Insurance For Trucks :: News
SHARE

Share this news item!

Revamp Needed for Product Distribution, Urges ASIC

Revamp Needed for Product Distribution, Urges ASIC

Revamp Needed for Product Distribution, Urges ASIC?w=400
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has issued a stern reminder to issuers of insurance and other financial products, emphasizing the urgency to enhance their distribution practices to avoid violating compliance obligations.

Recent evaluations by the regulator unveiled significant weaknesses, including insufficient due diligence mechanisms for assessing and supervising third-party distributors, subpar consumer questionnaires, and a general lack of monitoring of consumer outcomes and product performance.

“This review offers an insight into how different industries and products are adhering to design and distribution obligations,” stated ASIC commissioner Alan Kirkland. “Where improvements can be made, we expect issuers and distributors to scrutinize the reports and elevate their distribution approaches.”

From October last year up until last month, ASIC's review covered 19 product issuers, including providers of funeral and accident insurance. The examination revealed persistent issues, particularly in funeral and accident insurance, where consumers still received quotes despite being outside the intended target market based on "knockout" question responses. Moreover, consumer questionnaires often only inquired about age, an eligibility criterion, without addressing critical affordability concerns.

Under the design and distribution obligations regime implemented since October 2021, financial product issuers are mandated to ensure their products are designed for and marketed to the correct target audience. This involves creating a target market determination statement for each product, outlining its appropriateness for the intended consumers and ensuring distribution conditions align with this target market.

“ASIC is particularly focused on fostering adherence to the design and distribution obligations,” the regulator mentioned. “We are committed to regulatory actions where necessary and leveraging these obligations to enhance consumer outcomes.”

Mr. Kirkland shared that ASIC has launched five civil proceedings related to these obligations, achieving three victories so far. Additionally, the commission has issued over 80 stop orders and published findings from seven reviews since the obligations came into effect.

Based on an article from Financial Services Online, it's clear that the current state of compliance in distribution need a proactive approach to better cater to the needs and protection of consumers. Taking heed of these regulatory insights will benefit both issuers and consumers in the long run.

Published:Thursday, 19th Sep 2024
Source: Paige Estritori

Share this news item:

Insurance News

Impact of Trump Tariffs on Global Insurance Industry Impact of Trump Tariffs on Global Insurance Industry
11 Jul 2025: Paige Estritori

According to Swiss Re’s latest Sigma report, the growth of property and casualty premiums is moderating in both Australia and globally. This moderation is primarily driven by a slowdown in rate hikes. Additionally, the Trump administration's America First trade policy is putting further pressure on the insurance sector. - read more
Navigating Changes in Australia's Life Insurance Advice Landscape Navigating Changes in Australia's Life Insurance Advice Landscape
10 Jul 2025: Paige Estritori

The conversation on the shifting dynamics in Australia's life insurance advice sector featured Zurich Australia's head of adviser channel, Kieran Forde, and Hayes & Co director, Katherine Hayes. They engaged with editor Chris Dastoor to spotlight the current market conditions and future prospects for financial advisers in this domain. - read more
ASIC Challenges Federal Court's 'Fair Term' Ruling ASIC Challenges Federal Court's 'Fair Term' Ruling
09 Jul 2025: Paige Estritori

The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) is appealing a Federal Court decision regarding the wording of a 'pre-existing condition' clause in certain HCF Life insurance products. The court previously determined that while the wording had the potential to mislead consumers, it did not constitute an unfair contract term under the current laws set out in the ASIC Act 2001. - read more
ICA Advocates for Strata Law Reform in the ACT to Enhance Building Management ICA Advocates for Strata Law Reform in the ACT to Enhance Building Management
08 Jul 2025: Paige Estritori

The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) is urging the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) to adopt strata transparency regulations, aiming to enhance oversight of building repairs and maintenance by owners’ committees. This call was made during a parliamentary inquiry, where the ICA pushed for measures akin to recent legislative changes in New South Wales. - read more
Tasmanian Government Insurance Proposal Faces Industry Backlash Tasmanian Government Insurance Proposal Faces Industry Backlash
07 Jul 2025: Paige Estritori

The Tasmanian government's recent proposal to establish a state-run insurance entity has drawn significant criticism from key players in the insurance industry. The plan, spearheaded by Premier Jeremy Rockliff, aims to expand the Motor Accidents Insurance Board into a broader service named TasInsure, offering products including home and contents insurance, small business coverage, and more. The RACT, a major player in Tasmania's insurance sector, expressed considerable concern, labelling the initiative as a simplistic answer to complex problems. - read more
Asbestos Scare Leaves Hospitality Business Uninsured Asbestos Scare Leaves Hospitality Business Uninsured
04 Jul 2025: Paige Estritori

The discovery of asbestos-contaminated mulch in a Sydney park led to the cancellation of a festival, resulting in significant financial losses for a hospitality business. Despite these setbacks, the company's claim for coverage under its business interruption (BI) policy was rejected. - read more


Truck Insurance Articles

Hidden Costs to Watch Out for When Choosing Truck Insurance Hidden Costs to Watch Out for When Choosing Truck Insurance
In today's fast-paced world, ensuring financial security and safeguarding your assets is paramount. This is especially true for truck owners, who not only have to manage their on-road operations but also need to adequately protect their investment. For many, truck insurance is a critical component of financial planning, but it's vital to delve deeper into the structures and costs that these policies entail. - read more
Understanding the Costs: How to Budget for Your Truck Insurance Understanding the Costs: How to Budget for Your Truck Insurance
Truck insurance is crucial for both business owners and individuals who rely on trucks for their livelihood. Trucks, whether for personal use or commercial purposes, represent a significant investment. Protecting that investment is paramount, not only to ensure continuity in business operations but also to safeguard against unexpected financial burdens. - read more
Top Factors That Influence Truck Insurance Premiums Top Factors That Influence Truck Insurance Premiums
Truck insurance is more than just a legal requirement; it's a crucial part of securing your livelihood as a truck owner in Australia. Understanding the costs involved not only helps you budget effectively but also ensures you’re not caught off guard by unexpected expenses. By grasping what your premiums cover and what factors influence them, you can make informed decisions that align with your financial goals. - read more
Comprehensive vs. Third Party: Which Truck Insurance is Right for You? Comprehensive vs. Third Party: Which Truck Insurance is Right for You?
Truck insurance is a crucial safeguard for anyone operating commercial vehicles on Australian roads. It offers financial protection against a variety of risks that are inherent to the trucking industry. With trucks being significant assets and essential tools for many businesses, the right insurance ensures that you can continue operations without unexpected financial burdens from accidents or other incidents. - read more
Why Investing Time in Researching Truck Insurance Can Save You Money Why Investing Time in Researching Truck Insurance Can Save You Money
Truck insurance is a critical concern for both business owners and individual operators within Australia. Given the significant investment that a truck represents, safeguarding this asset with appropriate insurance coverage is not just prudent, but necessary. - read more
Comprehensive vs. Third Party: Which Truck Insurance is Right for You? Comprehensive vs. Third Party: Which Truck Insurance is Right for You?
Truck insurance is a crucial safeguard for anyone operating commercial vehicles on Australian roads. It offers financial protection against a variety of risks that are inherent to the trucking industry. With trucks being significant assets and essential tools for many businesses, the right insurance ensures that you can continue operations without unexpected financial burdens from accidents or other incidents. - read more
Hidden Costs to Watch Out for When Choosing Truck Insurance Hidden Costs to Watch Out for When Choosing Truck Insurance
In today's fast-paced world, ensuring financial security and safeguarding your assets is paramount. This is especially true for truck owners, who not only have to manage their on-road operations but also need to adequately protect their investment. For many, truck insurance is a critical component of financial planning, but it's vital to delve deeper into the structures and costs that these policies entail. - read more
Why Investing Time in Researching Truck Insurance Can Save You Money Why Investing Time in Researching Truck Insurance Can Save You Money
Truck insurance is a critical concern for both business owners and individual operators within Australia. Given the significant investment that a truck represents, safeguarding this asset with appropriate insurance coverage is not just prudent, but necessary. - read more
Top Factors That Influence Truck Insurance Premiums Top Factors That Influence Truck Insurance Premiums
Truck insurance is more than just a legal requirement; it's a crucial part of securing your livelihood as a truck owner in Australia. Understanding the costs involved not only helps you budget effectively but also ensures you’re not caught off guard by unexpected expenses. By grasping what your premiums cover and what factors influence them, you can make informed decisions that align with your financial goals. - read more
Your free Truck Insurance quote comparison starts here!
First Name:
Postcode:
Your quotes are provided at no charge and with no obligation. We respect your privacy.

Knowledgebase
Proximate Cause:
The primary cause of loss in an insurance claim, which sets in motion a chain of events leading to the damage or injury.