Media Releases

Paying an excess on your claim is an issue for many people. About 10 percent of all general insurance enquiries to the IFSO Scheme are about having to pay an excess.

Insurance & Financial Services Ombudsman Karen Stevens is reminding Easter travellers to check their homes, cars and insurance policies before hitting the road.

The IFSO Scheme farewells Dame Paula Rebstock after eight years as Chair of the IFSO Scheme Commission, and welcomes new Chair Sue Suckling.

Unexpected disasters can interfere with travel plans, and that is what travel insurance is for – to cover you for the unexpected, says IFSO, Karen Stevens.

Thousands of flights have been cancelled and Denpasar international airport is closed due to the eruption of Bali's Mount Agung. We encourage travellers to contact their airline and their insurer before taking any steps to change their travel.

Complaints about financial advisers highlight the risks of completing applications on behalf of clients and the need to keep good notes.

Complaints to the Insurance & Financial Services Ombudsman Scheme are the highest they have been in nearly 20 years, but this is not all bad news.

“There’s no such thing as a ‘bit of a lie’ when it comes to insurance,” says Insurance & Financial Services Ombudsman, Karen Stevens. “This includes, for example, telling your insurer you had a bigger, better, newer TV, phone or laptop. Don’t do it. It’s not worth it.”

Read and understand now to avoid problems later, says Karen Stevens, Insurance & Financial Services Ombudsman.

As wild weather and flood warnings continue, residents affected by weather damage or flooding are urged to contact their insurance company and document the damage before you clean up.