Welcome to the Insurance Online News podcast with your host, Paige Estritori, where we deliver the latest and most significant news from the world of insurance in Australia. Our dedicated team works tirelessly to bring you the freshest updates, focusing on the stories that matter the most to both Australian businesses and individual consumers over the past week.
Through meticulous research, we transform these developments into original content that not only keeps you informed but also offers deep insights into the insurance landscape as it stands today. Our podcast distills these crucial updates into a format that's both succinct and captivating. For professionals within the insurance realm or personal consumers keen on keeping up with insurance trends, look no further. Paige Estritori brings you all the essential information daily, making our podcast the ultimate destination for trustworthy and impactful insurance news.
This Week:
Paige Estritori covers four stories for Australian insurance consumers and businesses: a cyber breach at Prosura and what to do now; severe weather and a possible cyclone for Far North Queensland and how to check flood and storm cover; active bushfire warnings in Victoria and steps to prevent underinsurance and speed claims; and APRAs consultation on reinsurance settings that could support affordability over time. She closes by inviting listeners to compare policies and speak with an independent broker at insuranceonline.com.au.
Hello and welcome to Insurance Online News, Im Paige Estritori, and its Thursday 8 January 2026.
First, a cyber incident at Prosura, a car excess insurer linked to a rental comparison site. Customers have reported emails from a so‑called threat actor, and the company has paused new sales while it investigates. Prosura says policies remain in place and card details werent taken. For you, be alert to phishing, change passwords, turn on multi‑factor authentication, and if you run a business, consider cyber cover and identity‑theft support when you compare policies with an independent broker.
Next up, Far North Queensland is bracing for heavy rain and a possible cyclone over the coming days, with severe weather warnings along the coast from the Bureau of Meteorology, or BOM. Flood and storm risks raise questions about home, landlord, car and business cover. Check how your policy defines flood, confirm any waiting periods, and keep photos and key documents stored safely. If youre unsure, get quick comparisons and speak with a broker for guidance.
Meanwhile, bushfire warnings remain in parts of Victoria, with catastrophic conditions forecast in some districts on Friday. Even if youre outside the fire zones, heat and smoke can damage stock, electronics and vehicles. Review sums insured for buildings, contents and business interruption, and make sure you know your claim steps before you need them.
And looking ahead to affordability, the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority, or APRA, is consulting on targeted tweaks to the general insurance reinsurance framework, with submissions due 30 January. The goal is to let insurers use more flexible reinsurance, including insurance‑linked securities, while keeping policyholders protected. If adopted, final rules are expected in the first half of this year, with a proposed start from 1 January 2027. That wont cut premiums overnight, but it could help steady pricing through the cycle.
If any of this has you wondering whether your cover still fits, head to insuranceonline.com.au to compare personal and business insurance and connect with an independent broker for an expert assessment. Im Paige Estritori—thanks for listening, and talk to you next week.
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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Insurance broker: An agent acting on behalf of the insured (not the insurance company) who negotiates the terms and cover provided by the insurer in the insurance policy.
