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 developments for Australian consumers and SMEs on 8 October 2026: the new law banning life insurers from using genetic test results for new or varied policies, planned Life Insurance Code improvements, a softening commercial insurance market that could deliver better terms for many buyers, research showing long‑lasting impacts on small businesses after disasters and why that heightens the need for robust interruption and catastrophe cover, and claim tips on cash settlements in WA and travel bookings. Listeners are urged to review renewals, compare policies, and ensure cover matches real‑world risks.
Hello and welcome to Insurance Online News, Im Paige Estritori, and its Thursday, 8 October 2026.
First up, from today, new federal law bans life insurers from asking for or using your genetic test results when assessing new cover or changes to existing policies. It applies to life, total and permanent disability, trauma and income protection policies, not private health. At the same time, the industry has outlined planned updates to its Life Insurance Code to improve claim handling, clarify mental health wording and strengthen independent oversight next year. If youre updating cover, take a moment to compare options and make sure the policy fits your needs without unnecessary disclosures.
Next up, a fresh market update shows commercial insurance competition has intensified. On average this year, property rates are down by about 10 to 20 per cent, liability down roughly 5 to 15, and directors and officers cover also easing, while cyber prices are drifting lower too. Some classes, like accident and health, remain higher. For businesses, its a good time to review renewals, tighten risk controls and get quotes so youre not overpaying or underinsured.
Meanwhile, new research this week finds small businesses in disaster‑hit regions can still be struggling two years on. Communities affected by major fires, floods or cyclones supported about nine per cent fewer small businesses than otherwise, and in very severe events it was closer to one in five. Thats a reminder to check your business interruption cover, flood and cyclone options where eligible, and that your indemnity period and sums insured reflect real rebuild timelines.
In Western Australias north this week, the national complaints authority cautioned households weighing cash settlements after Cyclone Narelle to make sure offers reflect local labour and material shortages. Before accepting cash, get your own quotes and timeframes so repairs can actually be completed, and remember you can seek an external review if the figure wont put you back to where you were. On travel, a recent ruling also upheld a claim denial where passengers middle names were missing from tickets, so ensure your booking details match your ID—insurance wont fix a booking error.
Thats the wrap. For fast, free quotes and expert support from independent brokers across Australia, head to insuranceonline.com.au. Im Paige Estritori—thanks for listening and Ill see 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.
Follow us!
We are a proud member of the Financial Services Online network!
Connect with us on your favourite social media platform for the latest financial news, views, resources and information.
Australia's construction sector remains under pressure, with recent insolvency figures continuing to show building and construction as one of the most exposed parts of the economy. Higher material costs, tight margins, labour shortages, delayed payments and fixed-price contract stress have all contributed to a tougher operating environment for builders, subcontractors and project owners. - read more
Recent transport industry sales updates point to a more selective new-truck market, with operators weighing replacement timing against finance costs, emissions planning, availability and contract confidence. For truck businesses, that matters well beyond the showroom. A change in buying momentum can flow through to vehicle values, repair economics, insurer appetite and the way fleets should set insurance sums before renewal. - read more
Fresh small business cyber warnings are a practical reminder that digital risk is no longer just a concern for large companies with complex IT systems. For Australian tradespeople, the most damaging cyber incident may be far simpler: a fake invoice, altered bank details, a compromised email account or a scam message that looks like it came from a supplier, builder, real estate agent or client. - read more
ASIC’s continuing focus on superannuation member services has put another practical issue in front of Australian workers: insurance inside super is not just about whether cover exists, but whether members can understand and use it when they need help. Recent regulatory attention on trustee administration, communication and claims support is a timely reminder for anyone relying on salary continuance or income protection benefits through their fund. - read more
Recent transport industry reporting has again highlighted growing interest in Performance Based Standards vehicles and other high-productivity truck combinations across Australia. For operators, the attraction is clear: fewer trips, better payload efficiency and stronger productivity on approved routes. For insurers, however, the shift is not simply a matter of adding another truck to the schedule. PBS combinations can alter exposure across vehicle value, route compliance, load responsibility, driver capability and recovery after an incident. - read more
Hospitality insurance premiums can vary widely because every venue has a different mix of risks, assets, staff, stock and trading conditions. This guide explains the main factors that can influence hospitality business insurance costs in Australia and how to compare cover without focusing on price alone. - read more
In the bustling world of hospitality, the right insurance can make all the difference for your business. Tailored insurance, as the name suggests, involves customising your insurance policy to meet the specific needs and risks associated with your industry. This personalised approach ensures that you are not overpaying for unnecessary coverage while also safeguarding your business against potential threats. - read more
The Australian hospitality industry is renowned for its vibrancy, yet it also faces significant challenges. With fluctuating demand, seasonal changes, and unpredictable external factors such as economic downturns and pandemics, hospitality businesses often operate in a high-risk environment. For hotel operators, the stakes are even higher due to substantial investments in property, staff, and customer service. - read more
Hospitality businesses often rely on vehicles for deliveries, catering, events, mobile food service and stock transport. This guide explains when commercial vehicle insurance may be relevant, what risks to consider and what to check before choosing cover. - read more
Hospitality insurance is a crucial component for businesses within the hospitality sector, offering coverage for a range of incidents that could potentially derail operations. It's designed to protect establishments like hotels, restaurants, and event venues from various risks such as liability claims, property damage, and interruption of services. - read more
Knowledgebase
Endorsement: An amendment or addition to an existing insurance policy that changes the terms or scope of the original policy.
