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Just over a year ago it was bushfires, now floods in NSW have put the spotlight once again on the insurance industry

Suncorp Group remains intent on improving returns yet will have its challenges in the face of the cost increases that have stemmed from the pandemic

The UK has taken the first step in clarifying insurance coverage for businesses interrupted by the pandemic. What are the implications for Australia’s insurers?

Wrap of events affecting the market on Friday night and the weekend and a preview of the week ahead

Suncorp has signalled higher reinsurance costs have made it more economic to retain risk on the balance sheet. Brokers are wary of this, given the number of headwinds confronting insurers.

Fewer health insurance claims have been made while elective surgery is in hiatus but Medibank Private has deflected speculation about a windfall to profits.

Having withdrawn guidance in March, Steadfast Group has moved to reassure investors that earnings momentum is sound.

Claims and property losses in the 2019/2020 bushfires so far have now exceeded the Black Saturday event in 2009 and brokers assess the risks to the outlook for Suncorp, and fellow insurers.

QBE Insurance expects reduced profitability in 2019 as a result of frost damage impacting on the North American crop in the second half.

In his first presentation to investors as CEO of Suncorp, Steve Johnston opted to exclude all reference to profit margins and returns, implying potential for another earnings re-set.