If you are a Strata Manager acting as an Office Bearer or someone who is currently fulfilling Office Bearers duties for an Owners Corporation then these frequently asked questions should provide insight into how necessary this “optional” cover is.
It is with great excitement that Whitbread announces the return of Lidia Siljanoski to our business.
Owners Corporation (OC) Committees are within their rights to proceed with litigation against their Strata Manager for a breach of professional duty if they believe the professional services provided are directly responsible for a financial loss incurred by the Owners Corporation.
While the breach may merely be an error in judgement or an oversight, Strata Managers and their firms must ensure they have adequate insurance protection to secure their financial position and comply with legal requirements.
We like to think ‘it will never happen to us’. But the reality is, some of us will pass on
sooner than expected – leaving family and loved ones behind.
Should something unforeseen occur, could your loved ones survive without you? How would they pay monthly bills? Or keep up with mortgage repayments? This is where Life Insurance comes in.
Whitbread Insurance Brokers, a second generation family owned company, this year celebrates 35 years in business
It is usually only after you buy into a strata property, that you learn there are government regulations you have to comply with, regulations that extend to the insurance of your property. Getting the right insurance to comply with the regulations won’t be a problem if you follow these five simple rules…
Professional Indemnity (PI) Insurance is an important part of any business risk management strategy. No longer is PI only required by professionals such as lawyers, accountants, and architects. It is a legal requirement which applies to all Strata Managers.
Whitbread staff donate food and beverages to the Melbourne City Mission.
Owners can now sue their builder up to 10 years after getting a certificate of occupancy.
Life Insurance specialist Michael Giansiracusa dishes out his top tips on how you can protect yourself should you be unable to work. The good news is - it isn't as expensive as you might think!
If you need help navigating the ins and outs of Income Protection Insurance, read on…
What is Strata Insurance and what does it cover you for? We answer the most common questions we get asked about Strata Insurance every day.
As a company director you should be aware of how many Acts expose you to personal and or corporate liabilities.
Hacktivist target Australian businesses websites
There are pros and cons for landlords who manage their own properties as opposed to landlords who employ a property manager to look after their affairs. Are you better off managing your property yourself or do you stand to save more than you spend by paying a property manager to wrangle the tenants for you?
It really comes down to time: how much you value your time and expertise.
Whitbread recently completed a national series of seminars to Directors of medium to large organisations across Australia. These sessions explored the evolution of Management Liability Insurance, and generated extensive discussion among attendees. Here are some of the key questions that were posed during the seminars.
Stay up to date with the latest news and follow us on Twitter @whitbreadinsure
Have you hired a tradesperson, or appointed caretakers to carry out works on behalf of an Owners Corporation (OC)? Make sure they have the right tools for the job. Public Liability Insurance is essential and, as a Strata Manager, it’s your responsibility to ensure the tradies you engage have Public Liability Insurance protection.
Event organised by Whitbread to help raise money for the Victorian flood relief appeal.
Stay up to date with the latest Whitbread Insurance and Foundation news and follow us on LinkedIn.
Owners of rental strata properties need to ensure they take out insurance to cover landlord’s fixtures and fittings, rent default and public liability for inside their lots/units.
Whitbread organises a Toy & Food Appeal for Anglicare for Christmas
1 in 5 mortgagors have NOT purchased building #insurance, a substantial increase from 1 in 25 uninsured in 2013.
We recently saw this question posted on the Flat Chat Forum, where people and managers living and working in strata communities can ask questions and have them answered by the community.
An article from the Australian Financial Review (3 April, 2013) “Insurance Blind Spot for SMEs”, highlights a lack of awareness and preparedness amongst Australian SMEs when it comes to protecting their income through Business Interruption insurance.
An office visit from Scope Victoria to raise awareness about how they assist families and people with disabilities.
We’re so excited to be one of the Gold sponsors at the Strata Community Australia (Vic) Symposium today! We would love you to drop by for free coffee and to chat about all things Strata!
Following recent storms, we received calls from many of our clients who wanted to know whether damage to their apartment block is covered by their Strata Insurance policy. A number of these queries related to fallen trees.
Twice, TV chef Heston Blumenthal has shut the doors of one of his gourmet London restaurants after being hit by an outbreak of the same vomiting virus which forced him to close the Fat Duck a number of years ago, according to the Herald Sun.
We take a look at the potential insurance implications for restaurant owners and how business insurance could protect you in similar circumstances.
The death of John Whitbread, company founder passes away.
Most people see insurance as a cost. It’s like an investment you never want to cash in on. When you do have a claim however, that “investment” could save your company.
As a consumer, you’ve never had more choices around how you source information and purchase products. However, some purchasing decisions require more information and expert knowledge than others so you can feel confident that you have made the right choice.
The 'Vampire Club's' efforts over the last 12 months
As Strata Managers, your days are spent ensuring the needs of the Owners Corporation are met. Owners expect quick and timely action on all matters particularly when it comes to claims. However, in our experience, Strata Insurance claims that involve more than one party can result in unnecessary delays if there is a lack of clarity regarding process, and the expectations of the various parties involved.
Very few businesses, large or small, could function effectively without computers to store data. Yet few of us are aware of just how vulnerable that data is to criminals who can steal it or use it with relative ease.
At the Anglicare Dinner with the Angels raising much needed funds for Victoria's most vulnerable children
Cybercrime has evolved and increased substantially over the past ten years particularly in the financial services and retail sectors where a high volume of data is retained, in particular financial information. These industries have therefore had a head start on developing strategies to mitigate and prevent cyber-attacks.
In recent weeks we have all witnessed the devastating impact that floods have had on our communities. We have received a number of calls from concerned Owners Corporation Managers and their clients about the cover afforded by their policies. We hope the following information may assist you with any concerns that you may have.
Make sure you’re still covered in a claim. Maintaining your insurance policy is crucial. Read more in an article by Lidia Siljanoski our personal insurance specialist.
When it comes to buying insurance, people have two basic choices: buy it themselves or organise it through a broker.
As the availability of online insurance products grows, you might be tempted to believe insurance brokers will go the same way as the dinosaur. But that’s not happening, and there is one very good reason: buying insurance – particularly business insurance – is a specialised business.
You’ve sought professional advice and now the question is; do you take it or do you leave it?
When it comes to determining a building sum insured, disregarding the advice could be detrimental to everyone concerned: the property owner, the Owners Corporation committee and you, the Strata Manager.
As we head into the festive season, we are reminded of the disastrous January 2011 floods that severely affected many areas of Queensland. Following those floods, countless people were astonished that their policy did not cover them for the loss incurred. We hope to clear this up for you.
The Claims Department staff members volunteer to cook and serve breakfast for the homeless.
It’s easy to forget in the midst of an icy Melbourne winter that bushfires are a part of life in Australia. But, as the sun starts to muscle its way through the clouds and re-emerge into our collective consciousness, it’s timely for rural property owners to reassess their exposure.
A recent article in a Perth newspaper suggests some developers are under-quoting the strata costs of some off-the-plan developments - some by as much as 50 per cent.
The Christmas Day storms caused wide spread water damage across Melbourne. Although no preventative action would have protected property from damage caused by the fierce storms, as property owners a maintenance program could substantially reduce your chances of water damage occurring.
A common misconception of living in a unit or apartment complex is the assumption that Strata Insurance will also provide cover for the contents within each unit. Unfortunately, many people are caught out, because this is not the case.
Living in what insurers call a “strata title unit”, doesn’t remove the need for property owners to protect themselves from loss and / or damage to their possessions. If you live in a Strata property, Contents Insurance is a must.
The team at Whitbread Insurance Brokers are looking forward to seeing you at the Strata Community Australia (SCA) National Conference this weekend in sunny Cairns.
Late last year the government passed amendments to the Privacy Act 1988, implementing changes to Australian privacy law in a number of areas.
A key change is the replacement of the current National Privacy Principles (NPPs) with a unified set of 12 new ‘Australian Privacy Principles’ (APPs) to regulate the handling of personal information.
We are commonly asked what obligations and level of authority Strata Managers have when arranging insurance on behalf of their clients.
Tax Agents will be required by the Tax Practitioners Board to have Professional Indemnity Insurance as of July 2011.
Whitbread staff at St Peters to help cook and serve breakfast for the homeless
Believe it or not, having the right Landlord Insurance in place can play a key factor in reducing a Landlord’s overheads in the long term. Lidia Siljanoski our Personal Insurance specialist explains how you too can achieve this.
When it comes to Strata Insurance, nothing is as simple as it seems. Lia de Sousa, Whitbread’s General Manager | Strata, explains the cover you need to adequately protect your property and belongings when an unfortunate incident turns into an expensive disaster!
Australian businesses were today again reminded of how susceptible they are to cyber-attacks.
Australia has one of the highest occurrences of extortion in the world. Extortion can affect all companies from large blue chip organisations to SMEs.
The current lack of awareness among business owners means that most organisations are almost never equipped to deal with the financial and reputational ramifications when exposed. Extortion Insurance is designed to protect you.
If you are preparing to undertake renovations on your home you need to be aware that renovating a strata property may have a few more complexities to it than your average free standing dwelling.
The ever increasing issue of internet fraud and the personal cost for victims was reported on the 7:30 Report, 20th January 2014.
Travel is often a necessary part of conducting business in today's global economy. Unfortunately, on the odd occasion, it doesn't always go smoothly...
Do you park your car in a secure underground carpark? Take note!
Pharmacists are the latest victims to be targeted by computer hackers, as the industry moves towards electronic health records.
Increasingly, organisations are being held accountable for any detrimental impact they may have on the environment.
The continual tightening of regulation and intense public scrutiny has seen a heightened need for businesses to manage their environmental risks.
When applying for or renewing your clients’ commercial strata insurance policy, it is imperative you help us provide as much information to the insurer as possible.
Lia de Sousa, Whitbread’s General Manager | Strata explains how providing detailed information about a property, can result in a more accurate insurance risk rating, and fairer insurance premiums that truly reflect the risk profiles of the buildings you manage.
Stay Smart Online is a government initiative designed to assist businesses and individuals in their understanding cyber risks.
Staff collecting toys and food for the Anglicare Victoria 2012 Toy & Food Appeal
Not For Profit and charitable associations provide invaluable services to the community, however the operational risks faced by these organisations has grown substantially in recent years.
This has in part been fueled by an increase in government red tape, and also a greater awareness of legal rights among the public.
If a third party believe your Owners Corporation are responsible for personal injury or property damage, and they decide to seek compensation, the Owners Corporation will most likely receive a Letter of Demand.
Take it from us, no matter how far-fetched the claim seems, whether you believe it happened or not, never ignore it! Renee Cassidy – Whitbread Claims Manager explains…
The boom in short-stay internet accommodation sites like Airbnb has led to more and more Australians opening their doors to people they don’t know. But what happens if something goes wrong?
Lia de Sousa, Whitbread’s General Manager | Strata, checks out what can happen at your strata property after strangers check-in.
Whitbread wishes to congratulate Ivanka Mikulic who was awarded the John Whitbread Group Service Award for 2011 at the company End of Financial Year dinner on Saturday 2nd July.
Whitbread staff support International Volunteer Dat by volunteering for cooking and serving breakfast for the homeless for Anglicare Victoria.
$276,232 is the average cost for cyber incidents in Australia*.
Regardless of how good your company IT systems are, there is no 100% guaranteed way to protect your data. A data breach can not only cause significant financial losses for your business, it can negatively impact your clients and customers, putting you in the legal firing line. In this day and age, Cyber Insurance is essential for all businesses.
Are you or do you know an insurance broker looking for a new opportunity? Get in touch with us!
Most Strata Insurance policies include cover for Loss of Rent, but time and time again we see much confusion over what exactly Loss of Rent covers.
Lia de Sousa, General Manager | Strata at Whitbread Insurance Brokers, seeks to clear up some of the confusion surrounding this often misunderstood section of the policy. Below is some information for you to share with your clients, to help them understand the real features and benefits Loss of Rent can offer.
Staff collect donation for the 2012 Anglicare Christmas Appeal
Owning and running a business carries with it significant responsibility and risk. Wrongful acts by business owners, dishonest acts by employees, harassment, wrongful dismissal and statutory fines and penalties are just a few areas of exposure that could threaten your business.
Management Liability insurance is designed to protect you, your business and your personal assets.
Do you know what steps to take if your Home or Strata property is damaged in a storm? Renee Cassidy, Claims Manager at Whitbread Insurance Brokers, provides her top tips should your property suffer damage during a severe weather event.
Staff collect toys for Melbourne City Mission - ABC Stores Giving Trees on Christmas Eve
Cyber risks are continually evolving. This makes it all the more important for you to be up-to-date and have effective response measures in place to insulate yourself against emerging threats.
We would like to bring to your attention the below update from our IT department outlining a notable cyber-threat in circulation which may pose significant threat to your organisation.
With many organisations keeping records containing your personally identifiable information (PII), and the perpetual threat of cyber-criminals, your personal information could be stolen and used for fraudulent purposes.
In recognition of the 'Vampire Club's' support of the Red Cross Blood Service, Axis and Whitbread staff receive a certificate
From geotechnical to structural engineering, the scope of a Civil Engineers’ work can vary widely depending their area of specialisation.
What Civil Engineers do have in common however, is that their work involves the design and construction of structures typically used by the general public. While incredibly valuable to society, the nature of this design work means that without the right insurance policies, Civil Engineers face substantial financial and legal risk exposures should something go wrong.
Whitbread displays at the Foodco conference in the Gold Coast
Does your strata property have defect issues? Are you hoping Strata Insurance will cover the defect and resultant damage? Unfortunately it isn’t quite that simple.
Renee Cassidy, Claims Manager at Whitbread Insurance Brokers explains...
A certificate from Anglicare in acknowledgement of Whitbread staff efforts for the Toy & Food Appeal.
Receiving a letter of denial from an insurance company is never a welcomed outcome for anyone, particularly when you feel the insurance claim is legitimate.
Michael Giansiracusa and Jenny Rodgerson attend the Affinia Conference in Tokyo
As insurance brokers we deal with Certificate of Currency requests on a daily basis for a whole range of insurance policies whether it be Strata, Landlord or Business Insurance.
However, when it comes to Strata properties, we have often found that confusion surrounds Certificates of Currency, particularly when people need to request one for a property they are about to purchase.
Lia de Sousa, General Manager | Strata, answers the top 7 questions we receive on Certificates of Currency.
More than 60,000 property owners will save an average of $260 a year because of changes made to Fire Services Levy laws reported the Herald Sun. Treasurer Michael O’Brien told the Herald Sun he hoped this would be a win for consumers.
You've purchased Professional Indemnity insurance as part of your business risk management strategy. You're secure with the limit of cover you have chosen. But are you aware of these five common rules that often throw Professional Indemnity claims off course?
The official welcome to the new offices for Whitbread staff.
As December rolls around each year, preparing your home and family for the holiday season is high on everybody’s list. However with so much going on, it’s easy to forget about the safety and security of your home until you shut the front door and head away on holiday!
The new banking code will require lending institutions to remind mortgage customers of their obligations to have home insurance.
If you are unhappy with a claim denial ruling, and believe the internal disputes resolution process was not handled in a satisfactory manner, you can contact AFCA and lodge a dispute.
AFCA can give you a welcome alternative to launching legal action against an insurer, which could end up being hideously expensive!
In a unanimous decision, the NSW Court of Appeal has handed down Australia’s first major decision on access to directors and officers
Whitbread staff host a BBQ to raise funds for the Warwick Foundation
Managing a Not-For-Profit organisation carries with it a significant element of liability risk to individuals. Board members and senior managers can be held personally liable for their actions or failure to act in certain circumstances.
As a Not-For-Profit organisation, Association Liability is an insurance policy you cannot overlook. Below, Yash one of our Not-For-Profit Insurance specialists, covers off some FAQs to help you wrap your head around this important insurance policy.
Strata Insurance is an essential insurance cover required if you own a unit in a Strata property. But what does it cover you for, and what other insurance policies do you need in place to protect your assets?
To reduce this common area of confusion, below we have covered some of the most frequently asked questions we get about insurance for Strata properties.
The recent fires in Sydney occurred after the warmest overnight and day temperatures recorded so early in Spring in more than 100 years. Some places recorded temperatures in excess of 31 degrees.
Product recalls are often in the news with cases of Hepatitis A allegedly linked to the consumption of frozen berries, and blackmailers threatening to poison NZ milk. The milk poisoning threat saw the NZ dollar fall by more than 1 percent, forcing the NZ stock exchange to suspend all trading on dairy options and companies.
Whether the threats and allegations above were real or not, such instances have led to hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of product being removed from retailers’ shelves.
Headlines were made across Australia in November, 2014 when the severe ferocity of a Docklands apartment fire was attributed to the use of illegal cladding material in its construction. Even more alarming now, is that the cladding has been used in hundreds of high rise buildings throughout Australia.
On Friday 18th July, the winners of the 2014 Whitbread Strata Community Awards were announced at a Gala Awards ceremony hosted by Larry Emdur in Sydney.
The Whitbread team are ready - stand 43, now just waiting for the people to arrive @StrataCommunity Conference ACT
At Whitbread we continually strive to keep you aware of global risk trends that can impact your business, both locally and abroad.
One of our key insurance partners Swiss Re recently published a report covering the “Top 21 Global Risk Trends”. The report is certainly an enlightening one, and I encourage you to take a closer look, considering how these 21 current and emerging risks could impact you.
A crisis may occur at any time and can impact your business in a number of ways. Despite many years of good work in building a strong and favourable image in the community, your Strata firm’s reputation can be tarnished quickly if a crisis is not managed effectively.
Management Liability expert Yash Narang | Senior Account Manager, answers some commonly asked questions to explain how Management Liability Insurance can protect you, your business and your personal assets.
Detailed planning and preparation is essential to protect the liability exposure and brand reputation of your Strata Management business in a crisis. Part 3 of our Crisis Management series builds upon Part 2, outlining in detail the crucial elements you need to consider to ensure you have the capability to implement a robust Crisis Management Plan.
School holidays are the perfect opportunity for the whole family to have some quality time together and create happy memories. But before you take off, have you thought about taking extra measures to keep your home secure?
The rapid rise of apartment-style strata living across Australian cities has coincided with a significant increase in the number of people using storage cages to store their belongings.
This trend has come about due to the limited space in many modern apartments. Unfortunately, an increase in the use of storage cages has also seen a surge in the rate of storage cage theft.
Whitbread helps raise funds for the Hunger Project through a fundraising event.
Volunteering for odd jobs around your Strata property? Think you’re covered for Personal Accident under the Strata Insurance if you’re injured? Think again!
While all Strata Insurance policies generally include a Personal Accident section to protect Volunteer Workers in the event they sustain an injury, most are not aware of how limited the cover actually is.
This article will ensure you’re fully informed of what is actually covered before volunteering your services.
Whitbread staff host a BBQ to help raise funds for the Warwick Foundation.
Its renewal time again and your annual policy paperwork has arrived just in time. What to do!? Just pay the premiums and think nothing of it for another 365 days? Think again!
It is a simple fact that most homeowners will not have enough savings to rebuild a badly damaged or destroyed home, or, to pay off the mortgage still owing even though the home may no longer exist. That’s why we have insurance, right?
Funds raised at the Party to End Poverty event for the Hunger Project.
Running a small business out of a residential strata unit may cause major issues in relation to insurance. Not only can it increase the risk of a public liability claim, but it can also change the property classification from residential strata to commercial strata. A change in property classification almost always results in an increased Strata Insurance premium for ALL property owners.
AFL Grand Final lunch at the Whitbread office to help raise funds for Very Special Kids Piggy Bank Appeal.
With the most significant Strata Law Reform* package in decades passing the NSW Parliament, it is essential that as a Strata Manager, you understand how these changes are going to impact the duties and obligations you have to your clients come November 30, 2016.
With the year almost at a close and Christmas just around the corner, the holiday season is nearly here! To help keep your home safe and secure while sunning yourself on the beach, careful preparation is key.
We’ve prepared some useful tips so you can enjoy a drama free break!
Whitbread at a strata conference, promotes Anti-Poverty Week by making a donation to The Victorian Homeless Fund for every business card dropped at the stand.
If you are a Whitbread Authorised Representative (AR) you’d know that we are continually carrying out audits to ensure you understand and meet your obligations while operating under the Whitbread Australian Financial Services License (AFSL).
We are happy to share that after our recent audits, most of our ARs are doing a fantastic job!
If you haven’t been audited yet, review our tips below to assess whether you are compliant when it comes to arranging insurance for your clients.
The horrific bushfires that tore through vast parts of VIC, NSW, SA and QLD last summer, are a grave reminder that you don’t have to live in a rural area to be impacted by fire. Bushfire preparation has never been more important as we enter another Australian summer. But with La Nina on the cards, things do look a little different…
Whitbread Insurance Brokers hosts the Scope Whitbread Golf Challenge to help raise funds for Scope Victoria.
An unexpected life event could just be your undoing.
Are there unknown contents being stored in garages on your strata? While a resident could be storing a friend's business stock as a favour, if the contents are unknown they could pose a hazard and potentially lead to an uninsurable claim.
Along with Melbourne Building Management, Whitbread helps raise funds for the Royal Children’s Hospital.
Holiday season is a time to pack up and get away for some much needed R and R, however it would appear many of us are not doing all we can to protect our homes from unwelcome intruders whilst we are away.
While Public Liability is a mandatory cover for both Residential and Commercial Strata policies, confusion often arises regarding the extent of cover and who pays the excess in the event of a claim.
22 February, 2018 saw the Australian Government enact the Notifiable Data Breaches (NDB) scheme, requiring any organisation affected by a serious data breach to notify all individuals whose information may have been compromised. Non-compliance may result in heavy fines and penalties being imposed on both businesses and individual directors.
This article covers the full impact this legislation can have on your business, and how you can ensure you are protected.
A big week at Whitbread and Axis helping raise funds for and volunteering for the Mad Foundation Ball, Anglicare and the Warwick Foundation.
Reputation is crucial when it comes to attracting financial contributions to Not for Profit (NFP) organisations. Yet with cybercrime on the rise, NFPs are facing a new threat to brand reputation and profitability, should the personal information of donors become compromised in an attack.
Storms in NSW have now been declared a catastrophe for insurance purposes.
When it comes to payment, business insurance premiums can be an inconveniently large investment. This is particularly relevant in the current market, with widespread economic uncertainty and premium rates on the rise.
Premium Funding payment solutions can help you maintain essential insurance coverage, while freeing up your business finances for other immediate investments that directly impact the growth of your business.
With the online insurance market a popular way of obtaining cover, the role of an Insurance Broker may appear less relevant than in previous years. However when it comes to Strata Insurance, it is quite the opposite.
Complex legislation and the intricate, highly involved nature of managing Strata Insurance and strata claims, has meant the role of an insurance broker is more valuable than ever for strata managers.
Devastating bushfires plagued much of Eastern Australia last summer, before a deluge of rain arrived, causing severe flooding and widespread damage to an unprecedented number of properties - including residential strata.
In the aftermath of a flood, many depend on their insurance to help recoup losses. Sadly, stressful situations are often made worse when people discover their Strata Insurance policy does not cover damage as a result of flood.
Adam Luscombe returns from volunteering at the Anglicare breakfast and decides to raise funds to help buy Anglicare a new fridge.
An Australian insurer has launched a direct insurance, lower cost offering for strata unit owners and body corporate committees in North Queensland. But, is this really going to be of any service to the Strata industry?
In the event of water damage due to a leaky pipe in a Strata property, who is responsible for paying the excess - the owner or the body corporate?
Could your company's balance sheet survive the operational downtime caused by an insurable event like a fire, storm or theft?
Property Insurance claim payouts can help to restore your premises, but how can you protect your financial position (i.e. income) while unable to trade? This is where Business Interruption cover steps in.
Adam Luscombe succeeds in raising enough funds for buying a new fridge for Anglicare.
With the festive season in full swing, and new year steadily approaching, it’s fair to say we are all looking forward to a well-deserved break with plenty of fun and frivolity during the holiday season.
To help keep you, your home and your business safe, we’ve compiled Whitbread's ‘10 Tips of Christmas’ – so you can enjoy a fiasco-free holiday!
The Whitbreads relate the story behind their decision to support and promote the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre’s Innovation Hub
When it comes to payment, business insurance premiums can be an inconveniently large lump sum investment.
Find out how premium funding can evenly distribute this expense to free up your company finances, enabling you to put them to more immediate expenses that directly impact the growth of your business.
Whitbread is close to achieving its donation pledge goal for this financial year.
Research on distracted driving conducted in the US has uncovered some alarming statistics on common causes of distraction which in many cases can lead to road accidents.
Below, we explore the main causes of driving distraction as outlined in the study, and the increased risk drivers face as a result. Prof. Allan Manning, LMI Group also provides some tips to help eliminate the many distractions around you when driving.
The role of a Strata Manager is continually increasing in complexity and responsibility. Below we address some key challenges affecting properties that can also impact the Strata Insurance - asbestos, non-compliant cladding, and property defects.
Claire Whitbread and staff members help cook and serve breakfast for the homeless and help support Anglicare Victoria.
As the principal of a Strata Management business, you likely spend most days ensuring the needs of your strata clients are met. But when was the last time you stopped for a second to reconsider the needs of your own business, and any emerging risk exposures that could pose a serious threat to your operations?
As technology continues to evolve, and elements of our lives become heavily entwined with the online world, individuals and businesses are becoming increasingly exposed to data theft and malicious online attacks. Accordingly, it is essential to understand how you can protect your sensitive data, and minimise the costly financial and legal fallout.
Now is the time to act - understand the cyber risks, review your online risk management strategies, and make sure you have an active Cyber Insurance policy.
Whitbread Insurance Brokers help support and promote the theme of 'Inspiring Change' for 2014 International Women's Day.
News outlets across the country have issued various reminders and warnings for Australians to be prepared for the upcoming bushfire season this summer. A strong El Nino weather pattern could see very dry conditions create a significantly increased fire risk.
Below we provide some advice on how you can best prepare your property and make sure your insurance coverage adequately protects your most important assets.
Many strata rental property owners have expectations that Strata Insurance will insure them for events occurring inside their apartment – this is not the case! If you own and lease a property, it is essential to take out Landlord Insurance to cover your fixtures and fittings, rent default and public liability for inside your apartment.
Does your Business Insurance still align with your risk exposures?
The risks your business faces are continually evolving - particularly in today’s fast-paced economy. Whether it be the purchase or sale of assets, new legislation, developments in technology, a modification of your business activities, or a change in operating location, it is crucial to ensure your Business Insurance program stays up-to-date.
Whitbread helps support and promote International Happiness Day.
With Coronavirus (COVID-19) officially declared a Pandemic in March 2020, and the landscape changing almost hourly, there is an air of great unease across Australia. Aside from the significant impact Coronavirus is predicted to have on our health system, there are also implications for the economy and potentially your business.
The number one question we are being asked by clients at the moment is: “How will my business insurance coverage respond or be impacted as a result of COVID-19?”
The Whitbread Foundation continues its support for the Melbourne City Mission's Academy Program
Yet another Australian business has fallen victim to cybercrime, where the personal details of over 5000 customers were compromised.
The dynamic nature of today’s economy means that business risk exposures and insurance needs are changing more rapidly than ever. When was the last time you took a step back from the demands of running your Strata Management firm, to assess whether your business insurance is still adequate? Does it actively reduce your risk exposures?
Coronavirus (COVID-19) has been declared a Pandemic, and is causing of great deal of unease within the community. Aside from the significant impact Coronavirus is predicted to have on our healthcare system, there are major implications when it comes to travel insurance – both for business & leisure.
Whitbread staff, family, friends and St Kevin's Old Boys Football Club complete the Very Special Kids 24 hour Treadmill Challenge and help raise $7,340 for a very worthy cause.
Breaking News: China has been blamed for a 'massive' cyber attack on Bureau of Meteorology supercomputer. Yet another incident highlighting the critical nature of Cyber Insurance within your Business Insurance Program.
Worldwide, the use of combustible cladding has resulted in several highly publicised building fires, most notably the Grenfell Tower in London which resulted in 71 fatalities. In addition to this, non-fatal incidents in both Melbourne and Dubai also gained much notoriety in the media.
The property insurance sector is not immune from the economic and health implications of COVID-19. Accordingly, there have been some important changes made by insurance companies when it comes to Landlord insurance cover.
Below we have outlined key changes to be aware of for new quotes and policy amendments.
Claire Whitbread and staff help cook and serve breakfast for the homeless at Anglicare Victoria.
2020 is shaping up to be a year of uncharted territory when it comes to cybercrime. The emergence of COVID-19, combined with ever growing developments in technology have led to a significant increase in cyber-attacks, posing a major risk to Australian businesses.
To ensure your strata building has adequate insurance protection, your Strata Manager engages a specialist insurance broker to obtain the most suitable Strata Insurance policy. When it comes to protecting the interior of a unit however, the onus falls on both unit owners and tenants.
As an owner-occupier, landlord or tenant, are you aware of the insurance policies you need?
Since the COVID-19 Pandemic hit Australia, cybercrime has increased dramatically. As more and more Australians work from home, and rely heavily on digital platforms to interact and conduct business transactions, cyber criminals are taking advantage.
Understand how you can mitigate the risk of cybercrime, and minimise damage inflicted by a cyber-attack.
The Whitbread Foundation celebrates the 1 Million Dollars donated milestone
With the Strata construction industry constantly evolving, and the introduction of new and complex legislation, the role of an insurance broker is more important than ever.
Cost pressures are mounting for countless businesses during this challenging economic period. And while many company owners are looking to cut expenditure, or even cancel insurances as a result of winding up their business, it’s essential to understand the importance of maintaining Professional Indemnity (PI) Insurance. Cancelling PI Insurance could end up costing far more in the long run…
Whitbread featured in Anglicare Victoria's promotion of International Volunteer Day 2013
Underinsurance is alive and well in Australia. A recent report from Swiss Re has highlighted major concerns surrounding large gaps in property insurance for Commercial and SME businesses in Australia.
With financial constraints mounting on business owners during this challenging economic period, many are looking to cut costs. Some are reducing insurance covers, or utilising premium funding, and others are cancelling policies completely as they wind up their business. Unfortunately, when it comes to Public & Products Liability Insurance, cancelling your cover could end up being a costly decision in the long term.
The Whitbread Foundation proudly supports the Melbourne City Mission.
Whitbread’s Strata Insurance team received this important question from Australian Strata property blog, LookUpStrata.
Our response below which addresses the consequences of underinsurance for Strata lot owners has been prepared by Renee Cassidy | Whitbread Claims Team Manager.
With Australia making remarkable steps toward supressing the community spread of Coronavirus, many businesses with non-essential workers are pondering, or have already returned to the workplace in some capacity.
To guide you on the important implications from an insurance and risk point of view, we have included some essential considerations below…
Whitbread Insurance Brokers will be donating clothing and food to Melbourne City Mission and Anglicare Victoria.
In an article published by Insurance & Risk it was reported that over 1.5million blocks of land in Australia are currently situated in ‘bushfire prone areas’ (BPAs)*.
From raging fires to torrential flooding, a critical event can occur at any given moment for the strata properties you manage. In early February 2019, a fire ripped through several balconies at the Neo200 building on Spencer Street in Melbourne. As a Strata Manager, how would you respond to a similar crisis at a property you manage?
In this article we outline several best practice strategies in crisis management, and how Strata Managers can oversee the recovery of a critical event.
The recent flooding in NSW and QLD, plus a late season cyclone in WA, are stark reminders that wild weather events are occurring with greater frequency and increasing severity. In light of this, it is important to know what to do in a property claims emergency for both your business and your home.
Having a clear process to follow will help ensure you achieve the best possible outcome in what is a highly stressful situation, where decision making can be clouded.
An article about the work that the Whitbread Foundation does for various charities in a Sydney magazine.
Receiving a Letter of Denial for an insurance claim isn’t a particularly welcome outcome, especially if you feel the insurance claim should have been covered under the policy.
Before tearing your hair out however, take comfort from the fact that a denial letter doesn't have to be the end of the road for a claim...!
At the onset of the pandemic in Australia, business owners were left scrambling, doing the best they could to minimise damage to their bottom line, keep employees in the job and manage the health risks of COVID-19. Unfortunately, employment practices laws often fell by the wayside, or were misinterpreted without the appropriate legal advice.
Video of the Anglicare breakfast and what it brings to the people who volunteer and to those that it helps
The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) has issued warnings following ex-Cyclone Debbie with severe thunderstorms, torrential rain and flash flooding expected in south-east Queensland and northern New South Wales*
In recent times, Strata Insurance has been a bone of contention for many Strata Managers and Owners Corporations (OC) across Australia. Non-compliant building materials, property defects, and hardening insurance markets have seen Strata Insurance premiums increase substantially, often with restrictive policy conditions and high excesses imposed.
Insurance premiums are up and coverage is more difficult to obtain. How can you get the best result?
You may have noticed over the medium term, that in general, insurance premiums have been increasing, and coverage is becoming more restrictive. This is known as a hard insurance market.
Below, we shed light on current insurance market conditions, the market outlook across different types of policies, and how using an insurance broker can help you achieve the greatest value for money out of your coverage.
A recent survey by the ACSC (Australian Cyber Security Centre) has revealed the full extent of cyber-attacks in Australia, and should serve as a stark reminder to all businesses that cyber-attacks are no longer a matter of ‘if’ but ‘when’ and ’what type of attack’.
As a Strata Manager, your days are generally spent ensuring that the needs of your clients are met. Owners expect quick and timely action on all matters, particularly when it comes to claims!
Whitbread understand that claims management comes with high expectations, and pressure from owners to achieve their desired outcome. Our consultants manage the claims process, working to achieve the best possible outcome for your clients.
If a third party believes you or your business is responsible for personal injury or damage, and they decide to seek compensation, your company will likely receive a Letter of Demand (LOD).
No matter how far-fetched a claim may appear, whether you believe it happened or not, it is not something to ignore. Renee Cassidy – Whitbread’s Claims Manager explains…
Whitbread Foundation attends a talk given by the students that benefit from the Melbourne City Mission Academy.
From July 1, 2017, some residential Strata Insurance policies will experience significant total premium changes as a result of amendments to the Terrorism Insurance Act 2003 (Cth). The changes apply Australia wide, and relate to the introduction of a Terrorism Levy.
With Coronavirus (COVID-19) officially declared a Pandemic, we understand you may have a number of questions regarding the impact on your insurance when to comes to strata properties. This fact sheet has been designed to address and clarify your key concerns.
Check out the video for the Leadership Immersion trip, that Claire Whitbread will be attending, to Uganda to support The Business Chicks along with The Hunger Project Australia.
We understand that many Australian’s are currently facing uncertain times, and potentially a loss of income due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Given this current climate, we sympathise that you may be concerned about your ability to pay Strata insurance renewals. This is where Premium Funding comes in.
Premium Funding payment solutions allow you to pay your insurance renewals over a period of time, to help ease the burden of financial stress.
Announcement of the Whitbread Foundation’s commitment to donate $1,000,000 to The Hunger Project Australia over the next 4 years.
With over 40 food and beverage products recalled so far this year (as of 5th October 2017), the impact of a product recall can cause severe damage to a manufacturer’s reputation and bottom line.
Is your Owners Corporation experiencing difficulties paying Strata Insurance premiums, as a result of the economic impact of COVID-19? We understand this is a real issue for OC’s around Australia, and want to assure you that there are options available to help alleviate the financial strain at this time.
We are delighted to inform you that with effect from 8 December 2017, Steadfast has acquired a controlling interest in Whitbread Insurance Group. This recognises the excellent reputation of Whitbread and the services we have been providing to you and many other clients since 1978.
Understand the current Strata Insurance market landscape, how to achieve the best outcome for your strata property, and what’s on the horizon for 2021.
Since the 2014 Lacrosse building fire in Melbourne, there has been heated debate, publicity and government enquiries with respect to non-compliant building materials used in new strata developments. In 2018, new ministerial guidelines are set to ban the use of these products with harsher penalties in place for builders and suppliers who fail to adhere.
With the online market a popular way of obtaining insurance cover, the role of an insurance broker may appear less relevant than in previous years. However when it comes to Strata Insurance, it is quite the opposite.
Complex legislation and the intricate, highly involved nature of managing Strata Insurance and strata claims, has meant the role of an insurance broker is more valuable than ever for strata unit owners.
Read more about our stationary suppliers with a social conscience helping communities locally and worldwide.
Raising funds and awareness for Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia & Beyond Blue.
Free Workshop held by the Hunger Project and hosted at the Whitbread Head Office in Melbourne.
Whitbread Insurance Brokers are excited to announce the appointment of Andrew Saville to the position of General Manager, Broking.
Whitbread staff give back this holiday season and volunteer their time the Anglicare Vicoria BBQ breakfast for the homeless.
Whitbread Insurance Brokers are excited to announce our very own Renee Cassidy as the recipient of the Women In Insurance Award for Excellence, 2019.
The start of a new year is always a good time to reflect on what was achieved in the year past. Here are some of The Hunger Project's 2014 highlights. The Whitbread Foundation has been supporting the work of THP since 2012.
Parking, pets and parties can be a real problem for residents living in a strata title. Take Jimmy Thomson of Flat Chat test to assess how well your know the parking laws.
Will the recent outbreak of Novel Coronavirus impact your Travel Insurance cover? Find out more in NIBA’s interview with TravelCard CEO, Peter Klemt.
Our friends at Imprint Graphic design raise funds and awareness for the Cancer Council
When severe floods hit Townsville in February 2019, businesses and homes were completely devastated as water inundated the city.
One year on, we are thrilled to read some positive news in the Towsville Bulletin that our client, Muffin Break franchisee Brenda Stubberfield, is back up on her feet.
Along with 10,000 other runners, Laura from our Brisbane office along with her sister, help raise funds for Chicks in Pink at the International Women’s Day Fun Run in Brisbane.
The last six months have seen an unprecedented number of insurance ‘catastrophes’ declared in Australia. Many homes, cars and businesses experienced serious damage, resulting in a major spike in insurance claims across the nation.
Despite a brutal after work PT session by our own Hayley Eighteen, the girls still could manage a smile.
Whitbread continue to closely monitor the developments of COVID-19 in our community to ensure we prioritise the health of our employees, clients, their families, and the Australian community as a whole.
From Thursday 26th March 2020, there will be some changes to how we operate.
We're at the SCA conference in Queensland! Come say hello to our lovely team - Vanessa, Mark and Laura who're doing a fantastic job providing Strata solutions to properties and managers in Queensland
The fast pace at which COVID-19 is spreading has been alarming to say the least. Unfortunately there is a likelihood at some point, that your business premises or strata property may be affected with a positive Coronavirus diagnosis. In these circumstances a thorough deep clean and sanitisation of the property will be essential.
Whitbread participates in the Dream Run organised by stroke survivor Ida Dempsey to help raise awareness for strokes and for the Stroke Foundation.
Australia has experienced a challenging and turbulent start to 2020, with various natural disaster ‘catastrophes’ and the COVID-19 pandemic threatening the health, safety and livelihoods of our people.
To minimise the spread of Coronavirus, the Australian government advised businesses to have their staff to work from home (WFH) wherever possible. Accordingly, much of the Australian workforce has quickly transitioned to perform their role from a make-shift home office. For many, the concept of working remotely and practicing social distancing can be challenging, isolating and take some adjustment.
Claire Whitbread attends the ASRC Key Supporter Event held at the Famous Spiegeltent in Melbourne.
Imagine having your home broken into and car stolen in one foul swoop. Did you know that key theft in home burglaries is becoming an increasingly common method being used to steal cars?
Ricotta Pancakes cooking demonstration at lunch time.
With Stage 4 Coronavirus restrictions having been imposed in the Melbourne metropolitan area for several weeks, there has been an impact to the way businesses are legally allowed to operate for the duration of this period.
Unfortunately these restrictions have had an unprecedented impact on the progression of insurance claims, whereby builders and other repair and maintenance companies are only legally permitted to carry out a very limited scope of works.
So happy to be a part of the amazing work The Hunger Project has achieved in Kiruhura in less than 3 years of establishing the Epicenter. We received a wonderful and uplifting update from Millie who was there recently and experienced first-hand how the community is thriving.
From devastating bushfires that tore through picturesque landscapes and rural communities, to relentless storms that flooded our streets and homes, Australia experienced a rough start to 2020. Unfortunately this wild weather is predicted to continue in coming summer months, which will inevitably result in more property damage. This makes it more important than ever to ensure your insurance coverage and policy features are sufficient to protect your assets.
A massive $581,000 was raised in this year’s Very Special Kids 24 Hour Treadmill Challenge. There will be a few sore and tired bodies today particularly those who ran through the night. A big thank you to all the Whitbread and CMC people for keeping our treadmill going.
With the recent heavy rainfall and terrible weather conditions across NSW and QLD, we have received a significant number of new claims for water damage, with lodgements expected to increase further. Our thoughts are with those whose homes and valued possessions have been affected. To guide you in navigating this situation and the insurance claims process, we have provided some important information below.
Bill and Alix Volunteer for the Anglicare Victoria breakfast program for the homeless
With the events of 2020 still heavily impacting the way in which we live and how businesses operate, the top global risks for businesses in 2021 will come as no surprise…
Loved hearing today that our investment in Melbourne City Mission's Melbourne Academy is enabling young homeless and disengaged people to thrive. A recent study conducted by Victoria University concluded that students were "better off" for attending the Academy in particular in relation to academic achievement, attendance and participation, aspiration and motivation connections with peers and community, and social and personal wellbeing.
This is how we make clients feel at Whitbread Strata. Yes, it's personal! Sharing the love!
Our superstars of the day for volunteering to help cook up a hot BBQ breakfast for the homeless for Anglicare Victoria as part of the Lazarus Breakfast Program! Thank you Alix and Penny for being part of this essential initiative today, especially during Homelessness Prevention Week to help raise awareness of people experiencing homelessness and the surrounding issues.
