Insurers Ordered to Compensate Despite Theft Claim Doubts
Insurers Ordered to Compensate Despite Theft Claim Doubts
The policyholder filed a claim two days after her vehicle was reported stolen on March 23, 2022. She recounted purchasing the car from a friend, who is a certified motor mechanic, and leaving it at their house for servicing.
Insurance Manufacturers of Australia had raised numerous concerns about the circumstances surrounding the theft. These included a lack of proof of purchase and incomplete information about the vehicle's service history. The car was insured despite the new owner not driving it, which also raised suspicions. In addition, the friend did not cooperate with the insurer’s inquiries.
AFCA responded by stating that it is common for individuals to not have a purchase receipt when buying a vehicle privately. They accepted the bank statements showing a $35,000 transaction labeled "AA-Van" as adequate evidence of payment. They also acknowledged that service history details may have been in the vehicle at the time of theft.
The ruling emphasized that purchasing insurance was logical as it included coverage for non-driving events such as theft. While cooperation from the mechanic friend would have aided the investigation, it was not deemed a sufficient reason to reject the claim.
Concerns were also raised by the insurer about why the car remained with the friend for over nine months and inconsistencies in the car’s documented compliance and build dates. AFCA found no definitive reason for the extended storage but accepted explanations, such as Melbourne's lockdown and the complainant’s husband's health issues, as plausible.
The authority acknowledged a confusing situation regarding date inconsistencies but noted that the vehicle identification number (VIN) was consistent across documentation, thus confirming ownership and associated loss.
“Although it seems unlikely that a certified motor vehicle tester would make an error in the build date, it’s not an implausible mistake to make,” commented AFCA’s adjudicator.
Given all evidence, AFCA concluded that the complainant should be recognized as the owner who suffered a financial loss, and they instructed Insurance Manufacturers of Australia to accept the claim and process the payout.
For more details on the original case and ruling, refer to the Australian Financial Complaints Authority’s documentation.
Published:Monday, 29th Jul 2024
Source: Paige Estritori
Share this news item:
| Allianz Australia Penalised for Misleading Travel Insurance Information 07 Jan 2026: Paige Estritori In a significant ruling, the Supreme Court of New South Wales has imposed fines totaling $16.8 million on Allianz Australia Insurance and its subsidiary, AWP Australia, for disseminating misleading information about their travel insurance products between 2016 and 2018. This decision underscores the critical importance of transparency and accuracy in the insurance sector. - read more |
| Allianz Partners Highlights Risks of Travelling Uninsured 07 Jan 2026: Paige Estritori Recent research conducted by the Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) has unveiled a concerning trend: approximately 14% of Australian travellers embark on international journeys without any form of travel insurance. This statistic has prompted Allianz Partners to urge Australians to reconsider the importance of securing adequate coverage before travelling abroad. - read more |
| Surge in Medical Claims Among Australian Travellers Highlights Importance of Comprehensive Insurance 07 Jan 2026: Paige Estritori In 2024, medical incidents emerged as the leading cause of travel insurance claims among Australian travellers, accounting for more than 40% of all claims handled by nib Travel. This trend underscores the critical importance of securing comprehensive travel insurance to mitigate the financial risks associated with medical emergencies abroad. - read more |
| Australian Insurers Achieve Record Profits Amid Rising Premiums 07 Jan 2026: Paige Estritori In 2024, Australia's insurance industry reported an after-tax profit of $6.1 billion, a figure that is three times higher than the five-year average of $2 billion. This substantial increase is attributed to significant premium hikes and a relatively benign year for natural disasters. - read more |
| Affordable Life Insurance: Finding the Right Fit for Your Family's Finances Life insurance is a crucial component in safeguarding your family's financial security. It offers peace of mind, knowing that your loved ones will be protected in the event of unexpected circumstances. Many Australians understand the value of having life insurance, but the task of finding a policy that fits within a family's budget can sometimes feel overwhelming. - read more
|
| The Role of Rehabilitation Benefits in Income Protection Insurance When the unexpected strikes, such as an illness or injury hindering our ability to earn a living, the financial repercussions can be devastating. This is where income protection insurance becomes a pivotal part of our financial safety net, ensuring a stream of income during challenging times. Income protection insurance is specifically designed to replace a significant portion of your salary if you're unable to work due to medical reasons, providing peace of mind and financial stability when you need it most. - read more
|
| Life Insurance Comparison: Key Questions to Ask Your Insurer Life insurance is a crucial consideration for middle-aged to older Australians. It provides financial security for your loved ones in the unfortunate event of your death. Understanding the various options available is vital to making an informed decision. - read more
|
| From Illness to Injury: Understanding the Scope of Income Protection Insurance In the uncertain times we face today, where both health and economic climates are unpredictable, safeguarding your financial stability becomes paramount. This is where income protection insurance steps in as an essential safety net. For many Australian families, it's the buffer that ensures life's financial commitments are met, even when ability to work is compromised. - read more
|
A professional who analyzes the financial costs of risk and uncertainty using mathematics, statistics, and financial theory.