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:
This week: NSW Emergency Services Levy reform modelling points to relief for households and small businesses; mid‑year reinsurance renewals soften with lower catastrophe rates and more capacity; the code watchdog probes motor repairer oversight amid rising complaints; and a reminder that ambulance cover varies by state, so check your health policy fine print. Practical takeaways: compare policies, review limits and excesses, keep documentation for car claims, and stay alert to ESL changes in NSW.
Hello and welcome to Insurance Online News, Im Paige Estritori, and its Thursday, 9 July 2026.
First up, a fresh analysis of the Emergency Services Levy, or ESL, suggests shifting NSW funding from insurance premiums to a property-based charge would ease pressure on households and many small businesses, especially in disaster‑prone areas. The modelling points to meaningful annual savings and broader insurance uptake if reform proceeds. If youre in NSW, keep an eye on the parliamentary review due later this year. In the meantime, compare policies carefully so you can see exactly what youre paying for and avoid underinsurance.
Next, mid‑year reinsurance renewals continued a softer trend. Brokers report double‑digit rate reductions on many loss‑free catastrophe programs, plus extra capacity returning to Australia. That doesnt automatically cut retail premiums, but it can reduce cost pressure on insurers and improve terms. The practical move is to shop around and check cover limits and excesses—better structures can matter as much as price.
Meanwhile, the industry code watchdog has launched a targeted review of how insurers oversee motor repairers, after a spike in complaints about delays and poor repair outcomes. Motor claims make up a large share of disputes, so this review could speed up turnarounds and lift transparency. If youve got a car claim, keep photos, quotes and timelines handy, and consider broker support to smooth the process.
And a quick consumer heads‑up on health cover: a recent case highlighted that ambulance billing rules vary by state, and some situations—like non‑patient transport—may fall outside private health insurance. Its a reminder to check the fine print on ambulance benefits, especially if youve moved interstate or travel often. Clarity up front can spare bill shock later.
Thats it for this week. For fast, free quotes and side‑by‑side comparisons across personal and business insurance, head to insuranceonline.com.au. Im Paige Estritori—thanks for listening and Ill catch 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.
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Knowledgebase
Loss Ratio: The ratio of claims paid by an insurer to the premiums earned, used as a measure of profitability.
