Income Protection Insurance Australia :: News
SHARE

Share this news item!

Allianz's Payout Reduction Approved in Car Claim Dispute

Allianz's Payout Reduction Approved in Car Claim Dispute

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owner argued that he made an "innocent misrepresentation" because the insurer’s website provided a model with an outdated engine when he searched using his car's registration.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.

Published:Thursday, 5th Sep 2024
Source: Paige Estritori

Share this news item:

Insurance News

Autonomous Cars: Navigating the New Claims Terrain Autonomous Cars: Navigating the New Claims Terrain
10 Sep 2024: Paige Estritori

The rapid evolution of automobile technology, particularly in autonomous vehicles, is poised to reshape the insurance landscape significantly, according to insights from Howden Re. Reinsurers need to anticipate a more complex claims environment that requires advanced strategies to effectively manage the potential complexities. - read more
Coalition Innovates with Advanced Cyber Reinsurance Services Coalition Innovates with Advanced Cyber Reinsurance Services
10 Sep 2024: Paige Estritori

Cyber security leader Coalition has unveiled an innovative reinsurance intermediary, enhancing its offerings with sophisticated insights and capabilities in the cyber domain. - read more
Home Parking Dilemma Leads to Insurance Dispute Loss Home Parking Dilemma Leads to Insurance Dispute Loss
09 Sep 2024: Paige Estritori

A homeowner's struggle with her narrow driveway has culminated in the rejection of her car theft claim, illustrating the critical importance of adhering to insurance policy stipulations. - read more
Insurance Claim Rejected After Flight Crew Timing Violation Insurance Claim Rejected After Flight Crew Timing Violation
09 Sep 2024: Paige Estritori

A traveler who faced a canceled flight due to the flight crew reaching their legal working hour limits will only receive partial reimbursement for his expenses. This ruling came from an official complaints authority. - read more
Allianz's Payout Reduction Approved in Car Claim Dispute Allianz's Payout Reduction Approved in Car Claim Dispute
05 Sep 2024: Paige Estritori

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. - read more
Zurich Welcomes Fresh Leadership in Risk Management for ANZ Region Zurich Welcomes Fresh Leadership in Risk Management for ANZ Region
05 Sep 2024: Paige Estritori

In a dynamic move, Zurich Financial Services Australia has named David Wainwright as the new Chief Risk Officer for the Australia and New Zealand region. This follows the retirement announcement of the current CRO, Jaimie Sach, a veteran with a distinguished 30-year career in the wealth management sector. - read more



Life Insurance Articles

The Myth of Unaffordability: How to Find Value in Income Insurance Policies The Myth of Unaffordability: How to Find Value in Income Insurance Policies
Income protection insurance is often surrounded by the myth of being unaffordable, deterring many Australians from safeguarding their most valuable asset—their ability to earn. This introduction aims to address this misconception head on, revealing the real value that income insurance policies can provide. It is crucial to understand that the cost of such a policy pales in comparison to the potential financial hardship faced without one. - read more
Benefit and Wailting Periods: Choosing the Right Combination for Maximum Protection and Value Benefit and Wailting Periods: Choosing the Right Combination for Maximum Protection and Value
In Australia, income protection insurance stands as a vital safeguard for professionals, ensuring security during times of unexpected illness or injury. It acts as a financial buffer, providing a percentage of your regular income, so you can maintain your lifestyle without the stress of lost earnings. - read more
Maximizing Your Income Protection Payout: Tips and Strategies Maximizing Your Income Protection Payout: Tips and Strategies
In the realm of personal finance, security is a cornerstone that cannot be overlooked, and this is where income protection insurance steps in. For Australians, the peace of mind that comes with knowing you're covered against loss of income due to illness or injury is invaluable. This form of coverage acts as a financial safety net, ensuring that life's unexpected twists do not leave you in a lurch. - read more
What Australians Need to Know Before Choosing an Income Protection Plan What Australians Need to Know Before Choosing an Income Protection Plan
Income protection insurance is a critical safety net for Australians, offering financial security in the event that one is unable to work due to illness or injury. The peace of mind it brings cannot be overstated, as it ensures that individuals and their families can maintain their standard of living even when the unexpected happens. - read more
Decoding the Fine Print: What to Look out for in Your Income Protection Policy Decoding the Fine Print: What to Look out for in Your Income Protection Policy
Income protection insurance serves as a vital safety net for Australian workers, ensuring financial stability in the face of unexpected illness or injury. As the landscape of work and health continues to evolve, understanding the essentials of income protection becomes increasingly crucial for anyone who relies on a steady income to support themselves and their loved ones. - read more
Important Tips to Streamline Your Income Protection Claim in Australia Important Tips to Streamline Your Income Protection Claim in Australia
In today's unpredictable world, securing your financial future is more important than ever. Income protection insurance plays a pivotal role for working Australians by providing a safety net in case illness or injury prevents you from earning an income. As an essential part of your overall financial planning, understanding income protection is crucial for peace of mind and stability. - read more
The Myth of Unaffordability: How to Find Value in Income Insurance Policies The Myth of Unaffordability: How to Find Value in Income Insurance Policies
Income protection insurance is often surrounded by the myth of being unaffordable, deterring many Australians from safeguarding their most valuable asset—their ability to earn. This introduction aims to address this misconception head on, revealing the real value that income insurance policies can provide. It is crucial to understand that the cost of such a policy pales in comparison to the potential financial hardship faced without one. - read more
What Australians Need to Know Before Choosing an Income Protection Plan What Australians Need to Know Before Choosing an Income Protection Plan
Income protection insurance is a critical safety net for Australians, offering financial security in the event that one is unable to work due to illness or injury. The peace of mind it brings cannot be overstated, as it ensures that individuals and their families can maintain their standard of living even when the unexpected happens. - read more
Making Sense of Income Protection Insurance: A Must-Read Comparison for Australians Making Sense of Income Protection Insurance: A Must-Read Comparison for Australians
When life throws unexpected challenges our way, the assurance of financial stability can be a beacon of hope amidst the uncertainty. For many Australians, income protection insurance is that beacon, safeguarding their livelihood and providing a crucial safety net when they need it most. It's more than just a policy; it's a strategic step towards longer-term peace of mind. - read more
Benefit and Wailting Periods: Choosing the Right Combination for Maximum Protection and Value Benefit and Wailting Periods: Choosing the Right Combination for Maximum Protection and Value
In Australia, income protection insurance stands as a vital safeguard for professionals, ensuring security during times of unexpected illness or injury. It acts as a financial buffer, providing a percentage of your regular income, so you can maintain your lifestyle without the stress of lost earnings. - read more
Self-Employed? Here's How to Determine Your Income Insurance Coverage Needs Self-Employed? Here's How to Determine Your Income Insurance Coverage Needs
In recent times, the allure of being your own boss has led to a significant shift towards self-employment in Australia. This growing trend reflects a desire for greater flexibility and autonomy in one's career. However, amidst this independence lie uncertainties and financial risks unique to those who venture out on their own. - read more
Important Tips to Streamline Your Income Protection Claim in Australia Important Tips to Streamline Your Income Protection Claim in Australia
In today's unpredictable world, securing your financial future is more important than ever. Income protection insurance plays a pivotal role for working Australians by providing a safety net in case illness or injury prevents you from earning an income. As an essential part of your overall financial planning, understanding income protection is crucial for peace of mind and stability. - read more

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

Monthly Income Benefit:
Your Postcode:
All quotes are provided free and without obligation. We respect your privacy.

Knowledgebase
Insurance Deductible:
the amount that an insured is required to contribute toward an insurance claim as stipulated in an insurance policy. Otherwise known as the "policy excess".