Car Collector Fails in Bid for $122k Insurance Windfall

8

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 dispute began when the owner's 2005 HSV Coupe GTO Z Series succumbed to flames in March of the previous year. RACQ Insurance accepted the total loss and initially valued the vehicle at $68,000.

However, the unsatisfied owner declined this offer, leading to an independent valuation which described the car as being in “good condition for its age and mileage” despite its 315,000km on the odometer.

Although comparable lower-mileage vehicles were advertised above $81,000, the heavy usage severely reduced its collectible appeal, the independent valuer noted. Conclusively, the evaluator deemed the insurer's offer reasonable.

The car owner contested this, alleging RACQ Insurance's assessment was flawed, particularly regarding the engine type and the car's rarity as one of only 60 manual transmission models, asserting its condition was excellent.

In response, RACQ revised their offer to $78,000 factoring in the vehicle's unique modifications and reconditioned engine, but the claimant stood firm in his refusal.

The Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA), upon review, sided with the insurer. AFCA deemed RACQ Insurance's valuation and the independent assessment to be “logical, well-considered and helpful.”

According to Glass's Guide referenced by the AFCA, the vehicle's maximum estimated market value could not exceed $58,100, considering its age and mileage. Although rare, evidence was insufficient to justify a $200,000 evaluation.

The AFCA stated, “The complainant has not provided persuasive evidence to demonstrate the vehicle's worth is beyond what the insurer offered. Under such conditions, adjusting the settlement upward would not be justifiable.”

Reference: Original findings from the Australian Financial Complaints Authority's ruling were sourced from RACQ Insurance's appeal letter. Read more about the decision here.

Published:Wednesday, 24th Jul 2024
Source: Paige Estritori

Please Note: If this information affects you, seek advice from a licensed professional.

Share this news item:

Insurance News

Clear

Netstrata's Undisclosed Commissions and Conflicts of Interest Revealed

06 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori

In February 2025, an independent review conducted by McGrathNicol uncovered significant issues within Netstrata, a prominent strata management company. The investigation revealed that Netstrata failed to disclose commissions and did not obtain multiple quotes for services, potentially breaching legal obligations. Additionally, the review identified undisclosed personal relationships between Netstrata employees and suppliers, raising serious concerns about conflicts of interest. - read more

NSW Fair Trading Revokes Strata Licences Due to Insurance Failures and Misconduct

06 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori

In May 2025, NSW Fair Trading took decisive action against Result Strata Management Pty Ltd and its General Manager, Michael Lee, by permanently revoking their licences to operate in the state's strata management sector. This move followed an investigation that uncovered multiple breaches of the Property and Stock Agents Act 2002, highlighting significant misconduct within the company. - read more

CHU's 2025 Strata Market Report: Stability Amidst Climate and Regulatory Challenges

06 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori

In November 2025, CHU, Australia's largest strata insurance underwriting agency, released its 2025 State of the Strata Market report, providing a comprehensive analysis of the current trends and challenges within the strata industry. The report offers valuable insights into premium trends, climate-related risks, regulatory developments, and emerging sector challenges. - read more

Rising Insurance Costs Amidst Climate Change: What Homeowners Need to Know

06 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori

Australian homeowners are experiencing significant increases in home insurance premiums, largely due to the escalating risks associated with climate change. Recent analyses reveal a national average premium hike of 14%, translating to an additional $343 annually for policyholders. This trend underscores the growing financial burden on homeowners as extreme weather events become more frequent and severe. - read more

Competitive Market Dynamics Drive Down Construction Insurance Costs

06 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori

The Australian construction insurance market has entered a notably softer phase in 2025, characterized by a significant reduction in premiums across various lines. This shift is primarily attributed to increased competition among insurers, offering clients more options and driving down costs. - read more

Click for more Insurance News