Allianz's Payout Reduction Approved in Car Claim Dispute
Allianz's Payout Reduction Approved in Car Claim Dispute
5
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.
In a landmark decision, the Australian Financial Complaints Authority has ruled in favor of Allianz, allowing the insurer to significantly reduce its payout for a car damage claim due to a misdescribed vehicle model.
The case involves a claimant who purchased a 2013 Range Rover Dynamic for $41,750 from a private seller on June 2nd of the previous year. Tragically, the vehicle caught fire and was deemed a total loss on the same day he picked it up.
Believing his new car was covered, the man submitted a claim to Allianz for the agreed value of $105,950, under a policy initiated the day of the incident. Initially, Allianz seemed to agree to the settlement amount; however, an investigation revealed a discrepancy in the model description.
The claimant had listed his vehicle as the more luxurious and costly 2013 Range Rover Autobiography MY14.5 model when, in fact, it was a Range Rover Dynamic. This misdescription resulted in an overinflated insured value.
As a result, Allianz recalculated the vehicle's worth and offered to settle the claim for a revised value of $66,630. After deducting remaining premiums and excess, the final payout amounted to $58,979.
The vehicle owner argued that he made an "innocent misrepresentation" because the insurer’s website provided a model with an outdated engine when he searched using his car's registration. He claimed he selected the Autobiography MY14.5 model since it had a similar engine type.
"I opted for the only model with my engine type and MY14.5 badging," the man explained to the complaints authority. "The website's labeling was incorrect and misled me."
The Australian Financial Complaints Authority concluded that while the policyholder's situation was understandable, it did not excuse the inaccurate car description, which breached policy terms.
"I acknowledge the complainant's challenge in finding his exact car model on the insurer's online policy platform," an AFCA ombudsman commented. "However, this does not justify misrepresenting the car's specification."
The AFCA stressed the importance of accurate car descriptions in insurance agreements, advising policyholders to make additional inquiries if unable to find the right model online.
This ruling reinforces Allianz's right to adjust the settlement based on a common law precedent, affirming the fairness of the insurer’s reduced offer. The case highlights the critical nature of precise data input when setting up insurance policies.
For further insights, the original article can be found on the Australian Financial Complaints Authority's website.
In a significant move to address the longstanding issue of insurance affordability in Northern and Regional Queensland, Sure Insurance has announced an increase in its residential strata insurance coverage from $5 million to $20 million. This strategic enhancement aims to provide body corporates and lot owners with more competitive premium options and improved access to essential insurance services. - read more
CHU has released its 2025 State of the Strata Market report, providing a comprehensive analysis of the current state of the industry. The report offers valuable insights into premium movements, the impact of weather events, regulatory developments, and emerging risks affecting strata insurance. - read more
TelstraSuper, a profit-for-member superannuation fund, has announced a substantial decrease in income protection insurance premiums for its members. Effective from 1 July 2023, members can expect reductions ranging from 11.5% to 30%, following a comprehensive review of the fund's insurance pricing. - read more
Recent data from Plan For Life indicates a sharp decline in individual income protection insurance sales in Australia, with new risk income sales experiencing an 8.3% downturn in the year ending September 2024. This contrasts with previous periods of growth, highlighting shifting dynamics within the insurance market. - read more
In response to escalating global shipping challenges, leading broker Marsh and Lloyd's underwriter Tokio Marine Kiln have launched a pioneering business interruption insurance specifically designed for ports. This innovative product aims to mitigate the financial impact of trade disruptions caused by various factors, including geopolitical tensions and operational strikes. - read more
Insurance plays a crucial role in safeguarding our financial future. It serves as a safety net, ensuring that we can manage unexpected events without severely impacting our financial stability. For Australian adults, having the right types of insurance coverage is essential for peace of mind and financial security. - read more
Income protection insurance is a type of coverage designed to replace a portion of your income if you're unable to work due to illness or injury. - read more
When illness strikes, the impact on your finances can be as significant as on your health. Maintaining continuous income flow during such times is crucial for financial stability. - read more
When the unexpected strikes, such as an illness or injury hindering our ability to earn a living, the financial repercussions can be devastating. This is where income protection insurance becomes a pivotal part of our financial safety net, ensuring a stream of income during challenging times. - read more
Income protection insurance is designed to provide financial support if you're unable to work due to illness or injury. It aims to replace a portion of your income during such times, ensuring you can maintain your lifestyle and meet financial obligations. - read more
Start Here !
Apply now for your free Insurance assessment and price comparisons!
