Workers’ Compensation: Zurich Australian Insurance Limited

In accordance with section 145G of the Workers Compensation Act 1951 (the Act), Zurich Australian Insurance Limited (ABN 13 000 296 640; Zurich) has given written notice to the Work Health and Safety Commissioner (the Regulator) that it will surrender its insurer licence on 30 September 2022.

In effect this means that, Zurich is not permitted to issue or renew a workers’ compensation policy under the Act that will commence or renew at or after 4:00pm 30 September 2022.

I have an existing policy with Zurich which has a date of expiry after 30 September 2022, will this policy still be valid?

Yes, you will continue to be protected under your current policy and the terms and conditions of your current policy are not changing.

Am I able to renew an existing policy with Zurich?

If you hold a Zurich workers’ compensation policy with an effective renewal before 4:00pm on 30 September 2022, you can renew the policy and remain insured with Zurich until that policy expires. Alternatively, you can choose another insurer.

If your workers’ compensation policy will renew at or after 4:00pm 30 September 2022, Zurich will notify you shortly before your policy expiry date advising that it will not be offering you the option to renew your workers’ compensation policy with them. In this instance you will need to change to another ACT approved insurer for your future workers’ compensation insurance.

If you have an insurance broker, you can speak to them about your future workers’ compensation policy needs. If you do not have an insurance broker, you can contact a licensed insurer.

If you have any questions or if you would like more information, please contact your broker or contact Zurich on 02 5111 5906 (their operating hours are Monday - Friday between 8.00am and 4.00pm) or wcunderwriting.act@zurich.com.au.

What will happen to new business?

Zurich will not accept new ACT workers’ compensation business that will commence at or after 4:00pm 30 September 2022.

Will Zurich continue to receive and/or manage new and existing workers’ compensation claims made under a current or previous policy?

The terms and conditions of current policies remain in force and there is no change to the current way in which Zurich will manage claims.

Zurich is making no changes to staffing levels and is continuing to support its workers’ compensation customers and claimants. Claimants are being separately notified of Zurich’s plan to cease offering workers’ compensation policies in the ACT and Zurich is continuing to manage claims under its existing processes.

I have an existing workers’ compensation claim with Zurich. Will anything change for me given Zurich’s decision to surrender its licence?

You will continue to be protected under existing policies and the terms and conditions of Zurich’s current policies are not changing.

There are no changes to the way Zurich manages claims. Zurich is making no changes to staffing levels and is continuing to support its workers’ compensation claimants and customers.

If you have any questions, you can contact your dedicated Zurich claims advisor between 8.30am - 4.00pm Monday - Friday or email wcclaims.act@zurich.com.au.