The company behind the claim stated that the properties were impacted by a 5.4-magnitude earthquake that occurred in November 2018. Although the earthquake's epicenter was approximately 45 kilometers away from the buildings, Geoscience Australia specified the evident damage radius to be no more than 27 kilometers from the epicenter.
In their defense, the claimant's engineering expert conceded that the buildings were situated outside the primary damage zone but contended that the earthquake’s vibrations had unleashed energy beneath the geological formations on which the houses stood.
The expert identified "preexisting or dormant conditions" in the properties, including previously repaired damage which, according to him, reopened due to ground movement prompted by the quake, also leading to the manifestation of new fractures.
Meanwhile, Allianz, the insurance provider, enlisted a forensic civil and structural engineer who assessed the damages. His findings revealed brickwork fissures in multiple sections of one property, referred to as House H, and evident cracks within the garage of the second property, termed House P, in addition to a separation between a storeroom and the home.
The engineer hired by Allianz attributed the damage to prolonged foundation instability and deterioration of the mortar used in the brickwork, rather than to the seismic event.
The Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) upheld the insurer’s position, noting that both engineers corroborated the presence of damage similar to what was being contested even before the 2018 earthquake, specifically in House H.
AFCA further mentioned that updates made to certain rooms within the house remained unaffected, while external brickwork conditions pointed towards significant wear and tear, contributing to the losses. Comparable remarks were also made in regard to House P.
"While both experts agree it is conceivable for House H to incur earthquake-related damage under ideal conditions despite its location outside the designated impact radius, the insurer's expert refuted the existence of such conditions in this case," stated the adjudicator from AFCA.
"Even if the earthquake were recognized as being a proximate cause of the damage to House H, it would coexist with other excluded factors (wear and tear, prolonged structural movement)."
"Consequently, the insurer maintains the right to invoke those exclusions as a basis for denying the claim," AFCA concluded.
Published:Thursday, 1st Aug 2024
Source: Paige Estritori
| AIA Australia Honoured as Life Insurance Company of the Year 09 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori AIA Australia has been recognised as the Life Insurance Company of the Year by the Australian and New Zealand Institute of Insurance and Finance (ANZIIF) for the third consecutive year. This prestigious accolade underscores the company's unwavering dedication to enhancing customer wellbeing through innovative programs and partnerships. - read more |
| Swiss Re Suspends New Life Insurance Operations in Australia 09 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori Swiss Re Life & Health Australia has announced a suspension of new life insurance business activities in the country, effective October 2025. This decision stems from concerns over the sustainability of Total Permanent Disability (TPD) insurance products, which have seen a significant rise in claims, particularly those related to mental health. - read more |
| Australian Life Insurers Achieve Significant Underwriting Gains in Q4 2025 09 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori The Australian life insurance sector has reported a substantial underwriting gain of $279 million for the December quarter of 2025, a significant improvement from the $36 million recorded in the same period the previous year. This data, released by the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA), highlights a notable turnaround in the industry's financial performance. - read more |
| How Rising Insurance Premiums Are Impacting Australian Retirees 09 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori In recent years, Australian retirees have faced a growing challenge: the escalating cost of insurance premiums. This trend is not only straining their fixed incomes but also jeopardising their financial security during retirement. - read more |
| Income Protection: How to Safeguard Your Earnings in Uncertain Times In the landscape of personal financial planning, income protection insurance emerges as a critical safeguard against the unpredictable nature of life's many uncertainties. As we navigate through economic turbulence and job market volatility, the importance of income protection becomes ever more apparent. This type of insurance serves as a financial backstop, designed to provide a stable flow of income when you're unable to work due to sickness or injury. - read more
|
| Income Insurance: The Safety Net for Your Financial Goals in Australia Financial security is pivotal for anyone striving to meet their life goals, be it owning a home, educating children, or ensuring a comfortable retirement. In Australia, where uncertainties can disrupt our best laid-out financial plans, having a safety net in place is essential. Income insurance offers just that—protection against the unforeseen events that could impact your income earning abilities. - read more
|
| The Role of Life Insurance in Retirement Planning Retirement planning is the process of determining retirement income goals and the actions and decisions necessary to achieve those goals. It includes identifying income sources, estimating expenses, and implementing a plan to manage the savings and investments required to fund your future. Successful retirement planning involves a thoughtful approach to savings and a clear understanding of how different financial strategies interplay. - read more
|
| The Essential Guide to Travel Insurance for Australian Travelers Planning a trip is always an exciting experience, but it’s essential to be prepared for unexpected events. This is where travel insurance comes in. For Australian travelers, having the right travel insurance can make all the difference, offering peace of mind and financial protection. - read more
|