Income Protection NZ :: News
SHARE

Share this news item!

Bridging the Gap: Enhancing AI and Cyber Risk Management in Australian Insurance

Bridging the Gap: Enhancing AI and Cyber Risk Management in Australian Insurance

Recent research indicates that Australian insurers are trailing their global counterparts in preparedness for artificial intelligence (AI) and cyber risks.
This gap poses significant challenges as the industry faces rapid technological advancements and increasing cyber threats.

A study by PwC Australia reveals that local insurers have fallen 6.6% behind global peers on the Preparedness Index, marking the widest gap in four years. The survey highlights that while cybercrime remains the top risk, AI has surged from eleventh to third place among key concerns. This rapid ascent underscores the pressing need for insurers to develop robust strategies to manage these emerging risks.

For home services business owners, this trend is particularly relevant. As insurers grapple with these challenges, there may be implications for policy terms, coverage options, and premium rates. Business owners should stay informed about their insurers' capabilities in managing AI and cyber risks and consider additional protective measures, such as implementing comprehensive cybersecurity protocols and seeking policies that offer specific coverage for digital threats.

Proactively addressing these issues can help home services businesses mitigate potential disruptions and ensure continuity in an increasingly digital and interconnected environment.

Published:Friday, 27th Mar 2026
Source: Paige Estritori

Share this news item:

Insurance News

Australian Travel Insurers Extend Support During Middle East Conflict Australian Travel Insurers Extend Support During Middle East Conflict
28 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori

In response to the escalating conflict in the Middle East, Australian travel insurers have mobilised additional resources to support affected travellers. The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) announced that insurers are providing dedicated 24/7 assistance, coordinating medical care, and prioritising support for those in impacted regions. - read more
Rising Domestic Travel Claims Reveal Insurance Coverage Gap Rising Domestic Travel Claims Reveal Insurance Coverage Gap
28 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori

Southern Cross Travel Insurance (SCTI) has reported a notable gap between Australians' attitudes towards domestic travel insurance and the claims being paid. In the first eight and a half months of 2025, SCTI settled over $240,000 in claims for local and interstate trips. Despite this, only about 41% of Australians consider travel insurance a high priority for domestic trips, compared to 76% for international travel. - read more
RACV Advises Travellers to Review Insurance Amid Rising Flight Cancellations RACV Advises Travellers to Review Insurance Amid Rising Flight Cancellations
28 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori

Australian travellers are facing ongoing flight disruptions, with cancellation rates climbing above long-term averages. According to the latest data from the Bureau of Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Economics (BITRE), the national flight cancellation rate reached 2.6% in February 2025, exceeding the long-term average of 2.2%. On-time performance for both arrivals and departures also fell below historical benchmarks. - read more
Upcoming 4.41% Increase in Australian Private Health Insurance Premiums Upcoming 4.41% Increase in Australian Private Health Insurance Premiums
28 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori

Starting 1 April 2026, Australians will face an average increase of 4.41% in private health insurance premiums, marking the most significant rise since 2017. This adjustment comes in the wake of escalating healthcare costs and increased utilisation of health services. - read more
Climate Change Drives US$2.9 Billion in Insured Losses for Australian Insurers in 2025 Climate Change Drives US$2.9 Billion in Insured Losses for Australian Insurers in 2025
28 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori

In 2025, Australian insurers faced significant financial challenges due to climate-related catastrophes, with insured losses totalling an estimated US$2.9 billion. This substantial figure underscores the escalating impact of climate change on the insurance industry and the broader economy. - read more
Premium Affordability and Cybersecurity Emerge as Leading Concerns for Australian Insurers in 2026 Premium Affordability and Cybersecurity Emerge as Leading Concerns for Australian Insurers in 2026
28 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori

As the Australian insurance industry progresses through 2026, it faces a trio of significant challenges: escalating premium costs, increasing cyber threats, and a tightening labour market. These issues are reshaping the sector's priorities and strategies. - read more


Life Insurance Articles

Financial Safety Nets: Why Income Protection Should Be a Priority Financial Safety Nets: Why Income Protection Should Be a Priority
Unexpected sickness can disrupt your life in many ways, especially when it comes to your financial stability. The loss of income during illness can create a financial burden, making it tough to manage daily expenses and bills. - read more
Loss of income insurance: Case Study Loss of income insurance: Case Study
Rebecca is a single, self-employed graphic designer who works from home. Aged in her mid-30s, she has monthly commitments of a mortgage and car payments and the usual living expenses. - read more
Insuring Your Practice: Key Considerations for Australian Health Care Workers Insuring Your Practice: Key Considerations for Australian Health Care Workers
Income protection insurance is a safeguard for your financial stability, designed to provide peace of mind when you most need it. As a healthcare professional, you’re dedicated to caring for others, but it’s essential to protect your own income against unexpected events. - read more
Life Insurance Comparison: Key Questions to Ask Your Insurer Life Insurance Comparison: Key Questions to Ask Your Insurer
Life insurance is a crucial consideration for middle-aged to older Australians. It provides financial security for your loved ones in the unfortunate event of your death. Understanding the various options available is vital to making an informed decision. - read more
Income Protection for Farmers: Ensuring Stability Through Tough Times Income Protection for Farmers: Ensuring Stability Through Tough Times
The world of farming is one filled with uncertainties. Weather conditions, market prices, and various other factors can create a highly volatile income stream for those within the agricultural sector. This unpredictability can lead to financial instability that impacts not only the farmers themselves but also their families and the larger rural community. - read more
Understanding Income Protection: How Much Insurance Do You Really Need? Understanding Income Protection: How Much Insurance Do You Really Need?
Income protection insurance is a type of policy designed to provide you with a safety net in case you’re unable to work due to illness or injury. The concept hinges on securing a portion of your earned income when adverse health conditions impede your ability to generate revenue through your profession. This protection becomes a financial bulwark, ensuring that despite unforeseen health challenges, your livelihood is safeguarded and your lifestyle can be maintained as closely as possible to your current standard. - read more

Start Here !
income insurance protection

Start Here

Monthly Income Benefit:
Postcode:

All quotes are provided free and without obligation. We respect your privacy.

Knowledgebase
Exclusion:
Specific conditions or circumstances for which the insurance policy does not provide coverage.