Do you do CTP/Green Slips?

Yes - we are authorised agents of QBE and Allianz in relation to CTP/Green Slips in NSW.

As a start-up business, what cover do I need?

This depends on the type of business you are in. New insurance policies are being developed constantly as the world and the risks you face change. DKG Insurance Brokers undertake regular training and remain abreast of all developments within the industry, so they are well placed to regularly review your risk areas and advise accordingly.

How do I obtain a quote and how long does this take?

The duration of an insurance policy can vary depending on several factors, including the type of insurance, the insurer's processes and the specific terms and conditions of the policy. Typically, insurance policies can be issued and activated within a few days to a few weeks. However, more complex policies or those requiring additional underwriting may take longer to process.

Why should I use a broker instead of going direct with an insurance company?

As insurance brokers, our priority is to represent your interests at all times and to provide you with professional guidance in everything pertaining to your insurance in a market that is forever changing in premiums, product availability and policy conditions. Our team of Qualified Practising Insurance Brokers is trained to understand the differences between various policies and is often able to negotiate premiums that aren't available to you. In fact, some insurance policies are only available through intermediaries such as brokers. Our role as brokers is to source the most appropriate policies for your circumstances and to advise on the various areas of risk for you or your company.

What is a Product Disclosure Statement (PDS)?

A Product Disclosure Statement or PDS should be provided to retail clients prior to them making a decision to purchase an insurance policy. The PDS is issued by the insurer and highlights significant information about the policy of which you should be aware. This includes information about the insurer, significant benefits and features, things that are not covered, significant risks and other important information. You should carefully read the PDS prior to making a decision about purchasing an insurance policy.

What is a Financial Services Guide (FSG)?

A Financial Services Guide (FSG) must be given to a potential client by a licensee (or an Authorised Representative) as soon as practicable. It sets out information in relation to how we do business such as documenting the standard basis on which we act for the client; providing all statutory notices; other information required by law (e.g. how we get paid); and explaining how we will handle a client’s business.

When business decisions backfire, are you personally protected?

Posted on: 26 June 2025

All

Business Insurance

D&O Liability Insurance

Insurance Risk Management

Leadership and Boardroom Liability

People Risk Insurance

26 June 2025

Lawsuits, investigations and allegations. D&O Liability Insurance shields company leaders when challenges arise.

Time to rethink your D&O insurance?

Running a business today involves navigating a world where directors and officers are under more pressure than ever. Shareholders, regulators, creditors, customers, even your own employees are quick to point the finger when something goes wrong.

“With laws and regulations constantly shifting, staying on top of your responsibilities isn’t just smart, it’s essential,” says Carien Ahdar, Senior Financial & Professional Risks Insurance Broker.

Isn’t D&O just for big companies?

That’s a common misconception. While major D&O claims sometimes make the news, many don’t. Smaller claims are often settled quietly under non-disclosure agreements.

“Businesses of all sizes face risks and directors at SMEs and start-ups are just as exposed as those of listed companies,” says Ahdar.

The Australian Securities & Investments Commission (ASIC) launched around 170 new investigations in the 2023–24 financial year, which is a 25% jump from the year before. Civil proceedings also rose by 23%, a clear sign the heat is turning up.

Why D&O insurance matters

Companies take out D&O insurance to protect their balance sheet, attract top talent to their boards and back up the indemnities they offer directors.

“It’s a key part of good governance and risk management,” says Ahdar. “And it gives directors the confidence to lead without second-guessing every decision.”

Who should be thinking about D&O cover (or applicable office bearers’ cover)?

Company directors and board members.
Senior executives and officers involved in making executive/management decisions.
Committee chairs, not-for-profit leaders and association managers.
Founders and owners of start-ups and small businesses.

What’s at stake?

At the core of D&O exposure are the duties directors owe to their companies. These include:

Acting in good faith and in the company’s best interests.
Avoiding actions that could harm creditors.
Keeping sensitive information confidential.
Ensuring the company doesn’t trade while insolvent.
Using their powers properly and never for personal gain.

Claims often stem from allegations of mismanagement, employment issues, regulatory investigations or financial misstatements.

“A good D&O policy helps protect directors from personal financial loss and keeps the business running during legal challenges,” Ahdar says.

Real-world scenarios

Here are a few examples of how D&O insurance can step in:

Unfair dismissal: A former employee sues the board for wrongful termination and harassment. The D&O policy covers legal defence and any settlement.
Investor dispute: A family-run business gives overly optimistic projections to investors. When things don’t pan out, the investors sue. The policy covers defence costs and damages.
Conflict of interest: Minority shareholders accuse directors of favouring their own interests. The D&O policy helps with legal costs and settlement.
Regulatory scrutiny: ASIC investigates a financial firm for disclosure breaches. Even if no wrongdoing is found, the cost of responding is covered.
Insolvency: A small construction company collapses, and creditors sue the directors for trading while insolvent. The D&O policy helps cover the fallout.

Avoiding common pitfalls

Too often, businesses and directors step into these traps:

Directors don’t understand what their D&O policy covers.
Policies are renewed each year without reviewing limits or exclusions.
Off-the-shelf policies are bought without checking or understanding the fine print and detail.
Inexperienced or brokers without liability insurance industry knowledge and experience don’t explain the terms and conditions clearly.
There’s no cover for insolvency or related claims.
Directors haven’t protected/ringfenced their personal assets.

How DKG can help

At DKG Insurance Brokers, we help you:

Ensure your D&O policy reflects today’s legal and regulatory environment.
Tailor your cover to your business, industry and risk profile.
Identify and correct deficiencies in policies on offer.

“It’s not just about having a D&O policy,” Ahdar adds. “It’s about having the right one and the clarity to use it with confidence.”

Don’t wait for a claim to find out you’re not covered

If it’s been a while since you reviewed your D&O policy or if you don’t have one, now is the time to act. Protect your leadership role and your personal assets before a claim lands on your desk.

Next steps

Don’t wait for legal challenges to consider your protection. Contact DKG Insurance Brokers today to review your D&O coverage by calling us today on 1800 252 926 or email us at insurance@dkg.com.au.

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