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

Upcoming NDIS Planning Reforms and Their Impact on Allied Health Services Upcoming NDIS Planning Reforms and Their Impact on Allied Health Services
26 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) in Australia is undergoing significant planning reforms scheduled to commence in July 2026. These changes are poised to have a profound impact on allied health services, necessitating proactive engagement from healthcare professionals and stakeholders. - read more
Australian Private Health Insurance Premiums Set to Increase in 2026 Australian Private Health Insurance Premiums Set to Increase in 2026
26 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori

From April 1, 2026, Australian private health insurance premiums are set to rise by an average of 4.41%, marking the most significant increase since 2017. This adjustment reflects the escalating costs associated with providing medical and hospital services, which have risen by 5% over the past financial year. - read more
Artificial Intelligence Transforming Allied Health Services in Australia Artificial Intelligence Transforming Allied Health Services in Australia
26 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori

The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into allied health services across Australia is significantly enhancing patient care and streamlining clinical operations. This technological advancement is reshaping the healthcare landscape, offering innovative solutions to longstanding challenges. - read more
AUSactive's New Insurance Offering: Enhanced Protection at Lower Costs AUSactive's New Insurance Offering: Enhanced Protection at Lower Costs
26 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori

AUSactive, Australia's leading body for the exercise and active health sector, has unveiled a new insurance solution designed specifically for fitness and active health professionals. This initiative aims to provide enhanced protection while offering lower premiums compared to existing market options. - read more


Life Insurance Articles

The Importance of Life, Trauma and Income Protection Insurance for Families The Importance of Life, Trauma and Income Protection Insurance for Families
When it comes to protecting your family's financial future, understanding the basics of life, trauma, and income protection insurance is crucial. These insurance types provide a safety net during challenging times and offer peace of mind for families. - read more
Understanding Life Insurance: Coverage Types to Protect Your Loved Ones Understanding Life Insurance: Coverage Types to Protect Your Loved Ones
The importance of life insurance in financial planning: Life insurance isn’t just a policy; it’s a cornerstone of comprehensive financial planning. By protecting your family’s financial future, life insurance offers peace of mind, knowing that your loved ones will be taken care of in the event of your untimely passing. It’s not solely about leaving behind a legacy, but also ensuring that your family can maintain their standard of living, pay off debts, and cover end-of-life expenses without financial burden. - read more
Smart Strategies to Lower Your Health Insurance Premiums Smart Strategies to Lower Your Health Insurance Premiums
In today's rapidly changing health insurance landscape in Australia, keeping track of costs and coverage can be daunting. Many Australians find themselves grappling with high premiums that seem to increase year after year. - read more
Comparing Income Protection Policies: What Australians Should Look For Comparing Income Protection Policies: What Australians Should Look For
Income protection insurance serves as a financial safety net for countless Australians, offering a replacement income when unforeseen circumstances such as illness or injury impede their ability to earn. For the self-employed and entrepreneurs who may not have the safety nets offered by corporate employment, such protection is particularly important. - 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
Incontestability Clause:
A provision in a life insurance policy that prevents the insurer from voiding coverage due to a misstatement by the insured after a certain period.