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 contentious insurance claim has ended unfavourably for a motor policyholder after her husband mistakenly poured diesel exhaust fluid into her car's fuel tank.
Although the policyholder initially received assurances from a Suncorp representative that the use of AdBlue fluid wouldn't be considered improper fuelling - supposedly an excluded scenario under her policy - the claim was later denied.
This decision has sparked debate around policy definitions and customer service communication.
The policyholder argued that according to the product disclosure statement (PDS), only "incorrect fuel usage" was excluded, and as AdBlue is technically not a fuel, her claim should be valid. Additional grievances arose after alleging the insurer’s tow service inflicted further damage to her car, necessitating a new steering rack and wheel realignment.
Suncorp acknowledged the issue with its initial claim rejection, where the decision was based solely on the original PDS. However, the insurer pointed to a supplementary product disclosure statement (SPDS), which explicitly excludes coverage for damage resulting from using fluids not recommended by the vehicle's manufacturer. This key differentiation was reportedly communicated to the policyholder during her policy renewal.
The Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) sided with Suncorp, determining that the insurer did not mislead the customer about her claim status. While Suncorp admitted to referencing outdated PDS wording initially, AFCA deemed their reliance on the updated SPDS appropriate and found no obligation for the insurer to cover the incident. Additionally, AFCA found limited evidence to support the policyholder's accusations regarding damage caused by the towing service, reinforcing Suncorp's account of a winched, non-dragged vehicle recovery.
Despite these rulings, AFCA ordered Suncorp to compensate the policyholder $3000 for delay-induced inconveniences during the claim process, which left her without her vehicle for an extended period, citing the resulting undue stress and hassle.
This case highlights the importance of clear communication and understanding of policy amendments, emphasizing the role supplemental documents play during insurance assessments. Consumers are reminded to review documentation thoroughly during renewals to grasp the full scope of their insurance protections and exclusions.
Please Note: We do not endorse any specific products or companies. Some content is sourced from third parties, including press releases, and may not be independently verified for accuracy or completeness.
Recent rural reporting on Queensland fruit fly pressure in horticultural regions is a timely reminder that biosecurity is not only a production issue. For orchardists, vegetable growers and mixed farms with small horticulture enterprises, a pest detection can affect far more than the crop in the paddock. It can influence picking schedules, packing arrangements, transport routes, labour planning, market access and cash flow. - read more
Recent rural reporting has pointed to a more encouraging winter moisture profile across parts of the eastern and southern farming regions, with many growers seeing improved crop prospects after a difficult start in some districts. For farm businesses, that is welcome news. Better soil moisture can support establishment, pasture growth and yield potential, but it does not remove the need for disciplined risk planning. - read more
Grain Central reported on 23 July 2026 that Australian grain prices have continued to firm, supported by global wheat market heat and local uncertainty about new-crop production. For growers, the story is not simply about better prices. It is also a reminder that a promising crop can still carry significant risk when weather, timing and market volatility start moving together. - read more
A second H5 bird flu detection in New South Wales has moved avian disease risk from a distant global concern to a practical on-farm planning issue for Australian producers. The latest case involved a petrel found at Hawks Nest on the NSW Mid North Coast, following an earlier detection at the same beach. Authorities have indicated the human health risk remains low, and there has been no reported H5 detection in NSW commercial poultry flocks at this stage. - read more
On 3 July 2026, Grain Central reported that RAGT Australia’s SowSure crop establishment protection initiative had received $982,049 through the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund. For grain growers, the news is notable because it places insurance-style thinking closer to the sowing decision, rather than waiting until later-season losses become obvious. - read more
A recent quad bike fatality case in New South Wales has put farm safety, workplace liability and risk management back under close attention. ABC Rural reported on 2 July 2026 that Wumbulgal Agriculture Pty Ltd was fined $555,000 after an 82-year-old worker died in a quad bike accident at Yenda in the Riverina in February 2023. The company was found to have breached work health and safety obligations. - read more
Australian farmers now have clearer, but tighter, rules for two widely used knockdown herbicides after the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority finalised its review of paraquat and diquat on 23 June 2026. The chemicals have not been removed from the market, but their continued use will sit behind significant new conditions affecting application rates, equipment, handling systems and worker protection. - read more
A reported ransomware incident affecting Mackay Sugar has put agricultural cyber risk back in the spotlight, this time with a clear lesson for producers who depend on processors, contractors and shared infrastructure. ABC Rural reported on 18 June 2026 that a Russian-speaking ransomware operation known as The Gentlemen had claimed responsibility for a cyber attack that disrupted two Mackay Sugar mills, with the company working to verify the claim and restart Farleigh and Racecourse mills in stages. - read more
In a significant shift within the Australian insurance landscape, NRMA has announced its withdrawal from the farm insurance market, ceasing the sale of new policies as of July 1, 2025. This decision affects both hobby and commercial farm insurance policies, leaving many farmers in search of alternative coverage options. - read more
Achmea Farm Insurance and Protected Cropping Australia (PCA) have announced a strategic partnership aimed at bolstering risk mitigation and resilience within Australia's protected cropping sector. This collaboration seeks to empower greenhouse and glasshouse growers by providing tailored insurance solutions and fostering knowledge exchange on best practices. - read more
Hobby farming has become increasingly popular in Australia, with many individuals and families embracing the joys of growing their own produce, raising livestock, and enjoying a rural lifestyle. Whether it's a small vegetable garden, a few chickens, or a larger mixed farming operation, hobby farms offer both relaxation and a connection to nature. - read more
Farm insurance claims in Australia usually involve making the property safe, notifying the insurer, documenting the loss, working through assessment and responding to any settlement offer. This guide explains the general process and what farmers can prepare before and after an insured event. - read more
Livestock can be one of the most important assets on an Australian farm. This guide explains how livestock insurance works, what risks it may cover, how to assess your needs and what to consider when comparing policies and providers. - read more
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
Farm insurance documents can be detailed, but understanding the key terms, exclusions, disclosure duties and complaint pathways can help Australian farmers review policies, renewals and quotes more confidently. - read more
Farm insurance is usually made up of several cover types that can be adjusted to suit the way a farm operates. This guide explains how Australian farmers can think about cover for tractors and equipment, livestock, crops, buildings, liability and business interruption risks without relying on a one-size-fits-all policy. - read more
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
Farm equipment is central to day-to-day agricultural operations, and damage, theft or breakdown can create serious disruption. Understanding common insurance pitfalls can help Australian farmers review their cover more carefully and ask better questions before choosing or renewing a policy. - read more
Farm machinery is central to many Australian farming operations, from tractors and harvesters to other essential equipment. Because this machinery can be costly to repair or replace, farm equipment insurance can help farmers manage financial risks such as theft, fire, accidental damage and other insured events. - read more
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
Need a Quote?
Start your free farm insurance quote comparison here.
Knowledgebase
Insurable Interest: A financial or other kind of interest in the insured item or person, necessary for a valid insurance contract.
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts.