Income Insurance Australia :: News
SHARE

Share this news item!

Uninsured Driver Denied Compensation in Dispute with QBE

Uninsured Driver Denied Compensation in Dispute with QBE

Uninsured Driver Denied Compensation in Dispute with QBE?w=400

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 ruled in favour of QBE Insurance in a case where an uninsured driver attempted to secure compensation following a collision involving a fire truck.
The incident occurred when the QBE-insured driver paused at an intersection to allow a fire truck to pass, leading to the uninsured driver impacting their vehicle.

The uninsured motorist, disputing QBE's decision to hold him responsible and requiring payment for damages, sought redress through AFCA. He claimed the QBE-insurer's customer triggered the incident by stopping abruptly, without warning, following the fire truck's activation of sirens and lights.

Despite lacking dashcam footage, AFCA reviewed a Queensland Fire Department statement suggesting the distraction and subsequent collision were foreseeable due to the fire truck's presence at a blind corner. Although acknowledging that the QBE customer was potentially negligent for stopping suddenly without adequate warning, AFCA maintained the road rules require drivers to maintain a safe distance to prevent such accidents.

The adjudication concluded that a sufficient following distance was lacking, which could have otherwise allowed the uninsured driver to avert the collision, rendering the complaint unsubstantiated for coverage of his damages. Consequently, the tribunal found him responsible for a portion of the crash alongside the QBE-insured driver.

The ruling bars the uninsured from receiving compensation for his vehicle damage, legal fees, or money paid to QBE, citing jurisdiction limits. Yet, it mandated QBE to issue a $500 compensation for originally misleading the uninsured driver with incorrect statements regarding cost bearing.

Published:Friday, 21st Mar 2025
Source: Paige Estritori

Please Note: If this information affects you, seek advice from a licensed professional.

Share this news item:

Insurance News

IAG and Ag Guard Forge Partnership to Elevate Crop Insurance for Australian Farmers
IAG and Ag Guard Forge Partnership to Elevate Crop Insurance for Australian Farmers
14 Nov 2025: Paige Estritori
In a significant development for Australia's agricultural sector, Insurance Australia Group (IAG) has announced a strategic partnership with Ag Guard, a specialist rural underwriting agency. This collaboration will see Ag Guard managing the underwriting for IAG-owned CGU and WFI's crop insurance portfolios starting June next year. - read more
WFI Insurance and AgCarE Collaborate to Incentivize Sustainable Farming Practices
WFI Insurance and AgCarE Collaborate to Incentivize Sustainable Farming Practices
14 Nov 2025: Paige Estritori
In a move to promote sustainable agriculture, WFI Insurance has partnered with AgCarE, a certification program developed by AgForce, to offer premium reductions to farmers who achieve AgCarE certification. This collaboration aims to enhance financial, environmental, and social outcomes for Australian farmers and rural communities. - read more
Diversification in Small Farms Creates New Avenues for Insurance Brokers
Diversification in Small Farms Creates New Avenues for Insurance Brokers
14 Nov 2025: Paige Estritori
The landscape of Australian agriculture is undergoing a significant transformation as small commercial farms increasingly diversify their operations to enhance income and sustainability. This shift presents both challenges and opportunities for insurance brokers, as new ventures introduce complex risk management needs. - read more
ICA's Strategic Plan to Combat Escalating Motor Insurance Costs
ICA's Strategic Plan to Combat Escalating Motor Insurance Costs
14 Nov 2025: Paige Estritori
The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) has unveiled a comprehensive report titled 'Motor Insurance Policy Paper - A Roadmap for Reducing Rising Premiums,' addressing the significant 42% increase in comprehensive motor insurance premiums since 2019. This surge has brought the average annual premium to $1,052 in 2024, prompting the need for coordinated action to alleviate the financial burden on consumers. - read more
Inattention and Speed: Key Contributors to Major Truck Accidents in Australia
Inattention and Speed: Key Contributors to Major Truck Accidents in Australia
14 Nov 2025: Paige Estritori
The National Truck Accident Research Centre (NTARC) has released its 2025 Major Incident Investigation Report, shedding light on the primary human factors contributing to significant truck crashes across Australia. The findings emphasise the critical roles of inattention, distraction, and inappropriate speed in these incidents, underscoring the necessity for targeted safety interventions within the transport industry. - read more
Click for more Insurance News


Life Insurance Articles

Breaking Down Common Income Protection Insurance Terms
Breaking Down Common Income Protection Insurance Terms
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
How Income Protection Insurance Can Safeguard Your Financial Future
How Income Protection Insurance Can Safeguard Your Financial Future
Income protection insurance is a type of insurance policy designed to replace a portion of your income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury. This financial safety net can help cover essential living expenses, such as mortgage repayments, utility bills, and daily costs, ensuring you maintain your standard of living during tough times. - read more
Common Pitfalls in Income Insurance Claims and How to Avoid Them
Common Pitfalls in Income Insurance Claims and How to Avoid Them
Income insurance is a critical component of financial planning, offering a safety net when life's uncertainties impact your income stream. It ensures that you can continue meeting your financial obligations even if you're unable to work due to illness or injury. This peace of mind is invaluable, especially in an unpredictable job market. - read more
Income Insurance: The Safety Net for Your Financial Goals in Australia
Income Insurance: The Safety Net for Your Financial Goals in Australia
Financial security is pivotal for anyone striving to meet their life goals, be it owning a home, educating children, or ensuring a comfortable retirement. In Australia, where uncertainties can disrupt our best laid-out financial plans, having a safety net in place is essential. Income insurance offers just that—protection against the unforeseen events that could impact your income earning abilities. - read more
Navigating Pre-existing Conditions in Income Protection Insurance
Navigating Pre-existing Conditions in Income Protection Insurance
Income protection insurance is a safety net that many Australians rely on to secure their financial future in the event of illness or injury preventing them from working. It's a type of policy that provides a replacement income if you are unable to earn your regular income due to a health-related absence from the workplace. - read more


Start Here !
disability protection
Apply now for your free Insurance assessment and price comparisons!

Start Here

Monthly Income Benefit:
Postcode:

All quotes are provided free and without obligation by a specialist from our national broker referral panel. See our privacy statement for more details.