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owner argued that he made an "innocent misrepresentation" because the insurer’s website provided a model with an outdated engine when he searched using his car's registration.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.
Australia's construction insurance market has entered a softer phase in 2025, with premiums decreasing across various lines due to heightened competition among insurers. According to Marsh's Construction Insurance Market Update 2025, premium reductions averaged between 5% and 15% in the first half of the year. - read more
In 2025, Australia's insurance industry is grappling with rising claims costs, particularly within the construction sector, due to labour shortages and supply chain disruptions. Crawford & Company's latest Claims Inflation Update highlights that construction expenses are increasing at a rate faster than general consumer prices, with the Building Cost Index (BCI) rising nearly 5% annually. - read more
Recent findings from the PwC Insurance Banana Skins Survey reveal that Australian insurers are increasingly vulnerable compared to their global counterparts, particularly in areas of risk preparedness. The survey, which gathered insights from 698 insurance executives across 42 territories, indicates that Australian insurers scored 6.6% lower on the Preparedness Index than the global average. This gap underscores the pressing need for the Australian insurance sector to bolster its strategies against emerging threats. - read more
The Australian Medical Association (AMA) has raised concerns about the diminishing value of private health insurance for Australians. In its annual Private Health Insurance Report Card, the AMA highlights that the system is increasingly failing to provide value for money to the approximately 15 million Australians holding private health insurance policies. - read more
The Australian insurance market is witnessing a transformative shift as insurers adopt innovative solutions to address the escalating risks associated with natural hazards. The inaugural Property Catastrophe and Climate Governance Report by Global Insurance Law Connect highlights several key developments aimed at enhancing resilience and closing the protection gap. - read more
For tradespeople, protecting your tools and equipment is crucial. These are not just tools; they are the backbone of your business. Without them, you can't complete jobs, meet client expectations, or generate income. This includes your Vehicle. - read more
In the trades industry, unexpected events and accidents can happen at any time. Injuries and illnesses can prevent you from working, potentially leaving you without a steady income. Insurance is a crucial safeguard that helps protect against these uncertainties, ensuring that you can continue to meet your financial obligations, even when you're unable to work. - read more
Being a tradesperson in Australia comes with its own unique set of risks. Whether you're an electrician, plumber, carpenter, or builder, having the right insurance coverage is crucial for protecting your livelihood and your peace of mind. Without adequate insurance, you could be financially devastated by accidents, theft, or property damage. - read more
Tradespeople work hard to earn their income, often facing unique expenses that can impact their bottom line. Understanding and maximizing tax deductions is crucial for minimizing these costs and keeping more of what they earn. By making informed decisions about expenses, tradespeople can significantly reduce their taxable income. - read more
Public liability insurance is a type of coverage designed to protect businesses against claims of property damage or personal injury caused by their work. This type of insurance is essential for trades professionals, as it provides financial protection against legal and compensation costs arising from incidents related to their services. - read more
'
Knowledgebase
Disability Insurance: A type of insurance protection that pays a portion of a person's income lost due to a total or partial disablement arising from either an accident or a sickness.
