Car Insurance Online :: News
SHARE

Share this news item!

Insurers Ordered to Compensate Despite Theft Claim Doubts

Insurers Ordered to Compensate Despite Theft Claim Doubts

Insurers Ordered to Compensate Despite Theft Claim Doubts?w=400
The Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) has mandated that Insurance Manufacturers of Australia compensate a claimant whose car was stolen while it was parked at a friend's residence.

The policyholder filed a claim two days after her vehicle was reported stolen on March 23, 2022. She recounted purchasing the car from a friend, who is a certified motor mechanic, and leaving it at their house for servicing.

Insurance Manufacturers of Australia had raised numerous concerns about the circumstances surrounding the theft. These included a lack of proof of purchase and incomplete information about the vehicle's service history. The car was insured despite the new owner not driving it, which also raised suspicions. In addition, the friend did not cooperate with the insurer’s inquiries.

AFCA responded by stating that it is common for individuals to not have a purchase receipt when buying a vehicle privately. They accepted the bank statements showing a $35,000 transaction labeled "AA-Van" as adequate evidence of payment. They also acknowledged that service history details may have been in the vehicle at the time of theft.

The ruling emphasized that purchasing insurance was logical as it included coverage for non-driving events such as theft. While cooperation from the mechanic friend would have aided the investigation, it was not deemed a sufficient reason to reject the claim.

Concerns were also raised by the insurer about why the car remained with the friend for over nine months and inconsistencies in the car’s documented compliance and build dates. AFCA found no definitive reason for the extended storage but accepted explanations, such as Melbourne's lockdown and the complainant’s husband's health issues, as plausible.

The authority acknowledged a confusing situation regarding date inconsistencies but noted that the vehicle identification number (VIN) was consistent across documentation, thus confirming ownership and associated loss.

“Although it seems unlikely that a certified motor vehicle tester would make an error in the build date, it’s not an implausible mistake to make,” commented AFCA’s adjudicator.

Given all evidence, AFCA concluded that the complainant should be recognized as the owner who suffered a financial loss, and they instructed Insurance Manufacturers of Australia to accept the claim and process the payout.

For more details on the original case and ruling, refer to the Australian Financial Complaints Authority’s documentation.

Published:Monday, 29th Jul 2024
Source: Paige Estritori

Share this news item:

Insurance News

Impact of Trump Tariffs on Global Insurance Industry Impact of Trump Tariffs on Global Insurance Industry
11 Jul 2025: Paige Estritori

According to Swiss Re’s latest Sigma report, the growth of property and casualty premiums is moderating in both Australia and globally. This moderation is primarily driven by a slowdown in rate hikes. Additionally, the Trump administration's America First trade policy is putting further pressure on the insurance sector. - read more
Navigating Changes in Australia's Life Insurance Advice Landscape Navigating Changes in Australia's Life Insurance Advice Landscape
10 Jul 2025: Paige Estritori

The conversation on the shifting dynamics in Australia's life insurance advice sector featured Zurich Australia's head of adviser channel, Kieran Forde, and Hayes & Co director, Katherine Hayes. They engaged with editor Chris Dastoor to spotlight the current market conditions and future prospects for financial advisers in this domain. - read more
ASIC Challenges Federal Court's 'Fair Term' Ruling ASIC Challenges Federal Court's 'Fair Term' Ruling
09 Jul 2025: Paige Estritori

The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) is appealing a Federal Court decision regarding the wording of a 'pre-existing condition' clause in certain HCF Life insurance products. The court previously determined that while the wording had the potential to mislead consumers, it did not constitute an unfair contract term under the current laws set out in the ASIC Act 2001. - read more
ICA Advocates for Strata Law Reform in the ACT to Enhance Building Management ICA Advocates for Strata Law Reform in the ACT to Enhance Building Management
08 Jul 2025: Paige Estritori

The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) is urging the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) to adopt strata transparency regulations, aiming to enhance oversight of building repairs and maintenance by owners’ committees. This call was made during a parliamentary inquiry, where the ICA pushed for measures akin to recent legislative changes in New South Wales. - read more
Tasmanian Government Insurance Proposal Faces Industry Backlash Tasmanian Government Insurance Proposal Faces Industry Backlash
07 Jul 2025: Paige Estritori

The Tasmanian government's recent proposal to establish a state-run insurance entity has drawn significant criticism from key players in the insurance industry. The plan, spearheaded by Premier Jeremy Rockliff, aims to expand the Motor Accidents Insurance Board into a broader service named TasInsure, offering products including home and contents insurance, small business coverage, and more. The RACT, a major player in Tasmania's insurance sector, expressed considerable concern, labelling the initiative as a simplistic answer to complex problems. - read more


Car Insurance Articles

How Your Driving Habits Affect Your Car Insurance Premiums How Your Driving Habits Affect Your Car Insurance Premiums
Car insurance is a necessary expense for anyone who owns a vehicle. It provides financial protection against accidents, theft, and other unexpected events. In Australia, having comprehensive car insurance can save you significant costs down the line. However, what many drivers may not realise is how their driving habits can directly influence their insurance premiums. - read more
Comprehensive vs. Third-Party Car Insurance: Which Is Right for You? Comprehensive vs. Third-Party Car Insurance: Which Is Right for You?
Welcome to our comprehensive guide on car insurance in Australia! Whether you're a seasoned driver or a newcomer to the roads, understanding car insurance is crucial for protecting yourself and your vehicle against unforeseen events. - read more
Understanding Insurance Jargon: A Guide for Comparing Online Quotes Understanding Insurance Jargon: A Guide for Comparing Online Quotes
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
From Airbags to AI: The Future of Car Safety Technology From Airbags to AI: The Future of Car Safety Technology
Car safety has come a long way since the early days of motoring. Initially, vehicles had minimal safety features, and accidents often led to severe injuries or fatalities. Over the years, technological advancements have significantly improved the safety of cars, making them much safer for drivers and passengers alike. - read more
Are Extras Worth the Investment? Unpacking Car Insurance Add-Ons Are Extras Worth the Investment? Unpacking Car Insurance Add-Ons
Car insurance is an essential part of owning a vehicle in Australia, providing financial protection and peace of mind. Standard coverage typically includes protection against collision damage, theft, and various liabilities. However, the world of car insurance doesn’t stop here; enter the realm of 'extras' - additional options that go beyond the basics. - read more
Why Do Age-Related Factors Matter in Car Insurance Premium Calculations? Why Do Age-Related Factors Matter in Car Insurance Premium Calculations?
Car insurance is an essential part of owning and driving a vehicle, providing protection and peace of mind on the road. While most Australians are familiar with the basic coverage options, understanding the finer details of premium calculations can be quite complex. One of the key factors influencing these calculations is age. - read more
Comprehensive vs. Third-Party Car Insurance: Which Is Right for You? Comprehensive vs. Third-Party Car Insurance: Which Is Right for You?
Welcome to our comprehensive guide on car insurance in Australia! Whether you're a seasoned driver or a newcomer to the roads, understanding car insurance is crucial for protecting yourself and your vehicle against unforeseen events. - read more
Why Customisation Matters: Tailoring Car Insurance to Fit Your Needs Why Customisation Matters: Tailoring Car Insurance to Fit Your Needs
Car insurance customisation refers to the process of tailoring an insurance policy to fit the specific needs and circumstances of an individual driver or business. Unlike standard, one-size-fits-all policies, customised car insurance allows for the inclusion and exclusion of coverage options based on the unique requirements of the insured party. - read more
The Impact of Age and Experience on Car Insurance for New Drivers The Impact of Age and Experience on Car Insurance for New Drivers
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
Don’t Let These Hidden Costs Drain Your Car Insurance Budget Don’t Let These Hidden Costs Drain Your Car Insurance Budget
Car insurance is an essential expenditure for any vehicle owner, but are you truly aware of all the costs involved? Many Australians focus solely on the premiums, overlooking additional charges that can significantly impact their budget. Understanding these hidden costs is crucial to avoid an unpleasant surprise. - read more


Your free Car insurance quote comparison starts here!
First Name:
Postcode:

All quotes are provided free (via our secure server) and without obligation. We respect your privacy.

Knowledgebase
Claim Adjuster:
An insurance professional who investigates and evaluates insurance claims to determine the amount the insurance company should pay.