Quake Damage Claims Dismissed Over Previous Faults
Quake Damage Claims Dismissed Over Previous Faults
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.
Two farmhouses seeking insurance payouts for earthquake damage have had their claims denied, following a decision highlighting the role of pre-existing issues.
The company behind the claim stated that the properties were impacted by a 5.4-magnitude earthquake that occurred in November 2018. Although the earthquake's epicenter was approximately 45 kilometers away from the buildings, Geoscience Australia specified the evident damage radius to be no more than 27 kilometers from the epicenter.
In their defense, the claimant's engineering expert conceded that the buildings were situated outside the primary damage zone but contended that the earthquake’s vibrations had unleashed energy beneath the geological formations on which the houses stood.
The expert identified "preexisting or dormant conditions" in the properties, including previously repaired damage which, according to him, reopened due to ground movement prompted by the quake, also leading to the manifestation of new fractures.
Meanwhile, Allianz, the insurance provider, enlisted a forensic civil and structural engineer who assessed the damages. His findings revealed brickwork fissures in multiple sections of one property, referred to as House H, and evident cracks within the garage of the second property, termed House P, in addition to a separation between a storeroom and the home.
The engineer hired by Allianz attributed the damage to prolonged foundation instability and deterioration of the mortar used in the brickwork, rather than to the seismic event.
The Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) upheld the insurer’s position, noting that both engineers corroborated the presence of damage similar to what was being contested even before the 2018 earthquake, specifically in House H.
AFCA further mentioned that updates made to certain rooms within the house remained unaffected, while external brickwork conditions pointed towards significant wear and tear, contributing to the losses. Comparable remarks were also made in regard to House P.
"While both experts agree it is conceivable for House H to incur earthquake-related damage under ideal conditions despite its location outside the designated impact radius, the insurer's expert refuted the existence of such conditions in this case," stated the adjudicator from AFCA.
"Even if the earthquake were recognized as being a proximate cause of the damage to House H, it would coexist with other excluded factors (wear and tear, prolonged structural movement)."
"Consequently, the insurer maintains the right to invoke those exclusions as a basis for denying the claim," AFCA concluded.
In 2026, Australian insurers are prioritizing premium affordability and insurability as they confront escalating claims costs, climate-related losses, and technology-enabled fraud. According to Gallagher Bassett's 2026 global claims study, these factors are significantly influencing pricing, underwriting, and capital allocation decisions. - read more
Medibank Private, one of Australia's leading health insurers, has reported a significant increase in its interim net profit, coinciding with a notable rise in health insurance premiums across the country. This development has sparked discussions about the affordability and value of private health insurance for Australian consumers. - read more
In a significant move to improve the claims process for mental health-related income protection, Australian life insurer TAL has announced the development of a new digital platform named 'Pathways.' This initiative is a collaborative effort involving the Digital Health Cooperative Research Centre, the University of Sydney, and Workcom, aiming to streamline and enhance the experience for policyholders navigating mental health claims. - read more
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has commenced legal proceedings against Auto & General, the parent company of Budget Direct, alleging that the insurer misled customers regarding promised discounts, resulting in overcharged premiums over several years. - read more
The Australian insurance industry is currently navigating a complex landscape marked by escalating claims and mounting premium pressures. Recent data from the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) reveals a significant downturn in the sector's profitability, primarily attributed to severe weather events and broader economic challenges. - read more
When it comes to protecting your vehicle and your finances, car insurance is a crucial investment. In Australia, car insurance helps cover the costs associated with accidents, theft, and other unexpected events 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
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
Car insurance is a critical aspect of vehicle ownership that can save you from financial distress in case of accidents, theft, or damage. For Australian consumers, understanding the ins and outs of car insurance is essential for ensuring that you're adequately protected without overpaying for your coverage. - read more
Knowledgebase
Premium: The amount paid for an insurance policy, usually on a regular basis, to maintain coverage.
