CHU

CHU: Everything you need to know

Headquarters address Level 33, 101 Miller Street, North Sydney, NSW 2060, Australia
Year established 1978
Size (employees) 300+
Type of company Underwriting agency
Underwriting expertise Strata and community title insurance
Key people Kimberley Jonsson (chief executive officer)
James Makin (chief financial officer and chief operating officer)
Anirudh Kakulapati (chief customer officer)
Kristy Pownall (chief strategy officer)

About CHU 

CHU Underwriting Agencies began operating in 1978 as a strata insurance specialist in Australia and has grown to become one of the largest in the industry. The company provides insurance for residential and commercial strata properties, covering buildings, liability, and common property. 

CHU arranges insurance for over 1 million apartments, units, and townhouses across Australia. It covering more than 100,000 strata properties with a combined value above half a trillion dollars.

CHU is part of the Steadfast Group, an ASX-listed company and the largest general insurance broker network and group of underwriting agencies in Australasia. Its policies are underwritten by QBE Insurance (Australia).

Products and services of CHU

CHU offers insurance products designed for strata, community, and title properties in Australia. The company provides coverage for residential, commercial, and mixed-use buildings. CHU also supports property owners, managers, and committees with claims and risk management resources.

Key products and services include:

  • strata insurance: covers buildings, common property, and shared areas for apartments, units, and townhouses
  • community association insurance: provides protection for community title properties, including shared facilities and infrastructure
  • landlord insurance: insures landlords for loss of rent, tenant damage, and legal liability
  • contents insurance: protects personal belongings and fixtures inside strata or community properties
  • machinery breakdown cover: covers repairs or replacement of equipment such as lifts and air conditioning systems
  • office bearers’ liability insurance: protects committee members against legal costs and claims from their decisions
  • catastrophe cover: offers additional protection for properties affected by declared catastrophes
  • claims support: provides a dedicated claims team and online claims lodgement for faster service 

CHU also offers risk management advice and resources to help clients reduce claims and maintain compliance. All products and services are tailored for the strata and community property sector in Australia.

Leadership at CHU

Kimberley Jonsson – Chief Executive Officer

Kimberley Jonsson became CEO of CHU in 2020 after working at the company for 15 years. She is known in the strata insurance sector for her expertise and is regularly invited to speak on industry issues. Jonsson is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, a Fellow and Board Member of ANZIIF, and holds an MBA from AIM Business School.

CHU Awards and recognition

CHU has received multiple industry awards for its achievements in strata insurance and workplace culture. The company’s recognition spans several years and covers excellence in underwriting, claims, diversity, and ESG initiatives

  • 2024: Claims Team of the Year from Insurance Business Australia Awards
  • 2024: Woman of Distinction Award (Claire Burke) from Insurance Business Australia Awards
  • 2024: Excellence in Environmental, Social, and Governance Change from ANZIIF
  • 2023: Underwriting Agency of the Year from ANZIIF
  • 2022: Underwriting Agency of the Year from ANZIIF
  • 2022: Underwriting Agency of the Year from Insurance Business Australia
  • 2022: Family Inclusive Workplace certification from Parents at Work and UNICEF Australia
  • 2022: Top Employers list from Insurance Business Australia
  • 2021: Underwriting Agency of the Year from ANZIIF
  • 2021: Underwriting Agency of the Year from Insurance Business Australia
  • 2021: Brokers' Pick winner from Insurance Business Australia
  • 2020: Brokers' Pick winner from Insurance Business Australia
  • 2019: Brokers' Pick winner from Insurance Business Australia
  • 2019: Member of the Diversity Council of Australia
  • 2019: Excellence in Workplace Diversity and Inclusion from ANZIIF
  • 2018: Brokers' Pick winner from Insurance Business Australia
  • 2018: Underwriting Agency of the Year from ANZIIF
  • 2017: Brokers' Pick winner from Insurance Business Australia
  • 2017: Underwriting Agency of the Year from ANZIIF
  • 2016: Brokers' Pick winner from Insurance Business Australia

These awards reflect CHU’s consistent performance and recognition in the Australian insurance sector.

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