Life Insurance Australia

Australian Life Insurance Quotes and Resources

Life Insurance Australia :: News

Share this news item!

Suncorp's AAMI and GIO fined for breaches of internal review timeframes

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.

The New South Wales State Insurance Regulatory Authority (SIRA) has recently imposed a fine of $100,000 on Suncorp's compulsory third party (CTP) brands AAMI and GIO for failing to meet their internal review timeline obligations.

This marks the first time that a civil penalty has been imposed on CTP insurers under the Motor Accident Injuries Act.

According to SIRA, the fines stem from breaches of AAMI and GIO's internal review timeframes between April 1, 2018 and August 31, 2020. The regulator began investigations in response to complaints about delays that customers were experiencing when seeking internal reviews. Despite issuing letters of censure to AAMI and GIO, SIRA found further breaches during their monthly performance monitoring of internal reviews in September 2020.

As a result, SIRA launched a further investigation into the ongoing issues between April 2018 and August 2020, identifying breaches and contraventions of the Act, the Motor Accident Guidelines, and their license conditions. Show cause notices were issued to the insurers in May 2022, leading to the decision to impose a civil penalty of $50,000 each for AAMI and GIO. The Act provides for fines of up to $110,000.

In determining the appropriate penalty, SIRA took into consideration the experience of customers, the acknowledgement by AAI Limited of their conduct, the significant efforts made to address the backlog of internal reviews and communicate options to customers, and the development and implementation of a remediation plan. The regulator has stated that they will continue to closely monitor the performance and compliance of the insurers.

This news serves as a reminder of the importance of timely and efficient internal reviews for insurers, as well as the need for compliance with regulatory guidelines. Suncorp's CTP brands, AAMI and GIO, will have to pay close attention to their internal processes in the future to avoid similar penalties.

Published:Friday, 27th Jan 2023
Source: Paige Estritori

Please Note: If this information affects you, seek advice from a licensed professional.

Share this news item:

Insurance News

Insuregroup's Remarkable Growth in Truck Insurance Policies

21 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori

Insuregroup, a specialist insurance brokerage serving Australia's transport and logistics sector, has recently announced a significant milestone: processing over 10,000 insurance policies since its inception, with a 25% increase in policy volume over the past year. This growth underscores the escalating demand for comprehensive truck insurance solutions tailored to the unique needs of Australian freight operators. - read more

ICA's Strategic Plan to Combat Escalating Motor Insurance Costs

21 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori

The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) has unveiled a comprehensive report titled 'Motor Insurance Policy Paper - A Roadmap for Reducing Rising Premiums,' addressing the significant 42% increase in comprehensive motor insurance premiums since 2019. This surge has brought the average annual premium to $1,052 in 2024, prompting the need for coordinated action to alleviate the financial burden on consumers. - read more

Heightened Road Risks During Holiday Season: Insurers Issue Warnings

21 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori

As the Australian summer school holidays coincide with peak freight activity, insurers and transport specialists are raising concerns about heightened road risks. The surge in freight traffic, coupled with increased holiday travel, amplifies the potential for road incidents, particularly involving heavy vehicles. - read more

AustralianSuper Announces Reduction in Default Income Protection Cover

20 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori

AustralianSuper, one of Australia's largest superannuation funds, has announced a significant change to its default income protection insurance. Effective from 28 February 2026, the fund will reduce the default income protection cover to $1,000 per month. This adjustment aims to align insurance coverage with members' actual income levels and prevent over-insurance, which can erode retirement savings. - read more

APRA Postpones Changes to Individual Disability Income Insurance Policy Terms

20 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori

The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has announced a suspension of the planned changes to individual disability income insurance (IDII) policy contract terms. Originally set to take effect from 1 October 2022, the implementation has been deferred for at least two years, providing insurers and policyholders additional time to adapt to the forthcoming regulations. - read more

Click for more Insurance News

Need a Bigger Boat?

We provide direct access to the best Boat Loan rates and options in Australia through our national panel of specialist marine finance brokers. Simply complete our quick & easy Boat Loan quote enquiry form to see if you qualify - and to gain access to the best Boat Loan offers from our broker panel.

... get a boat loan quotes ...

Life Insurance Articles

The Savvy Consumer’s Guide to Purchasing Life Insurance in Australia

As the landscape of finance and personal security evolves in Australia, the importance of being insured has never been more prominent. In a world of changing family dynamics, economic pressures, and higher living costs, life insurance stands as a bastion of support ensuring the well-being of loved ones in the event of unforeseen circumstances. - read more

Life Events That Should Trigger a Life Insurance Review for Aussie Families

Life insurance is a cornerstone of financial planning for Aussie families, offering protection and peace of mind. But what happens when the bustling flow of life brings changes? This is where a life insurance review comes into play. A life insurance review is a thorough analysis of your existing policy to ensure it aligns with your current life circumstances and financial goals. - read more

Life After You: Planning Ahead With Quality Life Insurance for Your Family

Life insurance is a fundamental component of a robust financial plan, yet its significance is often underestimated. It serves as a safety net, ensuring that your loved ones are financially secure in the event of your absence. Understanding life insurance is the first step towards safeguarding your family’s future. - read more

Life Insurance Comparison: Key Questions to Ask Your Insurer

Life insurance is a crucial consideration for middle-aged to older Australians. It provides financial security for your loved ones in the unfortunate event of your death. Understanding the various options available is vital to making an informed decision. - read more

Understanding Life Insurance: How to Get the Best Online Quotes

The digital age has fundamentally transformed how we approach almost every aspect of our lives, including the way we shop for life insurance in Australia. Gone are the days when one had to schedule meetings with insurance agents or flip through pamphlets to understand life insurance policies. Today, obtaining life insurance quotes online has become the norm, offering a hassle-free and incredibly accessible platform for individuals to safeguard their financial future. - read more

Start Here !

Apply now for your free Insurance assessment and price comparisons!

Knowledgebase

Umbrella Policy:
An additional insurance policy that provides extra liability coverage beyond the limits of the insured's primary policies.

This website is owned and operated by Clark Family Pty Ltd (ACN 010 281 008) as Trustee for the Clark Family Trust (ABN 35 957 893 714), 43 Larch Street Tallebudgera QLD 4228. Clark Family Pty Ltd is an Authorised Representative (AR 1298860) of Unique Group Broker Services Pty Ltd (AFSL 509434) for financial product referrals and an Authorised Credit Representative (ACR 401491) of Saccasan Pty Ltd (ACL 386297). Check our licensing details on the ASIC registers: Clark Family Pty Ltd ACR, Clark Family Pty Ltd AR, Saccasan Pty Ltd, Unique Group Broker Services.

IMPORTANT: We do not provide financial product advice or credit assistance. We act solely as an introducer and refer enquiries to licensed third-party intermediaries, insurers, and lenders - with whom you can then deal directly. We may receive a fee or commission from these third parties in consideration for the referral. Before any action is taken to obtain a product or service referred to by this website, advice should be obtained (from either the third party to whom we refer you or from another qualified intermediary) as to the appropriateness of obtaining those products having regard to your objectives, financial situation and needs. Whilst we have our own process for validating the legitimacy of our referral partners, you should always verify the credentials of your financial adviser before proceeding with recommendations that they may present. Visit the ASIC website for further information.