Insurers Ordered to Compensate Despite Theft Claim Doubts
Insurers Ordered to Compensate Despite Theft Claim Doubts
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 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.
Please Note: We do not endorse any specific products or companies. Some content is sourced from third parties, including press releases, and may not be independently verified for accuracy or completeness.
A new industry estimate has put the insured cost of Victoria’s January bushfires at $860 million, sharpening the focus on how quickly natural disaster losses can affect businesses that rely on vehicles, tools, workshops, stock and regional worksites. For tradies, the important detail is not just the size of the loss, but where it landed: commercial property reportedly accounted for the largest share, ahead of personal property and motor losses. - read more
A fresh push from the Council of Australian Life Insurers has put a familiar consumer problem back in the spotlight: many Australians have life insurance in place, but far fewer clearly understand what it does and does not cover. - read more
The new plans for Rushy Lagoon, Tasmania’s largest farm, are more than a local land-use debate. They are a useful reminder for Australian farm operators that insurance risk can change quickly when a property moves from a traditional production model into a mixed enterprise involving forestry, livestock, cropping and visitor activity. - read more
Allianz Australia has refreshed its Farm Pack insurance, launching the updated product on 20 July 2026 through its Allianz Alive digital broker platform. For rural businesses, hobby farmers and agricultural operators, the move is a useful reminder that policy wording and definitions can be just as important as headline premium prices. - read more
Fresh reporting on Australian SME insurance trends has put underinsurance back in the spotlight, with recent Vero SME Insurance Index findings indicating that close to one in ten small and medium-sized businesses believe their current cover is inadequate. For retailers, cafés, convenience stores, boutiques and other shopfront operators, that figure should prompt a practical question: would your policy still match the real cost of replacing stock, repairing premises and keeping the business alive after a disruption? - read more
Car insurance premiums are the amounts paid regularly to maintain an active car insurance policy. These payments can be made on a monthly, quarterly, or annual basis, depending on the terms agreed upon with your insurance provider. - 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
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
Car insurance is a crucial aspect of responsible vehicle ownership. It provides financial protection against accidents, theft, and other unforeseen events. In Australia, having the right car insurance policy can give you peace of mind on the road. - read more
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
Knowledgebase
Coverage: The amount of risk or liability covered for an individual or entity by way of insurance services.
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts.