurers and their customers, particularly when errors remain undetected for extended periods.”
This particular incident resulted in annual premiums being inaccurately charged to more than 4,000 customers, with an average overcharge of $8 each. The promised discount was supposed to be 2.5%, but customers only received a 2% reduction.
The insurer has outlined plans to rectify the situation by refunding the policyholders. Customers will be reimbursed the 0.5% difference, accompanied by an apology letter that clearly explains the oversight. Moreover, the company insists it has now corrected its systems to ensure that discounts are applied accurately in future policies.
Such cases shed light on an urgent necessity in the financial services industry for regular and thorough checks of internal procedures to upkeep transparency and customer trust. Providing leniencies on industry standards, as was the scenario here from the original report by The Source, results not only in monetary damage but also potential reputational risks for insurers.
The industry usually does not disclose names in its breach determinations, preserving confidentiality for those involved.
Published:Tuesday, 5th Nov 2024 Source: Paige Estritori
In recent months, Muswellbrook, a town in New South Wales, has experienced a series of earthquakes that have left residents grappling with both physical destruction and emotional distress. Criticism is mounting against insurers as more than 600 claims have emerged, following these seismic events, yet many remain unresolved or denied. - read more
The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) has raised concerns about the potential fallout from a fragmented regulatory approach to artificial intelligence and automated decision-making in the industry. There is fear that this patchwork of reforms could result in conflicting requirements, heavier compliance burdens, and increased industry confusion. - read more
A recent analysis by the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) reveals that over 90% of general insurers and reinsurers anticipate climate change will influence their underwriting procedures, posing new challenges to the industry. - read more
In a remarkable case highlighting the severe consequences of insurance fraud, an individual's attempt to inflate a theft insurance claim has resulted in the total denial of compensation. Despite a significant portion of the claim being genuine, fraudulent actions negated any potential payout. - read more
As climate change persists, the impact of severe weather on insurance premiums is becoming more evident, pushing affordability out of reach for many Australians. Bernadette Systa, a mother of five, faced an undeniable financial strain as her annual home and contents insurance costs surged from a modest amount to more than twice what she initially paid. This experience echoes a growing dilemma faced by households across the country. - read more
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