As the full extent of Tropical Cyclone Alfred’s impact unfolds, big insurers, underwriting agencies and brokers are all moving into top gear as they help customers and prepare to receive many thousands of property damage claims. Challenging times like this deserve some sort of acknowledgement. That opportunity will arrive on May 2 at the Insurance Business Awards 2025.
Underwriting agencies are one focus of the event. A big prize on the night is the Underwriting Agency of the Year. The award recognises the best underwriting agency operating in Australia based on performance during the last financial year.
The judgement criteria includes the quality of coverage offerings, service levels and turnaround times. Training, career development and positive contributions to the community are also taken into account.
There are other important awards up for the taking.
One of them is the Young Achiever, sponsored by Elantis Premium Funding. This award recognises an outstanding young insurance broker in the industry, under the age of 40, who has demonstrated leadership potential and innovation.
“At Elantis, we’re all about backing young insurance brokers because they bring fresh perspectives and digital know-how that really drive innovation,” said CEO Rachael Lavars (pictured above right). “Their enthusiasm and adaptability help us tackle industry changes, keeping us competitive and relevant while building a dynamic, forward-thinking insurance landscape.”
The competition for this year’s Young Achiever award looks pretty tough. Andrew Brett from Infosure, Austin Rosier from Omnisure, Shaun Sirbadhoo from Protego Risk Group and Tate Harris from allinsure, are all in the running.
Last year’s winner was Gareth Downie, Melbourne-based account manager for PSC Insurance Brokers. In a recent interview with IB, he discussed current insurance challenges.
The 2025 Awards will be held at The Hilton, one of Sydney’s iconic hotel venues. The evening includes a black-tie gala dinner, drinks, music and entertainment.
Stand-up comedian Dave Hughes is the night’s master of ceremonies.
“Naturally charming and unmistakably Australian,” says his online biography. “Dave Hughes is one of this country’s sharpest comedic minds. By turning everyday foibles into rich and hilarious routines delivered in his classic laconic style, Hughesy owns any stage he appears on.”
There are 21 awards categories celebrating the work of claims teams, brokers, underwriters, insurers, BDMs, authorised representatives (ARs) and insurtechs. There are also accolades for lifetime achievers, women of distinction, top CEOs and for excellence in diversity, equity and inclusion.
Before that celebration, there is likely to be lots of work to do. Claims teams – another focus of the Awards – will be at the heart of it.
At last year’s awards, CHU Underwriting Agencies and Emergence Insurance were joint winners of the 2024 Claims Team of the Year award. David Gow, CHU’s head of claims, accepted the award for his firm.
Gow said his agency, with its dedicated nat cat team, has worked hard “to ensure transparency and responsiveness at every stage.”
He said this is particularly important given the ongoing pressures on consumers from increasing costs of living, including the rising construction costs that are impacting home insurance claims.
And of course, the increasing frequency of natural catastrophes like Tropical Cyclone Alfred.
