Win-Li Toh

The Australian and New Zealand Institute of Insurance and Finance have announced the panellists for the 32nd General Insurance Breakfast which will be hosted virtually on December 02.

Damian Falkingham, ANZIIF General Manager Industry Engagement spoke about ANZIIF’s decision to host the event virtually in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

‘The General Insurance Breakfast has been around for over three decades, and historically is one of the highlights on the annual insurance calendar for industry professionals,’ says Falkingham. We are pleased to be able to host this year’s event virtually and provide a platform for the insurance community to come together to learn and connect.’

‘Attendees will be joined by an experienced panel of insurance experts to reflect on ‘the year that was’, discuss current market trends, explore issues and opportunities and discuss what the future holds. I encourage industry professionals to take advantage of ANZIIF’s early bird sale which ends this Friday 30 October.’

2020 General Insurance Virtual Breakfast panellists

Moderator: Win-Li Toh, Principal —Taylor Fry

1. Tony Clark, Chief Executive Officer – NTI Limited
2. Sue Houghton, ICA President and Managing Director Insurance – Westpac
3. Chris Mackinnon, Regional Head of Australia & New Zealand and General Representative in Australia and Vanuatu – Lloyd’s
4. Giselle Walther, Group Managing Director – Aon Inpoint

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Sue Houghton

To help more life insurance customers impacted by the devastating bushfires, BT has extended the application period of its Bushfire Assistance Package to June 2020.

BT is proactively calling customers residing in bushfire-affected areas to determine whether they have been directly impacted. Every affected BT customer can also apply for a three month premium waiver, to ease the cost of life insurance.

Furthermore, BT is reducing requirements for new and ongoing claims relating directly to the bushfires. BT’s claims support includes:

• assisting with collection of information to commence a claim;
• adopting a flexible approach to provision of financial information, ongoing forms and medical information;
• waiving proof of death where a customer has passed away;
• offering support to link up with additional community services; and
• engaging with rehabilitation providers to provide additional support, such as free counselling sessions to those impacted.

Customers who have a current claim and are experiencing hardship as a result of the bushfires are encouraged to speak with their claims consultant, who can arrange advanced payment of benefits which may help customers meet additional expenses.

In addition to the Bushfire Assistance Package, BT is offering a three-month premium waiver through its ongoing Drought Assistance Package for farmers in drought-affected areas. Farmers who are affected by both the drought and bushfires may be eligible for a combined six-month premium waiver.

Sue Houghton, General Manager BT Insurance, said, “The value of insurance can truly be realised at claim time, when we assist customers who may have lost a loved one or need to rebuild their home. In this time of crisis, we’re here to help.

“We know advisers are working with their clients to solve both immediate and longer term financial needs, and we are here to support them. I encourage any advisers who may have clients facing hardship to contact us, to see how we can assist.”

BT would also like to highlight the industry initiative to assist customers with locating their lost life insurance policy details, which is being run by the Financial Services Council. Further information is available here.

All affected insurance customers should contact BT on 132 135 or 1300 553 764, between 8:00am – 6:30pm, Monday through Friday (Sydney/Melbourne time).

More information on the BT Protection Plans – Bushfire and Drought Assistance Packages, including full eligibility criteria, is available here.

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“Sue is a highly regarded member of Australia’s insurance industry and we are delighted she is joining our executive to lead the insurance business as it continues to grow,” said Brad Cooper, chief executive BT Financial Group.

Ms Houghton has deep industry experience garnered through executive roles within IAG and Wesfarmers. Through her impressive business acumen and change management experience Ms Houghton has led large and diverse teams to deliver optimum customer outcomes.

“BT has been very progressive in developing its insurance business – driving better customer experiences and service delivery through progressive partnerships, innovative product development and customer-centred processes.

“It is a very exciting and challenging time in the insurance industry and I am looking forward to continuing the momentum BT has created as well as working in partnership with the investments, advice and superannuation businesses within the group,” said Ms Houghton.

BT Financial Group offers a full range of general insurance products including: home and contents, business, motor, travel, caravan and trailer, marine pleasurecraft and farm insurance through the Westpac Banking Group’s branch network, contact centres and online.

BT’s life insurance business has grown significantly over the last five years with inforce premiums doubling over that period to almost $900m. BT has been recognised with multiple awards for its product, claims and service offering.

Ms Houghton’s appointment comes after David Lees moved to Westpac to take on the role of deputy chief financial officer late last year.

Sue Houghton will join BT Financial Group on 7 March.

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