Restaurant Insurance Online :: News
SHARE

Share this news item!

ASIC Takes Hollard Insurance to Court Over Significant Claim Handling Issues

ASIC Takes Hollard Insurance to Court Over Significant Claim Handling Issues

ASIC Takes Hollard Insurance to Court Over Significant Claim Handling Issues?w=400

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 Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has initiated legal proceedings in the Federal Court against Hollard Insurance, alleging a breach of the duty of utmost good faith.
This action is in response to what ASIC describes as Hollard's "egregious" handling of a home and contents insurance claim filed by a couple from regional Victoria.

ASIC's case against Hollard revolves around the insurer's handling of the couple's claim following storm damage to their property in October 2021. The regulator claims Hollard's excessive delays and failure to conduct essential make-safe work have rendered the couple's home uninhabitable, leading to extensive moisture, mould, and decay issues that necessitate demolition and rebuilding.

Sarah Court, ASIC's deputy chair, highlighted the seriousness of the delays, stating that such prolonged inaction is unacceptable and potentially unlawful. The legal action aims to address growing concerns about increasing general insurance complaints and send a strong message about the unacceptability of such delays.

The claim, initially filed in October 2021, took Hollard nearly three and a half years to resolve. The insurer rejected the claim in April 2023, 18 months after its submission. Following this, the couple sought intervention from the Australian Financial Complaints Authority, which directed Hollard to provide compensation for non-financial losses and substantiated the storm as the proximate cause of the damage.

Hollard eventually consented to a cash settlement exceeding $1.5 million. However, ASIC contends that despite initially accepting the claim, Hollard delayed decisions regarding repairs, took over nine months to arrange a structural engineer inspection, and postponed the provision of temporary accommodation.

Responding to the legal action, a Hollard spokesperson acknowledged the proceedings and expressed support for ASIC's efforts in fostering consumer-positive outcomes. They noted Hollard's cooperation with ASIC but refrained from further commenting due to the ongoing nature of the legal matter.

Published:Monday, 14th Apr 2025
Author: Paige Estritori

Please Note: We do not endorse any specific products or companies. Some content is sourced from third parties, including press releases, and may not be independently verified for accuracy or completeness.

Share this news item:

Rate this article

Sign in with Google to rate

0 Comments

No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts.

Insurance News

NSW Workers' Compensation Premium Freeze: A Strategic Opportunity for Businesses
NSW Workers' Compensation Premium Freeze: A Strategic Opportunity for Businesses
14 Jun 2026: Paige Estritori
In a significant development for New South Wales (NSW) businesses, the state government has announced a temporary freeze on workers' compensation premium rates for the 2026-27 and 2027-28 financial years. This decision comes after a series of annual increases totaling 24% over the past three years, which had placed considerable financial strain on employers across various sectors. - read more
APRA's Landmark Report Calls for Immediate Action on Extreme Weather Mitigation
APRA's Landmark Report Calls for Immediate Action on Extreme Weather Mitigation
14 Jun 2026: Paige Estritori
The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has released a comprehensive report emphasizing the urgent need for proactive measures to mitigate the escalating risks associated with extreme weather events. The Insurance Climate Vulnerability Assessment (ICVA) serves as a stress test, highlighting the potential financial and operational impacts of climate-related hazards on the insurance industry and the broader community. - read more
ARPC's Revised Cyclone Premiums Reward SME Risk Mitigation Efforts
ARPC's Revised Cyclone Premiums Reward SME Risk Mitigation Efforts
07 Jun 2026: Paige Estritori
The Australian Reinsurance Pool Corporation (ARPC) has announced revised premium rates for its Cyclone Reinsurance Pool, set to take effect on April 1, 2026. A notable feature of these revisions is the introduction of premium discounts for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that have undertaken specific risk mitigation activities. - read more
Softening Trends in Australia's Commercial Insurance Market During H1 2026
Softening Trends in Australia's Commercial Insurance Market During H1 2026
07 Jun 2026: Paige Estritori
The Australian commercial insurance market has experienced a notable softening throughout the first half of 2026, characterized by competitive pricing and increased insurer capacity. This trend is largely attributed to improved insurer profitability post-COVID-19, stabilized reinsurance conditions, and a global capital surplus intensifying competition. - read more
Suncorp's Strategic Reinsurance Agreement Enhances Financial Stability
Suncorp's Strategic Reinsurance Agreement Enhances Financial Stability
07 Jun 2026: Paige Estritori
In a significant move to bolster its financial resilience, Suncorp has secured a comprehensive five-year reinsurance agreement, effective from June 30, 2026. This arrangement provides the insurer with $800 million in annual protection, culminating in a total coverage of $2.4 billion over the duration of the contract. - read more
Click for more Insurance News


Restaurant Insurance Articles

The Legal Risks of Running a Restaurant: How Insurance Can Safeguard Your Business
The Legal Risks of Running a Restaurant: How Insurance Can Safeguard Your Business
Running a restaurant in Australia is exciting and full of potential, but it's not without its legal challenges. From compliance with food safety standards to managing employee relations, restaurant owners must navigate a complex web of regulations and potential legal issues. Issues such as slip and fall accidents, supplier disputes, and licensing can all pose significant risks. - read more
The Role of Staff Training in Reducing Liability Risks in Your Restaurant
The Role of Staff Training in Reducing Liability Risks in Your Restaurant
Running a restaurant involves navigating a myriad of potential liabilities. From food safety issues to customer injuries on premises, the risks are numerous. In recent years, liability concerns have become even more pressing in the restaurant industry, as businesses face strict regulations and the potential for costly litigation. - read more
How to Choose the Right Insurance Coverage for Your Restaurant Business
How to Choose the Right Insurance Coverage for Your Restaurant Business
Running a restaurant in Australia is both exciting and challenging. From crafting delightful dishes to ensuring an excellent dining experience, restaurant owners juggle multiple responsibilities daily. Amidst all these, securing adequate insurance coverage often takes a backseat, though it's crucial for the health of the business. - read more
Finding the Right Insurance Partner: A Guide for Australian Restaurants
Finding the Right Insurance Partner: A Guide for Australian Restaurants
Running a restaurant in Australia comes with its own set of unique challenges and risks. From busy kitchens to bustling dining areas, every corner of your establishment holds potential liability issues. Understanding these risks and how they can affect your business is crucial for safeguarding your investment. - read more
How Your Claims History Affects Insurance Premiums for Restaurants
How Your Claims History Affects Insurance Premiums for Restaurants
Running a restaurant in Australia comes with its own set of challenges, particularly when it comes to navigating legal risks. For restaurant owners, understanding these risks is crucial in safeguarding their businesses from potential financial hardships. - read more

Knowledgebase
Public Liability Insurance:
A very broad term for insurance covering liability exposures for individuals and business owners. It provides broad coverage, generally including all exposures for property damage and bodily injury.

Quick Links: | Restaurant Insurance Australia | Restaurant Business Insurance | Public Liability Insurance For Restaurants | Commercial Vehicle Insurance For Restaurants | Restaurant Contents Insurance | Restaurant Stock Insurance | Income Protection For Restaurant Owners | Restaurant Insurance Quotes | Restaurant Insurance Coverage
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 act solely as an introducer and refer enquiries to licensed third-party brokers, insurers, and lenders. We do not provide financial product advice or credit assistance. 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 independently verify the credentials and licensing of any adviser or provider you engage. Visit the ASIC website for further information.