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General Insurance Code of Practice



What's in the Code?
Who 'owns' the Code?
How do I know if my insurer is a member of the Code?
Who should I contact if I think my insurer has breached the Code?
Code Review
Where can I get a copy of the Code?


What's in the Code?


The General Insurance Code of Practice covers all general insurance products except:
  • workers compensation
  • marine insurance
  • medical indemnity insurance, and
  • compulsory third party insurance (even if driver protection cover is linked to it).

It does not cover reinsurance.

This Code does not apply to life and health insurance products issued by life insurers or registered health insurers.

The Code is designed to raise the insurer's service standards for consumers when they are selling insurance, dealing with insurance claims, responding to disasters and catastrophes, and complaint handling.


Who 'owns' the Code?


The General Insurance Code of Practice was first developed and launched by the Insurance Council of Australia in 1994. In 2005 a revised Code was developed and it took effect in July 2006. The Code is monitored and enforced by the Financial Ombudsman Service.


How do I know if my insurer is a member of the Code?


Subscription to the Code is voluntary. You can download a list of the Code's members New window or ask your insurer if it is a member. Alternatively you can contact the Insurance Council of Australia on (02) 9253 5100 or toll-free on 1300 728 228.


Who should I contact if I think my insurer has breached the Code?


You should first discuss the matter with your insurer. If you are not satisfied with their response, you can raise the matter with Financial Ombudsman Service New window on 1300 780 808.


Code Review


The Code is currently being reviewed from 1 June 2009. The Insurance Council is required to review the Code every three years and to appoint an Independent Reviewer to undertake the process.

The Independent Reviewer is now accepting submissions. Written submissions should be lodged with the Review Secretariat by 4 pm on 1 July 2009.

Public consultation sessions will be held around Australia starting from 27 July 2009. Interested parties must register with the Code Secretariat. All registered parties will be allocated with up to 20 minutes to speak to the Independent Reviewer and the Code Secretariat at a public consultation session.

For more information on the review of the Code, visit the Code Practice Review New window website


Where can I get a copy of the Code?


You can download a copy of the Code or you can contact the Insurance Council of Australia New window on (02) 9253 5100.


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