The platform, which presented itself as an insurance comparison service, was purportedly a distribution outlet for policies underwritten by Hannover. This arrangement allegedly allowed Choosi to earn considerable commissions from these sales, facilitated by Greenstone Financial Services Pty Ltd, an entity linked with Choosi. Over the stated period, ASIC alleges Choosi sold 4,225 funeral insurance and 9,478 life insurance policies, netting $61 million in commissions.
This legal action underscores the critical need for transparency in financial services, especially those involving consumer comparisons. The case highlights the potential for misleading practices in the insurance industry, raising concerns about consumer trust and informed decision-making.
For consumers, this situation underscores the importance of verifying the authenticity of comparison platforms, ensuring they make informed choices based on reliable information. For the industry, it signals heightened regulatory scrutiny and the possibility of stricter oversight to prevent such misleading representations.
The proceedings against Choosi could lead to significant ramifications for how insurance comparison services are marketed in Australia. If ASIC's allegations are upheld, it may result in stricter regulations, emphasising transparency and accuracy in such services' advertising and operations.
Industry experts suggest that companies involved in financial services and comparisons may need to reassess their marketing practices to ensure adherence to legal standards. Meanwhile, consumers are encouraged to exercise due diligence and seek advice to better understand the nature and scope of comparison services.
Published:Tuesday, 10th Jun 2025
Source: Paige Estritori
![]() | ClearView Names New Underwriting Head Amidst Strategic Changes 30 Jun 2025: Paige Estritori ASX-listed life insurer ClearView has announced the appointment of Peter Tilocca as Head of Underwriting, coinciding with key updates to its underwriting standards and definitions. Tilocca's extensive two-decade career in Australian underwriting includes leadership roles at Zurich, Noble Oak, One Path Life, and RGA Australia. His new role with ClearView commenced on 30 June. - read more |
![]() | Ombudsman Supports Theft Claimant in Home Business Coverage Dispute 30 Jun 2025: Paige Estritori A recent case has seen a policyholder triumph over her insurer after the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) ruled in her favour following a contentious dispute regarding home business operations. The controversy arose when the woman's theft claim was denied by her insurance provider, IAG, over allegations of fraudulent misrepresentation about the use of her rental property. - read more |
![]() | AFCA Upholds Insurance Fraud Ruling Over Disputed Possum Accident 26 Jun 2025: Paige Estritori A motorist's claim that he crashed into a tree to avoid a possum has been denied by the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA), which supported the insurer's fraud decision. The incident involved the driver crashing his Jeep—insured for over $20,000—on a dimly-lit street, purportedly avoiding the rain-soaked motorway en route to the store. - read more |
![]() | Code Watchdog Criticises Insurer for Misleading Rejection Letters 24 Jun 2025: Paige Estritori The Life Code Compliance Committee has recently reprimanded a life insurance provider for issuing misleading rejection letters to policy applicants. These letters were deemed 'ambiguous and contradictory' and failed to clearly inform applicants of their review options after being denied coverage. - read more |
![]() | Insurer Ordered to Pay Full Claim for Confusing Patio Coverage 23 Jun 2025: Paige Estritori A recent ruling mandates that an insurer must fully honor a storm-related claim due to ambiguous policy wording regarding items in open areas. The Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) determined that the insurer's restriction on coverage for items in a patio area was unfounded, as the policy's phrasing was not clear. - read more |
![]() | Australia Sees Dramatic Drop in Catastrophe Losses 23 Jun 2025: Paige Estritori Last year saw Australia's insured catastrophe losses plummet to just $500 million, marking the lowest level since 2004, according to Aon's latest Climate and Catastrophe Insight report. Notably, the Insurance Council of Australia reported no disasters for the year, a situation not seen since 1982. This comes in stark contrast to 2023, when disaster-related insured losses soared to over $3.6 billion. - read more |
![]() | The Role of Rehabilitation Benefits in Income Protection Insurance When the unexpected strikes, such as an illness or injury hindering our ability to earn a living, the financial repercussions can be devastating. This is where income protection insurance becomes a pivotal part of our financial safety net, ensuring a stream of income during challenging times. Income protection insurance is specifically designed to replace a significant portion of your salary if you're unable to work due to medical reasons, providing peace of mind and financial stability when you need it most. - read more
|
![]() | The Myth of Unaffordability: How to Find Value in Income Insurance Policies Income protection insurance is often surrounded by the myth of being unaffordable, deterring many Australians from safeguarding their most valuable asset—their ability to earn. This introduction aims to address this misconception head on, revealing the real value that income insurance policies can provide. It is crucial to understand that the cost of such a policy pales in comparison to the potential financial hardship faced without one. - read more
|
![]() | Understanding the Differences: Income Protection vs Total and Permanent Disability Insurance Income protection insurance is a type of policy that provides financial support to individuals who are unable to work due to an illness or injury. The insurance company will pay a portion of the policyholder's earnings, which can be used to cover everyday living expenses and bills. This type of insurance is different from total and permanent disability insurance (TPD) in a few key ways. - read more
|
![]() | Income Protection Insurance: A Must-Have for Australian Adults Insurance is a crucial component of financial planning. While many Australians understand the importance of life insurance, there's another vital type of coverage that often gets overlooked: income protection insurance. - read more
|
![]() | Common Mistakes to Avoid When Comparing Life Insurance Policies Choosing the right life insurance policy is one of the most important decisions for Australians, especially for those who are middle-aged or older. Life insurance provides financial security for your loved ones in the event of your passing, ensuring that they are not burdened with financial hardships. - read more
|
![]() | Why Every Tradie Needs Tailored Insurance: Protecting Your Livelihood In Australia, tradies are the backbone of many local communities, providing essential services in fields such as construction, plumbing, electrical work, and more. These skilled professionals often operate their own businesses or work as contractors, making financial stability paramount. - read more
|