Insurance for Strata :: News
SHARE

Share this news item!

CHOICE Advocates for Government Inquiry into Undisclosed Strata Insurance Commissions

Consumer Groups Highlight Conflicts of Interest in Strata Insurance Practices

CHOICE Advocates for Government Inquiry into Undisclosed Strata Insurance Commissions?w=400

The information on this website is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Consider seeking personal advice from a licensed adviser before acting on any information.

In September 2024, consumer advocacy group CHOICE, along with several allied organizations, called for a government inquiry into undisclosed commissions and conflicts of interest within the strata insurance industry.
This demand follows a CHOICE investigation that revealed widespread backroom dealings between strata management companies and insurance brokers, leading to increased costs for unit owners.

The investigation uncovered that a combination of hidden commissions and fees can inflate insurance premiums by as much as 40%. These undisclosed financial arrangements between insurance companies, brokers, and strata managers have raised significant concerns about transparency and fairness in the industry.

CHOICE's findings were further highlighted in a Four Corners program, which brought national attention to the issue. The program detailed how these secret payments are made without the knowledge of apartment owners, ultimately affecting their financial obligations.

In response to these revelations, CHOICE and its partners are urging the government to conduct a comprehensive inquiry into the strata insurance sector. They aim to address the lack of transparency and ensure that consumers are not unfairly burdened by hidden costs.

For strata property owners, this development underscores the importance of scrutinizing insurance policies and being aware of potential undisclosed fees. Staying informed and advocating for greater transparency can help protect against unnecessary financial strain.

Published:Saturday, 28th Mar 2026
Author: Paige Estritori

Please Note: We do not endorse any specific products or companies. Some content is sourced from third parties, including press releases, and may not be independently verified for accuracy or completeness.

Share this news item:

Rate this article

0 Comments

No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts.

Insurance News

CHU Introduces Cyber Protection in Strata Insurance Policies
CHU Introduces Cyber Protection in Strata Insurance Policies
07 May 2026: Paige Estritori
In a significant move to bolster the resilience of strata communities against cyber threats, CHU Underwriting Agencies has integrated cyber protection into its standard residential strata insurance policies. This enhancement provides coverage of up to $50,000 for losses resulting from social engineering fraud, a form of cybercrime where perpetrators impersonate trusted contacts to manipulate payment instructions. - read more
CHU Unveils Indicative Pricing Tool to Streamline Broker Services
CHU Unveils Indicative Pricing Tool to Streamline Broker Services
07 May 2026: Paige Estritori
CHU Underwriting Agencies has introduced an indicative pricing feature designed to provide brokers with immediate, non-binding premium estimates. This innovation aims to improve pricing visibility and reduce delays in the quoting process, enabling brokers to deliver better outcomes for their clients. - read more
CHU's 2025 Report Reveals Stability in Strata Insurance Premiums
CHU's 2025 Report Reveals Stability in Strata Insurance Premiums
07 May 2026: Paige Estritori
CHU Underwriting Agencies has released its 2025 State of the Strata Market report, providing a comprehensive analysis of the current state of the industry. The report indicates that strata insurance premiums have experienced a modest increase of 2.8%, rising from an average of $954 to $981 per lot annually in the year leading up to June 2025. This increment is notably lower than the 14% surge observed in house insurance premiums during the same period, maintaining affordability for apartment owners. - read more
NSW Productivity Commissioner Calls for Immediate Ban on Strata Manager Commissions
NSW Productivity Commissioner Calls for Immediate Ban on Strata Manager Commissions
21 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori
In a significant development for New South Wales' strata sector, Productivity Commissioner Peter Achterstraat has recommended the prompt prohibition of commissions received by strata managers. This move aims to safeguard the interests of apartment owners, especially as strata living becomes increasingly prevalent in Sydney. - read more


Strata Insurance Articles

Decoding Strata Insurance: Key Terms and Perspectives
Decoding Strata Insurance: Key Terms and Perspectives
Strata insurance is a vital component of property ownership in Australia, particularly for those involved in apartment living or owning units within a shared building. It provides financial protection against various risks, ensuring that common areas, building structures, and shared amenities are covered in the event of damage or loss. This type of insurance is not just a safeguard for individual owners but a legal necessity, mandated by Australian law. - read more
Navigating State-Based Insurance Requirements for Strata Property Owners
Navigating State-Based Insurance Requirements for Strata Property Owners
Strata insurance is a crucial aspect for property owners across Australia. Owning a property within a strata scheme means you're not just responsible for your unit but also share responsibility for common areas, which requires adequate protection against potential risks. - read more
Understanding Strata Insurance: A Guide for Apartment Owners
Understanding Strata Insurance: A Guide for Apartment Owners
Strata insurance is a specific type of insurance policy designed to cover common property and areas shared by owners within a strata-titled development, such as an apartment complex. This unique insurance is crucial for apartment owners as it ensures financial protection against unexpected events affecting the building structure and common facilities. It typically covers parts of the property like the building’s exterior, lobbies, and gardens. - read more
Key Factors That Affect Your Strata Insurance Premiums
Key Factors That Affect Your Strata Insurance Premiums
Strata insurance is a specialized form of coverage tailored for property owners living in multi-unit complexes. Understanding its intricacies can be crucial for ensuring that all aspects of shared ownership and communal property responsibilities are adequately protected. - read more
Knowledgebase
Grace Period:
A set amount of time after the premium is due during which a policyholder can make a payment without the insurance coverage lapsing.