REC187-2963

That the Insurance Council of Australia amend the General Insurance Code of Practice to require that:
• internal dispute resolution processes be independent of the claims handling department and the internal dispute resolution officers have the authority to overturn the original decisions and to accept claims;
• internal dispute resolution complaints be finalised within an aggregate of 45 days and if this time limit is not met, the insurer to advise the claimant of his or her right to lodge an external dispute resolution complaint with the Financial Ombudsman Service (if applicable) and to seek independent legal advice;
• time limits on internal dispute resolution complaints commence immediately after a policyholder notifies the insurer of a complaint, whether verbally or in writing; and
• a general fairness test be applied to claims and complaints handling.