Uninsured Driver Denied Compensation in Dispute with QBE

The information on this website is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Consider seeking personal advice from a licensed adviser before acting on any information.

The uninsured motorist, disputing QBE's decision to hold him responsible and requiring payment for damages, sought redress through AFCA. He claimed the QBE-insurer's customer triggered the incident by stopping abruptly, without warning, following the fire truck's activation of sirens and lights.

Despite lacking dashcam footage, AFCA reviewed a Queensland Fire Department statement suggesting the distraction and subsequent collision were foreseeable due to the fire truck's presence at a blind corner. Although acknowledging that the QBE customer was potentially negligent for stopping suddenly without adequate warning, AFCA maintained the road rules require drivers to maintain a safe distance to prevent such accidents.

The adjudication concluded that a sufficient following distance was lacking, which could have otherwise allowed the uninsured driver to avert the collision, rendering the complaint unsubstantiated for coverage of his damages. Consequently, the tribunal found him responsible for a portion of the crash alongside the QBE-insured driver.

The ruling bars the uninsured from receiving compensation for his vehicle damage, legal fees, or money paid to QBE, citing jurisdiction limits. Yet, it mandated QBE to issue a $500 compensation for originally misleading the uninsured driver with incorrect statements regarding cost bearing.

Published:Friday, 21st Mar 2025
Author: Paige Estritori

Please Note: We do not endorse any specific products or companies. Some content is sourced from third parties, including press releases, and may not be independently verified for accuracy or completeness.

Share this news item:

Insurance News

Clear

Sterling Insurance Enhances Professional Indemnity Offerings with Lloyd's Binder

15 Jun 2026: Paige Estritori

Sterling Insurance has recently secured a new professional indemnity (PI) binding authority with Lloyd's, a development that promises to provide Australian brokers with greater control over product offerings and pricing structures. This strategic move is part of Sterling's ongoing commitment to delivering tailored insurance solutions that meet the specific needs of niche and complex risk sectors. - read more

Navigating the Complexities of Australia's Professional Indemnity Insurance Market

15 Jun 2026: Paige Estritori

The professional indemnity (PI) insurance market in Australia has experienced significant fluctuations over the past few years, presenting challenges for professionals across various disciplines. Understanding these market dynamics is crucial for securing appropriate coverage and managing risk effectively. - read more

Cohabit's New Digital Platform Revolutionises Strata Insurance Management

15 Jun 2026: Paige Estritori

In a significant advancement for the strata insurance sector, insurtech company Cohabit has unveiled a digital platform designed to streamline the insurance process for strata schemes. This innovative solution allows property owners and managers to review and compare insurance options tailored to their specific buildings, leveraging comprehensive building data to facilitate informed decision-making. - read more

Suncorp's Strategic Move to Grow Strata Insurance Portfolio

15 Jun 2026: Paige Estritori

Suncorp, a leading Australian insurer, has announced a strategic initiative to expand its presence in the strata insurance market. By reclassifying its strata insurance line from consumer to commercial, Suncorp aims to consolidate and grow its business in this sector, reflecting a clear strategic move to enhance its offerings for larger strata developments. - read more

Click for more Insurance News