Car Collector Fails in Bid for $122k Insurance Windfall
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.
A car enthusiast's efforts to boost his insurance payout from $78,000 to $200,000 after his rare vehicle was destroyed by fire have been thwarted.
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.
The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) has released a policy paper titled 'Motor Insurance Policy Paper - A Roadmap for Reducing Rising Premiums,' highlighting the urgent need for coordinated action to address systemic cost drivers behind the 42% increase in comprehensive motor insurance premiums since 2019. - read more
In a remarkable achievement, Budget Direct has been honoured as the inaugural 'Insurer of the Year' at the 2026 Finder Provider of the Year Awards. This prestigious recognition underscores the company's unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional value and service to Australian policyholders. - read more
Recent findings from the PwC Insurance Banana Skins Survey have raised concerns about the preparedness of Australian insurers in managing emerging risks, particularly in the realms of cyber security and artificial intelligence (AI). The survey indicates that Australian insurers scored 6.6% lower on the Preparedness Index compared to their global counterparts, highlighting a significant gap in readiness. - read more
In a notable development for the Australian insurance market, commercial insurance rates experienced a substantial decline of 12% in the fourth quarter of 2025. This decrease, as reported by Marsh's Global Insurance Market Index, represents the most significant drop among the eight regions monitored and marks the steepest reduction since the Pacific rates began to decrease in early 2024. - read more
The Australian Treasury has commenced a consultation process aimed at improving the effectiveness of professional indemnity (PI) insurance, with the goal of strengthening the Compensation Scheme of Last Resort (CSLR). This initiative seeks to gather stakeholder feedback on the current operation of PI insurance and explore opportunities for enhancement. - read more
Insurance jargon refers to the specialized terminology and phrases used within the insurance industry. These terms can often be confusing and complicated for those not familiar with the field. - read more
Filing a car insurance claim can be a complex and overwhelming task. Understanding the process is crucial to ensure that everything goes smoothly and you get the compensation you deserve. - read more
Comprehensive car cover is a type of vehicle insurance policy that provides the most extensive range of protection. It aims to cover a wide array of potential events that could affect your car. - read more
When it comes to car insurance for new drivers in Australia, navigating through the options can be overwhelming. Understanding the various factors that impact insurance premiums is crucial for making informed decisions. - read more
Car insurance is a crucial aspect of owning a vehicle, providing financial protection in case of accidents, theft, and other unexpected events. However, finding the right balance between affordability and adequate coverage can be a challenging task. - read more
Knowledgebase
Proximate Cause: The primary cause of loss in an insurance claim, which sets in motion a chain of events leading to the damage or injury.
