Navigating the End of Cheque Usage in Australian Insurance Payments

1

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.

Proactive measures are underway within insurance circles to usher retail consumers into alternative payment methodologies. Commenting on the evolving landscape, Mr. Hall noted disparities in adaptation timelines among insurers, with 2024 serving as a potential operative target. This adaptation is in anticipation of banks phasing out cheque services starting this year.

The Treasury has expressed cognizance of cheque-based proclivities in insurance practices, a challenge compounded by brokers' exclusive custody of clients' banking details and the necessity of cheques for customer reimbursements.

Confronted with the ceasing of cheque utilities, insurance vendors are considering limited claims settlements to methods like gift cards or digital transfers. Yet, compliance with anti-money laundering laws constrains gift card usage, sparking demands for added settlement versatility during the migratory term, as advised by the ICA.

Challenges germinate in processing particular payments for claims, policy cancellations, and delivering prompt aid to financially-strapped policyholders, a sentiment vocalized by Mr. Hall. Detailed are the conundrums in locating previous customers for rectification payouts, correspondingly more intricate than contact issues in current claims or policy annulments.

Expedited claims handling faces additional pressure where legal procedures like subpoenas and freedom of information requests rely on cheques. The initial phase-out stages could impede crucial information retrieval for claims processing, even in the wake of potential government concessions.

Furthermore, entities such as health care institutions, which predominantly opt for cheque-based payments for workers' compensation claims, necessitate governments to refine public sector cheque practices. Collaborative government synergy is encouraged to cushion this paradigm shift in transaction means.

The ICA forecasts escalated inquiries related to insurance and anticipates a rise in unclaimed funds, indicative of a pivotal need for industry-government harmony in ushering a fluid progression from cheque-based transactions to digital alternatives.

Published:Thursday, 8th Feb 2024
Source: Paige Estritori

Please Note: If this information affects you, seek advice from a licensed professional.

Share this news item:

Finance News

Clear

Australia Partners with Japan's Mitsubishi for $6.5 Billion Warship Fleet

22 Jan 2026: Paige Estritori

In a landmark decision, Australia has awarded a AU$10 billion (US$6.5 billion) contract to Japan's Mitsubishi Heavy Industries for the construction of 11 Mogami-class frigates. This agreement signifies the most substantial defense industry collaboration between the two nations to date. - read more

Marsh Secures Role in Australian Navy's Maritime Insurance Program

22 Jan 2026: Paige Estritori

Global insurance broker Marsh has been appointed by the Australian government to oversee the insurance and risk advisory components of the Royal Australian Navy's Maritime Insurance Program (MIP). This program is integral to the nation's extensive naval fleet expansion and infrastructure development initiatives. - read more

GT Insurance Provides Flexible Solutions Amid Trade Uncertainties

22 Jan 2026: Paige Estritori

In response to recent shifts in global trade dynamics, GT Insurance is reaffirming its commitment to supporting Australian marine clients navigating these challenges. The imposition of US tariffs-25% on Australian steel and aluminium, and 10% on other exported goods-has introduced new uncertainties for local exporters, particularly in sectors like beef and bulk freight. These tariffs, effective from April 5, 2025, have prompted concerns about declining export volumes and reduced freight margins. - read more

Non-Bank Lenders Escalate Court Actions as SME Insolvencies Surge

22 Jan 2026: Paige Estritori

Recent data indicates a significant shift in the enforcement landscape affecting Australian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Non-bank lenders have markedly increased their court-based recovery actions, coinciding with a rise in SME insolvencies. This trend emerges as major banks reduce their enforcement activities, highlighting a changing dynamic in creditor behaviour. - read more

Australian SMEs Reduce Borrowing Amid Interest Rate Uncertainty

22 Jan 2026: Paige Estritori

In the final quarter of 2025, Australian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) exhibited a cautious approach to borrowing, influenced by ongoing uncertainty surrounding inflation and interest rates. This trend reflects a broader hesitancy among businesses to commit to new financing amid an unpredictable economic environment. - read more

Click for more Finance News