Farm Insurance Australia :: News
SHARE

Share this news item!

Insurance Claim Rejected After Flight Crew Timing Violation

Insurance Claim Rejected After Flight Crew Timing Violation

Insurance Claim Rejected After Flight Crew Timing Violation?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.

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.

The frustrated passenger incurred additional costs when his flight from Palermo to London was unexpectedly stopped because the crew had worked the maximum hours allowed by law. He expected full coverage for these expenses under his travel insurance policy.

However, Lloyd’s Australia, the insurer, denied the claim, stating that the travel policy’s clause on additional expenses and disruption coverage only applies to events such as strikes, riots, hijacks, civil unrest, adverse weather conditions, or accidents involving the mode of transport.

The claimant argued otherwise, insisting that the crew reaching its working hours limit was akin to industrial action such as strikes, implying that the insurer had a too narrow interpretation of the policy's disruption cover. He stated that the restriction on working hours is a precaution to prevent accidents, which aligns with the "spirit of the policy".

Yet, The Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) did not accept this reasoning.

AFCA pointed out the scant information provided by the claimant which linked the flight cancellation directly to crew working hours being exceeded. They reinforced that this situation is distinct from a strike.

“A strike constitutes a deliberate refusal to work, whereas regulatory limits on work hours are a constraint and not a chosen action,” noted the AFCA's ombudsman. “Additionally, equating flight crew timing regulations with an accident scenario is not fitting, since the clause in question applies to actual incidents happening, not cancellations meant to forestall potential accidents.”

However, AFCA acknowledged a part of the travel policy which offers coverage for scenarios where a flight is delayed over six hours due to uncontrollable circumstances.

Under this provision, the insurer is required to compensate the complainant with the policy’s cap of $2000.

“Although the insurer claims that these circumstances are specifically excluded by the policy, they failed to indicate which exclusion they are relying on and provide justification for triggering it. Therefore, it is unconvincing that the insurer has adequately clarified its entitlement to decline or reduce the claim under this section,” AFCA concluded.

This case was originally reported by Insurance News Australia.

Published:Monday, 9th Sep 2024
Author: Paige Estritori
Sources

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

Share this news item:

Insurance News

Australian Farmers Confront Rising Insurance Premiums Amid Climate Challenges
Australian Farmers Confront Rising Insurance Premiums Amid Climate Challenges
22 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori
Australian farmers are currently grappling with a significant surge in insurance premiums, with increases ranging from 20% to 40%, depending on the insurer. This escalation is primarily driven by the rising frequency and severity of natural disasters, coupled with a contracting underwriter market and escalating costs of goods and services. - read more
Widespread Rural Crime Exposes NSW Farmers to Repeated Victimisation
Widespread Rural Crime Exposes NSW Farmers to Repeated Victimisation
22 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori
A recent survey conducted by WFI Insurance in collaboration with the University of New England (UNE) Centre for Rural Criminology has unveiled alarming statistics regarding rural crime in New South Wales. The findings indicate that over 90% of NSW farmers have encountered criminal activities on their properties, with approximately 30% reporting being targeted seven or more times. - read more
Elders Insurance Highlights Increased Summer Storm Risks for Farmers
Elders Insurance Highlights Increased Summer Storm Risks for Farmers
22 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori
As the Australian summer approaches, Elders Insurance has issued a cautionary advisory to farmers, emphasising the heightened risk of storm-related damages during this season. Recent data indicates a significant increase in insurance claims due to summer storms, underscoring the need for proactive measures to safeguard agricultural assets. - read more
Government Backs 12 Projects to Boost Heavy Vehicle Safety
Government Backs 12 Projects to Boost Heavy Vehicle Safety
22 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori
The Australian Government, in collaboration with the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR), has announced a $4.2 million investment in 12 industry-led projects designed to improve heavy vehicle safety across the nation. This funding is part of the Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative (HVSI), which has supported over 181 projects with more than $45 million since its inception in 2016. - read more
Climate Change's Impact on Rising Home Insurance Premiums
Climate Change's Impact on Rising Home Insurance Premiums
22 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori
In recent developments, Insurance Australia Group (IAG) has raised concerns about the escalating impact of climate change on home insurance premiums. The insurer's latest report indicates that Australians should anticipate higher costs due to the increasing frequency and severity of weather events. - read more
AI Adoption Transforms Efficiency and Risk Management in Australian Insurance
AI Adoption Transforms Efficiency and Risk Management in Australian Insurance
22 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori
The Australian insurance industry is undergoing a significant transformation through the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. Insurers are leveraging AI to enhance operational efficiency, improve customer service, and refine risk management practices, positioning themselves as data-driven, digital-first organizations. - read more
Budget Direct Achieves Top Honors as Australia's Insurer of the Year
Budget Direct Achieves Top Honors as Australia's Insurer of the Year
21 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori
Budget Direct has been honored with the inaugural 'Insurer of the Year' title at the 2026 Finder Provider of the Year Awards, solidifying its position as a leading choice for Australians seeking exceptional insurance coverage. This recognition is accompanied by four additional category wins, making Budget Direct the most awarded provider in this year's ceremony. - read more
Australian Insurers Advocate for Legislation Against Unfair Claims Practices
Australian Insurers Advocate for Legislation Against Unfair Claims Practices
21 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori
The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) has expressed strong support for the proposed Competition and Consumer Amendment (Unfair Trading Practices) Bill 2026, which aims to establish a general prohibition on unfair trading practices within Australian Consumer Law. This legislation is designed to empower regulators to take decisive action against predatory operators, particularly within the claims management sector. - read more
Significant Rise in Private Health Insurance Premiums Set for April 2026
Significant Rise in Private Health Insurance Premiums Set for April 2026
21 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori
Australians are bracing for a substantial increase in private health insurance premiums, with an average rise of 4.41% scheduled to take effect from April 1, 2026. This marks the most significant hike since 2017 and is expected to place additional financial pressure on households already contending with the rising cost of living. - read more
Insurance Council Declares Significant Events for Northern Territory and Queensland Floods
Insurance Council Declares Significant Events for Northern Territory and Queensland Floods
21 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori
The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) has declared Significant Events in response to the severe flooding that has recently impacted communities in the Northern Territory and Queensland. This declaration aims to expedite the insurance industry's response and provide necessary support to affected residents. - read more


Farm Insurance Articles

Customized Insurance Solutions: The Advantage of Specialized Farm Brokers
Customized Insurance Solutions: The Advantage of Specialized Farm Brokers
Farming in Australia is more than just a way of life; it is a critical sector that supports the nation’s economy and food supply. However, managing a farm comes with its own set of unique risks. From natural disasters to equipment failures, farmers face numerous challenges that can impact their livelihood. - read more
Tractors, Livestock, and Crops: Tailoring Your Farm Insurance to Fit Your Needs
Tractors, Livestock, and Crops: Tailoring Your Farm Insurance to Fit Your Needs
Welcome to the world of farming, where the fruits of your labor are as tangible as the soil you till. But just as the land is subject to the whims of nature, so too is the business of agriculture. This is where farm insurance becomes essential. Farmers face a set of challenges and uncertainties unlike any other industry, primarily due to the unpredictable forces of weather. - read more
Understanding Farm Equipment Insurance: A Breakdown for Australian Farmers
Understanding Farm Equipment Insurance: A Breakdown for Australian Farmers
In the dynamic world of Australian agriculture, farm equipment plays a crucial role in the day-to-day operations of farms. From tractors to harvesters, having the right machinery means managing your farm more efficiently. However, the high value of this equipment makes it essential to protect it adequately through insurance. - read more
Investing in Your Farm's Legacy: Estate Planning and Farm Insurance Combined
Investing in Your Farm's Legacy: Estate Planning and Farm Insurance Combined
Farming is much more than an occupation; it's a way of life and a heritage that often spans generations. In today's ever-evolving agricultural landscape, embracing modern practices while preserving your farm's future has never been more crucial. Estate planning emerges as a pivotal strategy for safeguarding your agricultural legacy, ensuring that your hard-earned investments and the land you hold dear are passed on according to your wishes. - read more
From Droughts to Floods: Understanding Weather-Related Coverage in Farm Insurance
From Droughts to Floods: Understanding Weather-Related Coverage in Farm Insurance
Australian farmers face a unique set of challenges due to the vast and varied climate conditions that sweep across the continent. From the scorching heat and prolonged droughts of the Outback to the tropical storms and torrential rains of the northern regions, weather-related risks are an integral part of agricultural life in Australia. - read more
Building Resilience Against Natural Disasters: Practical Steps for Aussie Farmers
Building Resilience Against Natural Disasters: Practical Steps for Aussie Farmers
Australian farmers face an array of natural disasters that can threaten livelihoods and disrupt the delicate balance of agricultural ecosystems. From devastating bushfires and droughts to powerful storms and floods, these catastrophic events pose serious risks to the farming community. Understanding and preparing for these forces is not just about survival; it's about building a sustainable future for farms across the continent. - read more
What Australian Farmers Should Know About Crop Insurance
What Australian Farmers Should Know About Crop Insurance
Crop insurance is a type of insurance policy designed to protect farmers from the financial losses that arise from damages to their crops. This could be due to various risks, including adverse weather conditions, pests, and diseases. - read more
The Modern Farmer's Checklist for Assessing Farm Equipment Insurance Needs
The Modern Farmer's Checklist for Assessing Farm Equipment Insurance Needs
As the backbone of Australian agriculture, farm equipment plays an essential role in day-to-day operations across our expansive and diverse landscapes. From the vast wheat belts to the tropical fruit farms, machinery ensures efficiency and productivity in the face of constant challenges. But with reliance on such equipment comes significant risk—the financial burden of damage or loss can be devastating to a farmer's livelihood. - read more
Farm Liability Insurance Costs vs. Benefits: Is It Worth It?
Farm Liability Insurance Costs vs. Benefits: Is It Worth It?
Farm liability insurance is a type of coverage that protects farmers from financial losses due to legal claims and lawsuits. This insurance is crucial for safeguarding your farm against various liabilities that may arise from farm operations. - read more
Agroforestry Insurance Guide: Protecting Your Investment in Australia's Sustainable Future
Agroforestry Insurance Guide: Protecting Your Investment in Australia's Sustainable Future
Agroforestry is a transformative approach to land management that integrates trees into agricultural landscapes. In Australia, where farmers contend with variable climates and environmental challenges, agroforestry offers a resilient pathway to productivity and sustainability. - read more


Need a Quote?
Start your free farm insurance quote comparison here.
Farm Type:
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.


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".