Compare Life Insurance :: News
SHARE

Share this news item!

Quake Damage Claims Dismissed Over Previous Faults

Quake Damage Claims Dismissed Over Previous Faults

Two farmhouses seeking insurance payouts for earthquake damage have had their claims denied, following a decision highlighting the role of pre-existing issues.

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

Share this news item:

Insurance News

WFI Insurance and Rural Aid Join Forces to Assist Farmers in Crisis WFI Insurance and Rural Aid Join Forces to Assist Farmers in Crisis
02 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori

In a significant move to bolster support for Australia's agricultural sector, WFI Insurance has announced a formal partnership with Rural Aid, a leading rural relief charity. This collaboration is set to provide much-needed assistance to farmers and rural communities affected by recent natural disasters, including the devastating bushfires in Victoria and severe weather events in Queensland. - read more
Elders Insurance Warns Farmers of Escalating Summer Storm Threats Elders Insurance Warns Farmers of Escalating Summer Storm Threats
02 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori

As the Australian summer approaches, Elders Insurance is calling on farmers to brace for an anticipated increase in storm-related damages. Recent claims data reveals a concerning trend, with summer months accounting for nearly half of all storm-related farm insurance property claims over the past two years. - read more
AFCA Observes Significant Increase in General Insurance Complaints AFCA Observes Significant Increase in General Insurance Complaints
01 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori

The Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) has reported a 17% increase in general insurance complaints for the year ending June 30, 2025, totalling 34,231 cases. This uptick is primarily attributed to issues surrounding add-on covers and delays in motor vehicle insurance claims. - read more
APRA's Findings: Stability in PI Claims and Decreasing Premiums APRA's Findings: Stability in PI Claims and Decreasing Premiums
01 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori

The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has released its latest National Claims and Policies Database, providing valuable insights into the professional indemnity (PI) insurance sector for the 2022 underwriting year. The data indicates that PI claims payments for non-facility business remained relatively stable at $1.111 billion, a slight increase from $1.109 billion in the previous year. - read more


Life Insurance Articles

Decoding the Fine Print: What to Look out for in Your Income Protection Policy Decoding the Fine Print: What to Look out for in Your Income Protection Policy
Income protection insurance serves as a vital safety net for Australian workers, ensuring financial stability in the face of unexpected illness or injury. As the landscape of work and health continues to evolve, understanding the essentials of income protection becomes increasingly crucial for anyone who relies on a steady income to support themselves and their loved ones. - read more
From Illness to Injury: Understanding the Scope of Income Protection Insurance 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
Income Protection Insurance for Personal Trainers: What You Should Know Income Protection Insurance for Personal Trainers: What You Should Know
Imagine waking up to find you're unable to work for an extended period due to an unexpected injury. For personal trainers, whose livelihood depends on their physical ability, this scenario can be both financially and emotionally daunting. - read more
Top 5 Financial Tips for Australian Young Families Top 5 Financial Tips for Australian Young Families
Starting a family is one of life's most rewarding experiences, but it also comes with a unique set of financial challenges. For young families in Australia, where the cost of living can rise quickly, having a solid financial plan is crucial. Financial planning is not just about managing money; it's about creating a sense of security and peace of mind for your loved ones. - read more


Start Here !
life insurance
Apply now for your free Insurance assessment and price comparisons!

Start Here

Life Cover Amount:
Postcode:


All quotes are provided free and without obligation. We respect your privacy.
Knowledgebase
Subrogation:
The process by which an insurance company seeks to recover the amount paid to the policyholder from a third party responsible for the loss.