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

Allianz Partners Highlights the Risks of Travelling Uninsured

14 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori

Recent research commissioned by the Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade's (DFAT) Smartraveller program has unveiled a concerning trend: approximately 14% of Australian travellers embark on international journeys without any form of travel insurance. This statistic has prompted Allianz Partners to urge Australians to reconsider the importance of securing adequate coverage before travelling abroad. - read more

Surge in Medical Claims Among Australian Travellers Highlights Importance of Comprehensive Insurance

14 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori

In 2024, medical incidents emerged as the leading cause of travel insurance claims among Australian travellers, accounting for more than 40% of all claims handled by nib Travel. This trend underscores the critical importance of securing comprehensive travel insurance to mitigate the financial risks associated with medical emergencies abroad. - read more

Rising Travel Insurance Claims Among Australians Visiting Bali

14 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori

The allure of Bali continues to captivate Australian travellers, with a notable 43% increase in travel insurance policies purchased for the destination since the 2022/23 summer season. This surge has corresponded with a 50% rise in related insurance claims, now accounting for 16% of all claims submitted to Southern Cross Travel Insurance (SCTI) in 2024. - read more

QBE Insurance Faces Market Challenges with Slower Premium Growth

14 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori

QBE Insurance Group, Australia's largest insurer by market value, recently experienced a significant decline in its share price, reaching a seven-month low. This downturn is primarily attributed to a slowdown in the company's premium rate growth during the third quarter of 2025. - read more

Australian Insurers Achieve Record Profits Amid Rising Premiums

14 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori

Australia's insurance industry has reported an after-tax profit of $6.1 billion for the year 2024, a figure that is three times higher than the five-year average of $2 billion. This substantial increase is attributed to significant premium hikes and a relatively benign year for natural disasters. - read more

Click for more Insurance News