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
| Australian Life Insurers Achieve Significant Underwriting Gains in Q4 2025 23 Mar 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 |
| Record Profits for Australian General Insurers in 2024 23 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori Australia's general insurance industry has reported an unprecedented after-tax profit of $6.1 billion for the year 2024, marking a significant milestone in the sector's financial performance. This figure is three times higher than the five-year average of $2 billion, according to KPMG's General Insurance Insights report. - read more |
| IAG Achieves 33% Increase in Insurance Profit Amid Lower Claims 23 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori Insurance Australia Group (IAG), the country's largest insurer, has reported a 33% increase in its full-year insurance profit, reaching A$606 million for the 12 months ending June 2025. This significant growth is attributed to a combination of reduced claims expenses and strategic premium adjustments. - read more |
| Adore Beauty's Nationwide Expansion: Nine New Stores Opened 23 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori Adore Beauty, a prominent name in Australia's online beauty retail sector, has significantly expanded its physical presence by opening nine new stores across the country. This strategic move marks a substantial shift from its digital-only model, aiming to provide customers with a more immersive shopping experience. - read more |
| Creating a Financial Safety Net: Insurance and Savings Tips for Young Families Welcome to our blog! For young families, securing your future often requires careful planning and prudent financial decisions. One of the most crucial steps you can take in this journey is creating a financial safety net. - read more
|
| How Much Life Insurance Do You Truly Need? Assessing Your Personal Coverage There's often confusion surrounding the amount of life insurance one truly needs. Common misconceptions cloud our judgment, leading some to undervalue their coverage, while others may overinsure, unnecessarily straining their financial resources. It is a delicate balance to strike, and understanding the nuances of life insurance is pivotal to making informed decisions. - read more
|
| Separating Fact from Fiction: The Myths of Income Insurance Revealed Have you ever thought about how you would manage financially if you couldn't work due to an illness or injury? Income protection insurance is designed to replace a significant portion of your income if you find yourself unable to earn for an extended period. It's an essential safety net, providing peace of mind and financial stability during times of uncertainty. - read more
|
| Benefit and Wailting Periods: Choosing the Right Combination for Maximum Protection and Value In Australia, income protection insurance stands as a vital safeguard for professionals, ensuring security during times of unexpected illness or injury. It acts as a financial buffer, providing a percentage of your regular income, so you can maintain your lifestyle without the stress of lost earnings. - read more
|