QBE Australia Pacific has made new arrangements for broker-distributed householders cover with Sure Insurance and its Castle Insurance business.

From October 1, QBE will no longer offer domestic householders insurance directly through its broker channel.  

Brokers will instead place householders business through Sure, which will cover regional Queensland and Norfolk Island, or new brand Castle in southeast Queensland and the rest of Australia. 

QBE will underwrite all the Castle portfolio and be a 20% underwriter of Sure’s regional Queensland and Norfolk Island portfolio. 

“By transitioning our broker-distributed householders portfolio to this specialist underwriting agency, we are ensuring brokers and customers continue to receive high-quality service and tailored solutions while we focus on areas where we can grow with scale and relevance,” QBE distribution GM Lorelle Hillman said. 

The change does not affect householders products offered through QBE’s direct channel, underwriting agencies or Elders Insurance. 

Steadfast acquired a 70% stake in Queensland specialist Sure in 2023, flagging the potential to leverage its capabilities and expand its product offering and geographies.

Sure MD Bradley Heath says the business is committed to supporting brokers with a “seamless transition and high-quality experience”.

“We are enormously excited to take the specialist Sure formula across Australia,” he said today.