Insurance Finder Australia Weekly Insurance News Wrap
Each week, Insurance Finder Australia brings a clear, concise wrap of the biggest insurance stories across Australia. We cover policy and regulation updates, broker industry movements, claims trends, and practical consumer insights. Expect plain-English summaries, context on what changes mean, and tips to navigate coverage choices with confidence. It’s a trustworthy, industry-focused news brief designed for individuals and small business owners who want to stay informed without the noise.
This Week:
This weeks wrap covers four developments for Australian consumers and small businesses: a federal inquiry into small business and not‑for‑profit insurance; NSW moving ESL reform to a Parliamentary inquiry; Suncorp reviewing hail-risk pricing after higher natural hazard costs; and Suncorps push to expand in strata, which could lift competition. Each story includes quick, practical steps and why a licensed broker can help compare options and navigate changes.
EPISODE 1321 | Insurance Finder Australia Weekly Insurance News Wrap | Sun, 22nd Feb 2026
23 Feb 2026 | Paige Estritori
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Read Full Transcript:
Hello and welcome to the Insurance Finder Australia Weekly Insurance News Wrap with me, Paige Estritori, for Sunday 22 February 2026.
First up, a national inquiry into small business and not‑for‑profit insurance opened on 18 February. Lawmakers want real‑world evidence on availability, affordability and claims experiences. If you run a business, nows the time to gather renewal notices, broker correspondence and recent claim outcomes. A specialist broker can package that story and help you stress‑test your cover while the policy settings are under review.
Meanwhile in New South Wales, the government has signalled the next steps to reform the Emergency Services Levy, or ESL, via a Parliamentary inquiry and options paper. The current levy adds about 18% to household policies and more than 30% to many business policies in NSW, so any change could shift premiums. If youre in NSW, ask your broker to break out taxes and levies on your schedule and map what a move to a different funding model could mean at renewal.
On the market side, Suncorp says its reviewing pricing for hail risk after elevated natural hazard costs dented first‑half earnings on 18 February. Expect more location‑specific adjustments, especially for vehicles left outside or in hail‑prone corridors. Check your motor policy for hail coverage, windscreen options and excesses, and consider how garaging or protective parking could lower your risk. A broker can compare policies that balance price, excess and repair networks.
Staying with Suncorp, the group is laying foundations to grow its strata portfolio, shifting strata into its commercial lines and building out products alongside intermediated distribution. More capacity and competition could help owners corporations and landlords facing steep renewals. Before your next AGM, ask a broker to remarket your strata policy, verify the building sum insured against current rebuild costs, and review flood, storm and machinery breakdown sub‑limits.
Thats the wrap for this week. For clear explanations, transparent fee info, and to get matched with a licensed broker who fits your needs, head to insurance-finder.com.au.
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
Replacement Cost: The amount it would cost to replace or rebuild an insured asset with one of similar kind and quality, without depreciation.
