Daniel Wood, Insurance Business Australia Journalist Profile

Articles

How aerial imagery tech is helping insurers deal with nat cats

1 week ago | insurancebusinessmag.com | Daniel Wood

Claims By Apr 15, 2025 Share Aerial imagery technology, driven by artificial intelligence (AI), is one way the insurance industry is responding to the increasing severity of fire and flood events. Insurers, loss adjusters and tech firms are using this data to help quicken response times to nat cats and speed up claims processes. The latest tech in this area is one focus of the upcoming Claims Leaders Summit.
Canopius Group appoints new ANZ head

1 week ago | insurancebusinessmag.com | Daniel Wood

Insurance News By Apr 14, 2025 Share Canopius Group, the global specialty insurer, has announced the appointment of Andrew Ziolkowski (main picture) as the new head of Australia and New Zealand (ANZ). A media release said the appointment will be effective from October 25 and report to the firm’s APAC and MENA CEO, SK Lee. "Andrew's extensive experience and strategic leadership will be instrumental in propelling Canopius' Australia business forward,” said Lee.
Near zero losses - what does it mean for brokers?

1 week ago | insurancebusinessmag.com | Daniel Wood

Catastrophe & Flood By Apr 12, 2025 Share Earlier this month, Aon reported that New Zealand’s 2024 insured losses were almost zero dollars compared to $3.8 billion the year prior. Any business leaders that read the broker’s Climate and Catastrophe Insights Report could be forgiven for thinking that premium reductions would follow. After all, if insurers have less costs, wouldn’t it make sense to pass on some savings to customers? Brokers know this isn’t how an insurance market works.
ASIC sues Hollard alleging big delays left couple’s house “uninhabitable”

2 weeks ago | insurancebusinessmag.com | Daniel Wood

Claims By Apr 11, 2025 Share The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) is suing Hollard Insurance for alleged “serious claim handling failures.” In a media release, the regulator said the case involves a couple from regional Victoria who made a claim following storm damage to their roof. Australian owned Hollard Insurance Company offers a range of insurance products through partnerships in New Zealand.
Broker challenges in a soft PI market

2 weeks ago | insurancebusinessmag.com | Daniel Wood

Professionals Risks By Apr 11, 2025 Share According to some industry stakeholders, a sure sign of a soft market is a change in the behaviour of brokers and insurers. This is evident currently, they say, in the professional indemnity (PI) insurance market and coverages for smaller SMEs. New players and increased capacity mean brokers are in a tough competition for business. “For the average SME and PI space - it's just crazy,” said Anita Lane (pictured).
How can brokers open clients' minds to risk management?

2 weeks ago | insurancebusinessmag.com | Daniel Wood

SME By Apr 10, 2025 Share The rising tide of global and interconnected risks that can impact not just large corporations, but increasing numbers of SMEs, means an insurance broker’s risk management role is becoming more important. However, industry stakeholders say brokers can face an uphill battle getting SMEs interested in undertaking any serious risk analysis.
More SMEs are buying insurance from a mix of channels - what can brokers do?

2 weeks ago | insurancebusinessmag.com | Daniel Wood

SME By Apr 09, 2025 Share Some industry stakeholders say a change in the way businesses are buying their insurance has gathered pace over the last year and has serious implications for brokers. According to recent data, growing numbers of SMEs are buying insurance through a mix of channels, including brokers and directly from insurers. In one survey, three quarters of Australian businesses reported buying coverages with this hybrid approach.
FMA takes IAG NZ to court for alleged “extensive” breaches

3 weeks ago | insurancebusinessmag.com | Daniel Wood

Insurance News By Apr 04, 2025 Share The Financial Markets Authority (FMA) has filed a civil proceeding against IAG New Zealand (IAG) alleging “extensive” fair dealing breaches. The FMA’s media release said about 269,000 customers were affected, resulting in overcharges of approximately NZ$35 million. The release said IAG self-reported the issues following an FMA review.
Strata reforms - how could they impact brokers and strata managers?

3 weeks ago | insurancebusinessmag.com | Daniel Wood

Insurance News By Apr 03, 2025 Share New laws for strata schemes that impact brokers, are rolling out across NSW. The latest round of changes, the Strata Schemes Legislation Amendment Bill 2024 (NSW), was approved by Parliament in March. A focus of the reforms is improving the accountability and transparency of strata managers, including their relationship with insurance brokers. Many brokers are supportive of the changes.
Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. buys Australian brokerage

3 weeks ago | insurancebusinessmag.com | Daniel Wood

Insurance News By Apr 01, 2025 Share Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. has announced the acquisition of an Australian insurance brokerage. The global firm’s media release said Tresidder Insurance Brokers provides property and casualty services to commercial and personal lines clients from offices in Victoria and Queensland. "Tresidder Insurance Brokers is a highly regarded firm that will enhance our client-service capabilities in Australia," said CEO J. Patrick Gallagher, Jr (main picture).