Compare Life Insurance :: News
SHARE

Share this news item!

Uninsured Driver Denied Compensation in Dispute with QBE

Uninsured Driver Denied Compensation in Dispute with QBE

The Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) has ruled in favour of QBE Insurance in a case where an uninsured driver attempted to secure compensation following a collision involving a fire truck.
The incident occurred when the QBE-insured driver paused at an intersection to allow a fire truck to pass, leading to the uninsured driver impacting their vehicle.

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
Source: Paige Estritori

Share this news item:

Insurance News

Rising Mental Health Claims Impact Australia's Income Protection Insurance Rising Mental Health Claims Impact Australia's Income Protection Insurance
19 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori

Recent data from the Council of Australian Life Insurers (CALI) reveals a significant increase in mental health-related claims within Australia's income protection insurance sector. In 2024, mental health conditions accounted for 20% of income protection claims, resulting in payouts totaling $887 million. This marks a substantial rise compared to previous years, indicating a growing trend that insurers and policyholders must address. - read more
Australian Super Under Fire for Prolonged Insurance Claim Delays Australian Super Under Fire for Prolonged Insurance Claim Delays
19 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori

Australian Super, the nation's largest superannuation fund, is facing criticism over significant delays in processing insurance claims. Reports indicate that some members have experienced prolonged waiting periods, with delays extending up to four years in certain cases. These delays have raised concerns about the efficiency and fairness of the fund's claims handling processes. - read more
Australia's Income Protection Insurance Sales Experience Notable Decline Australia's Income Protection Insurance Sales Experience Notable Decline
19 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori

Recent data from Plan For Life indicates an 8.3% decline in new income protection insurance sales in Australia for the year ending September 2024. This downturn contrasts with previous periods of growth, where sales had increased by nearly 7% in the year ending December 2023 and 6.5% in the year to March 2024. The shift suggests changing consumer behavior and market dynamics within the insurance sector. - read more
IAG Highlights Climate Change's Impact on Home Insurance Costs IAG Highlights Climate Change's Impact on Home Insurance Costs
19 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori

Insurance Australia Group (IAG), a leading insurer in Australia, has recently raised concerns about the escalating costs of home insurance premiums, attributing this trend to the increasing frequency and severity of climate-related weather events. The company emphasizes that without immediate and concerted efforts to address climate change, homeowners should anticipate continued rises in insurance costs. - read more


Life Insurance Articles

Essential Coverage vs. Optional Add-ons: Balancing Protection and Costs Essential Coverage vs. Optional Add-ons: Balancing Protection and Costs
For Australian farmers, having the right insurance coverage isn't just a safety net—it's an integral part of sustaining their livelihood. Natural disasters, unpredictable climate conditions, and the inherent risks of agricultural production underline the critical importance of robust insurance for the agricultural community. As farmers navigate the complexities of insurance, understanding the basics becomes the first step toward securing their assets and ensuring the continuity of their operations. - read more
How to Choose the Right Income Protection Policy as a Beautician How to Choose the Right Income Protection Policy as a Beautician
Welcome, beauty professionals, to a discussion that could significantly impact your financial future—income protection insurance. As a beautician, your hands-on work is your livelihood, making it imperative to safeguard that income against unforeseen circumstances. - read more
How to Protect Your Income During Health Setbacks: A Complete Guide How to Protect Your Income During Health Setbacks: A Complete Guide
Income protection is a crucial safety net for Australians, offering financial security when health setbacks strike. This type of insurance ensures that you continue to receive a portion of your income if illness or injury prevents you from working. It’s an essential aspect of financial planning, providing peace of mind knowing that you can maintain your lifestyle even when unforeseen health issues arise. - read more
Starting Out: How to Pick the Right Insurance As a Young Professional in Australia Starting Out: How to Pick the Right Insurance As a Young Professional in Australia
Welcome to the journey of safeguarding your future! As a young professional in Australia, you're likely juggling the demands of a burgeoning career with personal goals and financial responsibilities. Navigating the world of insurance is critical in creating a safety net around these aspirations. But why exactly is insurance a cornerstone for those entering the professional realm, and how do you discern which coverage best aligns with your unique pathway? - 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
Grace Period:
A time period after the premium is due during which an insurance policy remains in force even if the premium has not yet been paid.