The dispute began when the owner's 2005 HSV Coupe GTO Z Series succumbed to flames in March of the previous year. RACQ Insurance accepted the total loss and initially valued the vehicle at $68,000.
However, the unsatisfied owner declined this offer, leading to an independent valuation which described the car as being in “good condition for its age and mileage” despite its 315,000km on the odometer.
Although comparable lower-mileage vehicles were advertised above $81,000, the heavy usage severely reduced its collectible appeal, the independent valuer noted. Conclusively, the evaluator deemed the insurer's offer reasonable.
The car owner contested this, alleging RACQ Insurance's assessment was flawed, particularly regarding the engine type and the car's rarity as one of only 60 manual transmission models, asserting its condition was excellent.
In response, RACQ revised their offer to $78,000 factoring in the vehicle's unique modifications and reconditioned engine, but the claimant stood firm in his refusal.
The Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA), upon review, sided with the insurer. AFCA deemed RACQ Insurance's valuation and the independent assessment to be “logical, well-considered and helpful.”
According to Glass's Guide referenced by the AFCA, the vehicle's maximum estimated market value could not exceed $58,100, considering its age and mileage. Although rare, evidence was insufficient to justify a $200,000 evaluation.
The AFCA stated, “The complainant has not provided persuasive evidence to demonstrate the vehicle's worth is beyond what the insurer offered. Under such conditions, adjusting the settlement upward would not be justifiable.”
Reference: Original findings from the Australian Financial Complaints Authority's ruling were sourced from RACQ Insurance's appeal letter. Read more about the decision here.
Published:Wednesday, 24th Jul 2024
Source: Paige Estritori
| Human Factors Identified as Leading Causes in Major Truck Accidents 14 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori Recent findings from the National Truck Accident Research Centre's (NTARC) 2025 Major Incident Investigation Report have brought to light the significant role human error plays in major truck accidents across Australia. The report, supported by National Transport Insurance (NTI), indicates that human factors such as inattention, distraction, and inappropriate speed are the predominant causes of these incidents. - read more |
| AFCA Sides with Freight Company in Dangerous Goods Disclosure Dispute 14 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori The Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) has recently ruled in favour of a freight company in a dispute over the disclosure of transporting dangerous goods. This decision provides valuable insights into the obligations of transport companies regarding insurance disclosures. - read more |
| Navigating Rising Premiums: Challenges for Australian Insurers in 2026 14 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori In 2026, Australian insurers are confronting a trio of significant challenges: escalating premium costs, persistent cyber threats, and a tightening labour market. These issues are reshaping the industry's priorities and strategies. - read more |
| The Future of Insurance: Australia's Insurtech Market Set for Explosive Growth 14 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori Australia's insurtech sector is on the brink of a significant transformation, with projections indicating a surge from $377 million in 2025 to an impressive $4.2 billion by 2034. This anticipated growth, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 30.68%, reflects the increasing integration of digital technologies within the insurance industry. - read more |
| Tax Deductions and Income Protection: Maximizing Your Benefits When life throws unexpected health challenges your way, having a solid plan to protect your income is crucial. Income protection insurance is designed to provide financial support if you're unable to work due to illness or injury, allowing you to focus on recovery without the added stress of financial burden. - read more
|
| How Life Insurance Provides Financial Security for Your Loved Ones Life insurance is a crucial part of any comprehensive financial plan, providing peace of mind that your loved ones will be financially secure in the event of your passing. - read more
|
| Understanding the Differences: Income Protection vs Total and Permanent Disability Insurance Income protection insurance is a type of policy that provides financial support to individuals who are unable to work due to an illness or injury. The insurance company will pay a portion of the policyholder's earnings, which can be used to cover everyday living expenses and bills. This type of insurance is different from total and permanent disability insurance (TPD) in a few key ways. - read more
|
| Maximize Your Safety Net: Top Tips for Optimizing Income Protection Benefits Welcome to a pivotal guide dedicated to empowering you with the essentials of income protection insurance in Australia. As we navigate through times of uncertainty, safeguarding your financial wellbeing becomes not just a priority, but a necessity. Income protection insurance stands as one of the key pillars of financial security, ensuring a steady flow of income during periods when you're unable to work due to illness or injury. - read more
|