AFCA Supports RAA Insurance in Vehicle Location Dispute

1

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 son, who initially filed the claim following an accident in April of the previous year, saw his claim denied by RAA Insurance. The insurance provider, based in South Australia, concluded that the vehicle was a total loss but rejected the claim after discovering the car's purchase and registration in Victoria despite frequent visits to South Australia.

During the claims process, the son portrayed himself as the primary driver, asserting minimal use by his mother, the policyholder. However, he later altered his statements to AFCA, stating that the car was never his and was unregistered in Victoria. AFCA found these new assertions unconvincing due to the lack of documentation supporting his position.

The ombudsman involved in the dispute stated that evidence indicated the vehicle was mainly used, registered, and stored in Victoria at the time the policy was taken out. Consequently, it was determined that the policyholder misrepresented the car's usual location and storage when securing insurance coverage.

RAA Insurance referenced their underwriting standards, emphasizing that they do not extend coverage to vehicles registered outside South Australia or the Broken Hill postcode. A declaration from an RAA employee supported this position, confirming that the vehicle’s Victorian registration would have led to denial of coverage initiation.

AFCA observed that such misrepresentation compromised RAA's risk assessment capabilities, justifying the insurer's decision to decline the claim. The omission of accurate information about the vehicle's storage location led to the policy being issued under false pretenses. AFCA concluded that compelling the insurer to honor the claim would be unjust, given the circumstances.

Published:Thursday, 24th Apr 2025
Source: Paige Estritori

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

Share this news item:

Insurance News

Clear

Heightened Road Risks as Holiday Travel Meets Freight Surge

15 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori

As the Australian summer holidays approach, a significant increase in road traffic is anticipated, coinciding with peak freight activity. This convergence raises concerns about heightened road risks, prompting insurers and transport specialists to issue warnings to motorists. - read more

Rising Collision Risks Challenge Australian Fleet Operators

15 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori

Australia's transport and haulage sector is currently navigating a period marked by an uptick in motor collision claims, posing significant challenges for fleet operators nationwide. This trend underscores the necessity for enhanced risk management and insurance strategies to safeguard operations and maintain profitability. - read more

NTARC Report Highlights Key Factors in Major Truck Crashes

15 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori

The National Truck Accident Research Centre (NTARC) has released its latest Major Incident Investigation Report, shedding light on the predominant causes of significant truck crashes across Australia. The findings underscore the critical need for targeted interventions to enhance road safety within the transport industry. - read more

IAG Enhances Profit Projections Post-RACQ Insurance Integration

15 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori

Insurance Australia Group (IAG) has revised its annual profit forecast upward by $100 million, attributing this positive adjustment to the recent acquisition of RACQ Insurance. The company now anticipates a reported insurance profit ranging between $1.55 billion and $1.75 billion for the current financial year, an increase from the previous estimate of $1.45 billion to $1.65 billion. - read more

Queensland's Insurance Duty Revenue Set to Surpass $2 Billion

15 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori

The Queensland government is poised to collect over $2 billion annually from insurance duties by the 2028-29 financial year, marking a 19.7% increase over the next four years. This projection is detailed in the latest budget figures, which indicate that the state will receive $1.78 billion from insurance duties in 2025-26, approximately $120 million more than the previous year. - read more

Click for more Insurance News