Trades Insurance Online :: News
SHARE

Share this news item!

AFCA Challenges Suncorp's 60% Home Insurance Premium Hike

Examining the Implications of AFCA's Directive on Premium Increases

AFCA Challenges Suncorp's 60% Home Insurance Premium Hike?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 Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) has directed Suncorp to reassess a 60% increase in a customer's home insurance premium after the insurer failed to provide persuasive evidence justifying the hike.
This decision comes amid a backdrop of rising complaints about general insurers, with AFCA reporting record levels of grievances.

Consumer complaints about general insurers to AFCA have increased by more than 80% since 2018, with a significant spike following the 2022 floods. In the last financial year, there were over 29,000 complaints about general insurers, highlighting growing dissatisfaction among policyholders.

For tradespeople and small business owners, this ruling emphasizes the importance of understanding the factors that contribute to premium increases. It's crucial to maintain open communication with insurers and seek detailed explanations for any significant changes in premiums. Additionally, exploring alternative insurance providers and coverage options can ensure that policies remain both comprehensive and cost-effective.

Implementing proactive risk management measures, such as regular equipment maintenance, adherence to safety protocols, and staying informed about industry best practices, can also contribute to more favorable insurance terms and potentially lower premiums.

Published:Friday, 6th Mar 2026
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

0 Comments

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

Insurance News

Why Insurance Pricing Checks Matter for Trade Renewals
Why Insurance Pricing Checks Matter for Trade Renewals
02 Sep 2026: Paige Estritori
ASIC’s continuing focus on insurance pricing has delivered another reminder that renewal documents deserve close attention, especially for tradies managing several policies across their business. Recent regulatory action against an insurer over alleged pricing and discount failures reinforces a practical point: the final premium shown on a renewal notice may not always tell the full story about how that amount was calculated. - read more
Why Fresh Insurance Market Data Matters at Renewal Time
Why Fresh Insurance Market Data Matters at Renewal Time
26 Aug 2026: Paige Estritori
APRA’s latest general insurance data has again highlighted a point many Australian tradies are already feeling at renewal time: a healthier insurance sector does not necessarily translate into simple or immediate premium relief for small businesses. While insurers continue to operate with stronger capital buffers and improved underwriting discipline, the costs sitting behind many policies remain under pressure. - read more
Silica Compliance Is Now an Insurance Issue for Tradies
Silica Compliance Is Now an Insurance Issue for Tradies
19 Aug 2026: Paige Estritori
The national ban on engineered stone has shifted from a regulatory headline into a practical operating issue for Australian trade businesses. Since the ban began in July 2024, regulators have continued to emphasise that uncontrolled work with crystalline silica can expose workers to serious and irreversible illness. For builders, stonemasons, kitchen installers, tilers, demolition contractors and renovators, the message is clear: compliance is no longer something to deal with only when a job looks high risk. - read more
Insurance Complaint Trends Put Policy Clarity Back in Focus
Insurance Complaint Trends Put Policy Clarity Back in Focus
12 Aug 2026: Paige Estritori
Fresh complaints data from the Australian Financial Complaints Authority has again put pressure on the general insurance sector, with policy disputes, delays and communication breakdowns remaining a major source of frustration for customers. For Australian tradies, the headline is not just that complaints are being lodged; it is that many disputes appear to begin with mismatched expectations between what a policyholder thought was covered and how the insurer interpreted the wording when a claim arrived. - read more
Why the Latest Insurance Tax Debate Matters for Australian Tradies
Why the Latest Insurance Tax Debate Matters for Australian Tradies
04 Aug 2026: Paige Estritori
A renewed industry push to reduce insurance taxes has put affordability back on the agenda for Australian households and businesses, including tradies who already face rising operating costs. The core argument is straightforward: when taxes and levies are added to premiums, the final bill can become harder to absorb, particularly for sole traders and small teams managing vehicles, tools, public liability and workshop risks. - read more


Trades Insurance Articles

Workers Compensation Insurance Obligations for Australian Trade Businesses
Workers Compensation Insurance Obligations for Australian Trade Businesses
Australian trade businesses may need workers compensation insurance when they hire employees, apprentices, casual workers or certain contractors. Obligations vary by state and territory, so tradies should check the rules before growing their team. - read more
Your Quick Guide to Comparing Financial Products as an Australian Tradesperson
Your Quick Guide to Comparing Financial Products as an Australian Tradesperson
In the world of trades, having the right financial products can make a significant difference in managing your business effectively. Whether you're a plumber, electrician, carpenter, or any other type of tradesperson, financial products such as insurance, loans, and savings accounts play a crucial role in protecting your livelihood and ensuring sustainable growth. - read more
How Public Liability Insurance Protects Your Trades Business
How Public Liability Insurance Protects Your Trades Business
Public liability insurance is a type of coverage designed to protect businesses against claims of property damage or personal injury caused by their work. This type of insurance is essential for trades professionals, as it provides financial protection against legal and compensation costs arising from incidents related to their services. - read more
Why Income Protection Insurance is Crucial for Tradespeople
Why Income Protection Insurance is Crucial for Tradespeople
In the trades industry, unexpected events and accidents can happen at any time. Injuries and illnesses can prevent you from working, potentially leaving you without a steady income. Insurance is a crucial safeguard that helps protect against these uncertainties, ensuring that you can continue to meet your financial obligations, even when you're unable to work. - read more
5 Key Benefits of Trade Insurance You Can’t Afford to Ignore
5 Key Benefits of Trade Insurance You Can’t Afford to Ignore
Trade insurance is an essential safeguard for subcontractors in Australia. It offers a safety net that protects against the uncertainties and inherent risks in the industry. Whether you're a plumber, electrician, or construction worker, having the right kind of insurance can mean the difference between financial stability and ruin. - read more

Knowledgebase
Trauma Insurance:
An insurance that pays a lump-sum amount on the diagnosis of one of several critical illnesses or events