- Declining Construction Insurance Premiums: A Boon for Australian Tradies
In 2025, Australia's construction insurance market has experienced a significant shift, with premiums decreasing across various lines due to intensified competition among insurers. This trend is particularly beneficial for tradespeople, commonly known as 'tradies,' who are witnessing more affordable coverage options.
- Upcoming Insurance Mandate: NSW Builders Must Act Before 2026 Deadline
In a significant regulatory development, registered building practitioners in New South Wales (NSW) are now required to secure professional indemnity (PI) insurance by July 1, 2026. This mandate, stemming from the Design and Building Practitioners Act 2021, underscores the importance of comprehensive risk management for tradies operating within the state.
- Rising Claims Costs and Labour Shortages: Challenges for Australian Insurers
Australian insurers are currently navigating a complex landscape marked by escalating claims costs, primarily driven by labour shortages and supply chain disruptions within the construction sector. These challenges have significant implications for tradies and the broader insurance industry.
- QBE Insurance Faces Market Challenges as Premium Growth Slows
QBE Insurance Group, Australia's largest insurer by market value, has recently experienced a significant downturn in its share price, reaching a seven-month low. This decline is primarily attributed to a slowdown in the company's premium rate growth during the third quarter of fiscal 2025.
- ASIC Highlights Concerns Over Self-Managed Super Fund Advice
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has recently raised significant concerns regarding the quality of financial advice provided to individuals about self-managed superannuation funds (SMSFs). This development is particularly relevant for tradespeople considering SMSFs as a means to manage their retirement savings.
- Regulators Call for Action as Australia Faces Retiree Wave
Australia's financial regulators, the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) and the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), have issued a strong warning to the country's A$4.5 trillion superannuation industry. They emphasize the urgent need to prepare for an anticipated influx of approximately 2.5 million retirees over the next decade.
- Hutch Underwriting's Trade Pack: Simplifying Insurance for Australian SME Tradies
Hutch Underwriting has unveiled Trade Pack, a comprehensive insurance solution designed specifically for Australia's small and medium-sized trade businesses (SMEs). This innovative product aims to streamline coverage and alleviate the administrative challenges often faced by brokers and tradies alike.
- IAG's AI Integration: Revolutionising 'Make Safe' Repair Assessments
Insurance Australia Group (IAG) has integrated generative artificial intelligence (AI) into its property claims assessment process, specifically to determine the necessity of 'make safe' repairs. This technological advancement aims to enhance operational efficiency and reduce costs associated with unnecessary contractor dispatches.
- Hollard Insurance's Costly Lesson: The Impact of Contractor Negligence
Hollard Insurance has been ordered to pay over $225,000 in compensation after contractors appointed by the insurer caused significant dust damage during home repairs. This case underscores the critical importance of diligent contractor oversight in the insurance industry.
- ICA Proposes Reforms to Reduce Insurance Costs in Queensland
The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) has recently submitted a series of recommendations to the Queensland Productivity Commission, aiming to address escalating insurance costs and bolster housing resilience across the state. These proposals are particularly pertinent to tradespeople, who are integral to the construction and maintenance of Queensland's housing infrastructure.
- Significant Premium Reductions in Australian Construction Insurance Market
The Australian construction insurance market has experienced a notable shift in 2025, with premiums decreasing across various lines due to intensified competition among insurers.
- Climate Change Impacting Home Insurance Costs, IAG Reports
Insurance Australia Group (IAG), a leading insurer in Australia, has highlighted the significant impact of climate change on the cost of home insurance. The company reports that the increasing frequency and severity of weather events are contributing to rising premiums for homeowners.
- Suncorp's Financial Growth and Share Buyback: What It Means for Policyholders
Suncorp, a prominent Australian insurer, has reported an 8% increase in full-year cash earnings, reaching A$1.49 billion for the year ending June 30, 2025. This performance surpasses analyst expectations and is attributed to improved insurance margins and favorable natural hazard costs.
- IAG's Profit Growth and Its Implications for Australian Tradespeople
Insurance Australia Group (IAG) has reported a significant increase in annual cash earnings for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025, reaching A$1.17 billion. This growth is primarily driven by an 8% rise in net earned premiums to A$9.98 billion and lower-than-expected natural peril costs.
- Declining Construction Insurance Premiums: A Boon for Australian Tradies
In recent developments within the Australian construction insurance sector, tradies are witnessing a notable decrease in premium rates. This trend is largely attributed to heightened competition among insurers, leading to more affordable coverage options for professionals in the trades industry.
- Navigating Rising Construction Costs: Insurance Strategies for Australian Tradies
The Australian construction industry is currently grappling with escalating costs, compelling tradies to reevaluate their insurance strategies to effectively manage increased financial risks. Factors such as supply chain disruptions, inflation, and labour shortages have collectively contributed to a significant rise in overall construction expenses.
- NSW Builders Face New Insurance Mandate: Professional Indemnity Coverage Required by 2026
In a significant regulatory development, registered building practitioners in New South Wales (NSW) are now required to secure professional indemnity (PI) insurance by July 1, 2026. This mandate, stemming from the Design and Building Practitioners Act 2021, underscores the importance of comprehensive risk management for tradies operating within the state.
- ACCC Scrutinises IAG's Proposed Acquisition of RAC Insurance
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has expressed concerns regarding Insurance Australia Group's (IAG) proposed acquisition of the Royal Automobile Club of Western Australia's (RAC) insurance business. The deal, valued at A$1.35 billion (approximately $877 million), aims to expand IAG's presence in Western Australia.
- QBE Exceeds Profit Expectations with Strong Premium Growth
Australian insurer QBE has reported a significant increase in net profit for the first half of fiscal 2025, reaching $997 million. This figure surpasses both the previous year's profit of $777 million and market estimates of $839.39 million.
- Suncorp's Profit Rises by 8%, Plans A$400 Million Share Buyback
Suncorp, a leading Australian insurer, has reported an 8% increase in full-year cash earnings, reaching A$1.49 billion for the year ending June 30. This performance surpasses analyst expectations of A$1.47 billion and is attributed to improved underlying insurance margins and a 16% increase in net investment returns, totaling A$766 million.
- IAG's Profits Surge by 91% as Premiums Continue to Rise
Insurance Australia Group (IAG) has reported a significant 91% increase in net profit for the first half of the fiscal year, reaching $778 million. This substantial growth is attributed to favourable weather conditions and strategic business operations.
- Steadfast Group Acquires Majority Stake in Novum Underwriting Partners for Global Expansion
Steadfast Group, Australia's largest general insurance broker network, has announced the acquisition of a majority stake in Novum Underwriting Partners. This strategic move, revealed on September 1, 2025, is a pivotal step in Steadfast's ambition to expand its global operations.
- Insurance Council of Australia Proposes $30 Billion Flood Defence Fund to Mitigate Rising Insurance Costs
The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) has proposed the establishment of a $30 billion flood defence fund aimed at enhancing the nation's resilience to flooding events. Announced on February 25, 2025, this initiative seeks to address the escalating costs associated with flood-related damages and the subsequent impact on insurance premiums.
- IAG Finalizes $855 Million Acquisition of RACQ Insurance Underwriting Business
Insurance Australia Group (IAG) has successfully completed its $855 million acquisition of the Royal Automobile Club of Queensland's (RACQ) insurance underwriting business. This strategic move, announced on September 1, 2025, marks a significant expansion for IAG within the Australian insurance landscape.
- Contactless Revolution: The Decline of Cash Among Tradies
Australia is embracing a cashless economy, a trend that is significantly reshaping how tradespeople, or 'tradies,' handle transactions in their day-to-day operations.