Insurance code of practice
General Insurance Code of Practice
Apia believes it is important that insurance companies meet high performance and service standards. We fully support the General Insurance Code of Practice.
The code sets the standards of customer service to be provided by the insurance industry. It covers matters such as purchasing insurance, claims handling and dispute resolution. The code is the general insurance industry’s promise to be open, fair and honest in the way it deals with its customers. That’s the way Apia runs its business.
More information on the Code, or a copy of the Code, can be obtained from the Insurance Council of Australia (ICA). You can contact the ICA on 02 9253 5100 or 1300 728 228, or you can access the Code at www.codeofpractice.com.au.
The Code Governance Committee is an independent body which monitors and enforces the Code and has powers to impose sanctions on Code subscribers for non-compliance.
Life Insurance Code of Practice
What is the Life Insurance Code of Practice?
The Life Insurance Code of Practice (the Code) is a series of mandatory customer service standards that all life insurers need to comply with. These standards cover sales and marketing practices, underwriting and claims and are designed to protect you.
Why is the Life Insurance Code of Practice important?
A contract of insurance is based on the principle of good faith which requires both the insurer and the customer to act honestly and fairly towards each other, and for the insurer to have regard for the customers’ interests. The Code sets out the life insurance industry's key commitments and obligations to customers.
Key Code Promises
- We will be honest, fair, respectful, transparent, and timely when we communicate with you, and we will use plain language unless medical or other technical terminology is needed.
- We will ensure our staff and Authorised Representatives use appropriate sales and retention practices.
- We will offer extra support if you have trouble with the process of buying insurance or claiming.
- If we find that a sale was made using unacceptable sales practices, we will fix it, for example by issuing a refund or replacement policy.
- When you make a claim, we will explain the process and keep you informed about our progress assessing it.
- We will decide on your claim within the Code’s timeframes. But if we cannot, we will explain why and tell you how to make a Complaint.
- If we decline your claim, we will explain why in writing and let you know what to do if you disagree.
- We will restrict the use of investigators and Surveillance to preserve your right to privacy.
- The independent Life Code Compliance Committee (Life CCC) will monitor our compliance with the Code.
- We will be accountable for Code requirements, and the Life CCC can sanction us.
You can read the Code or find out more about it on the Council of Australian Life Insurers (CALI) website. CALI has also developed a Consumer guide to Life Insurance Law and Life Insurance Premiums Fact Sheet.
These promises are embedded in our processes and policies to deliver the high standards of customer service specified by the Code.
Apia Life’s Commitment to the Life Insurance Code of Practice
Apia Life Insurance policies are issued by TAL, who played a key role in creating the Life Insurance Code of Practice. Apia Life is committed to delivering the best possible customer service standards. Apia Life will continue to look for ways to raise the standards of customer service now and over the years to come.
The Life Code Compliance Committee (Life CCC)
The Life CCC is an independent body established to monitor compliance with the Code. Its aim is to ensure consistent and high-quality service standards are provided to customers by the life insurance industry. The Life CCC enforces the Code by monitoring compliance, investigating Code breaches and imposing sanctions where appropriate.
