Broker Not Accountable for Passing on Insurer's Instructions
Broker Not Accountable for Passing on Insurer's Instructions
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.
An Australian homeowner's effort to hold his insurance broker responsible for allegedly misleading him about coverage for emergency tree removal has been dismissed by regulatory authorities.
The incident unfolded following a storm that impaired trees on the insured premises.
Initially, the homeowner looked to claim a compensation from the insurer for clearing debris. However, he was informed that his policy would not cater to the removal of trees unless they caused damage to the property itself. Consequently, he took the matter to the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA), accusing his broker, Aon, of misguiding him in a conversation last December by implying that the insurer would bear the make-safe costs.
The homeowner presented AFCA with an invoice totaling $17,217 for tree removal to establish safe machinery access and an additional invoice of $7370 for further clearance. Aon contested the claim, asserting that their broker merely communicated the details relayed by the insurer to the complainant.
Aon backed its position with contact notes from the insurer which included recommendations to "remove dangerous hanging limbs as part of a make-safe, ensuring photos were taken of the removed limbs."
Records show that the broker had questioned the insurer about the policy's inapplicability concerning make-safe operations. "Our client has now been informed by the assessor that this 'make-safe' work is not covered - surely this would be considered make-safe work, given the alternative risks, such as electrocution or being hit by a falling tree or limb?” Bhupendranathmmmsiddharth_techtw, the email to the insurer reportedly asked.
AFCA’s ruling underscored that although the homeowner conducted the work thinking it would be covered by the policy, the actions of the broker were not prejudicial. The authority noted that the broker had diligently informed the client to document the procedures, yet there was no indication that a more extensive range of work was covered under the existing policy terms.
AFCA summized that in this event The broker did not make any remark or conduct any act that was misleading and deceptive, as it merely transmitted the information received from the insurer and that had the information provided been inaccurate, the fault lies not with the broker, but with the original source of information.
Additionally, AFCA clarified that even in instances of potentially misleading information, the homeowner may not have sustained a financial loss since the insurer would likely have not compensated for the make-safe work under any circumstances. Regardless of the insurance policy specifics, the complainant was obliged to conduct the necessary safety works. Even if there was incorrect information passed from the insurer by the broker, the liability cannot be placed on the broker by simply relaying what they were informed.
This decision supports the conclusion that Aon, as a broker, carried out its duty by correctly conveying the insurer's instructions and therefore, should not bear the burden of liability for the disputed costs.
This case offers a valuable lesson in understanding where liabilities begin and end in the complex web of insurer-broker-customer communications, reminding policyholders to scrutinize the fine details of insurance contracts.
Original information for this article was sourced from Insurance News.
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.
PSC Insurance Brokers’ investment in MA Insurance Brokers is a timely reminder that specialist transport insurance advice is becoming increasingly valuable in a tighter, more complex market. The deal, announced in late June 2026, sees MA begin operating as PSC Transport Insurance Brokers, while founders Barry Mathison and Mariann Illyes retain an equity stake and continue leading the business as managing principals. - read more
QBE’s decision to stop offering its standalone office and trade pack products from July 2026 is a timely reminder for Australian tradies to treat every renewal as more than a simple rollover. The insurer is moving customers towards a standard business cover structure, with existing trade pack policyholders expected to be offered the replacement product at renewal from October 2026. - read more
Road user charging is moving from policy theory to a more serious industry conversation, with a new ITS Australia survey pointing to growing support for replacing fuel excise with a distance-based funding model. For transport operators, this is not just a tax discussion. It could change how fleets calculate running costs, compare vehicle types and plan margins on long-term freight contracts. - read more
A recent Australian Financial Complaints Authority decision is a timely warning for trade businesses that rely on tools, trailers and mobile equipment every day. The dispute centred on a business that had tools and a trailer stolen from a worksite, then challenged the insurer’s payout after discovering the claim was limited by the portable items section of the policy. - read more
The Financial Advice Association Australia has renewed pressure on the Federal Government to limit Compensation Scheme of Last Resort costs for financial advisers, arguing the profession should not carry more than $20 million in total levy exposure while adviser numbers remain under strain. - read more
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
Car insurance is a crucial component of responsible vehicle ownership. It offers financial protection against unforeseen events on the road, providing peace of mind for drivers across the country. In Australia, navigating the world of car insurance can initially seem daunting, but understanding the basics can make the process smoother and more intuitive. - 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
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
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
Knowledgebase
Loss Ratio: The ratio of claims paid by an insurer to the premiums earned, used as a measure of profitability.
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts.