Farm Insurance Australia :: News
SHARE

Share this news item!

AFCA Supports RAA Insurance in Vehicle Location Dispute

AFCA Supports RAA Insurance in Vehicle Location Dispute

AFCA Supports RAA Insurance in Vehicle Location Dispute?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.

An insurance dispute over the location of a vehicle culminated in the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) backing RAA Insurance in their decision to deny a claim.
The issue surrounded the policyholder's claim that her son’s car was stored in South Australia, while the vehicle was allegedly used and registered in Victoria.

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

Steadfast Unveils Prevail: A New Era in High Net Worth and Farm Insurance
Steadfast Unveils Prevail: A New Era in High Net Worth and Farm Insurance
17 Jan 2026: Paige Estritori
In a significant development for the Australian insurance landscape, Steadfast has announced the launch of Prevail, a new specialist agency designed to cater to high net worth individuals and the farming sector. This initiative brings together three well-established underwriting agencies-Mansions, Dawes, and Argis-under a unified brand, aiming to provide comprehensive and tailored insurance solutions. - read more
Harland Green Launches Comprehensive All-Risk Insurance for Large-Scale Farms
Harland Green Launches Comprehensive All-Risk Insurance for Large-Scale Farms
17 Jan 2026: Paige Estritori
Harland Green, a newly established Lloyd's coverholder, has introduced an all-risk farm insurance package specifically designed for large commercial farming operations in Australia. This initiative aims to address the complex and evolving needs of the agricultural sector by offering comprehensive coverage that encompasses various aspects of farm operations. - read more
Allstate Underwriting and Mitsui Sumitomo Join Forces to Strengthen Farm Insurance Offerings
Allstate Underwriting and Mitsui Sumitomo Join Forces to Strengthen Farm Insurance Offerings
17 Jan 2026: Paige Estritori
Allstate Underwriting Agencies has announced a strategic partnership with Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance (MSI) to enhance its capacity in providing insurance solutions for medium, small, and hobby farms across Australia. This collaboration is set to bolster Allstate's presence in the farm pack market, offering tailored products that meet the specific needs of these farming segments. - read more
Envest Group's TLI Underwriting: A New Era for Large Truck Fleet Insurance
Envest Group's TLI Underwriting: A New Era for Large Truck Fleet Insurance
17 Jan 2026: Paige Estritori
Envest Group, a prominent entity in the insurance sector, has announced the launch of TLI Underwriting, a specialised heavy motor agency set to commence operations at the end of this month. This new venture is poised to cater specifically to the insurance needs of larger truck fleets, marking a significant expansion in Envest's service offerings. - read more
ICA's Strategic Plan to Combat Escalating Motor Insurance Costs
ICA's Strategic Plan to Combat Escalating Motor Insurance Costs
17 Jan 2026: Paige Estritori
The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) has unveiled a comprehensive report titled 'Motor Insurance Policy Paper - A Roadmap for Reducing Rising Premiums,' addressing the significant 42% increase in comprehensive motor insurance premiums since 2019. This surge has brought the average annual premium to $1,052 in 2024, prompting the need for coordinated action to alleviate the financial burden on consumers. - read more
Australian Insurers Face Growing Challenges in Risk Preparedness
Australian Insurers Face Growing Challenges in Risk Preparedness
17 Jan 2026: Paige Estritori
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
Declining Value in Private Health Insurance Sparks Calls for Reform
Declining Value in Private Health Insurance Sparks Calls for Reform
17 Jan 2026: Paige Estritori
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
Australian Insurers Embrace Innovation to Combat Natural Hazard Risks
Australian Insurers Embrace Innovation to Combat Natural Hazard Risks
17 Jan 2026: Paige Estritori
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
Insuregroup's Remarkable Growth Reflects Surge in Truck Insurance Demand
Insuregroup's Remarkable Growth Reflects Surge in Truck Insurance Demand
16 Jan 2026: Paige Estritori
Insuregroup, a specialist insurance brokerage serving Australia's transport and logistics sector, has recently announced a significant milestone: processing over 10,000 insurance policies since its inception, with a 25% increase in policy volume over the past year. This growth underscores the escalating demand for comprehensive truck insurance solutions tailored to the unique needs of Australian freight operators. - read more
Envest Group Unveils TLI Underwriting: A New Era for Heavy Motor Fleet Insurance
Envest Group Unveils TLI Underwriting: A New Era for Heavy Motor Fleet Insurance
16 Jan 2026: Paige Estritori
Envest Group, a prominent player in Australia's insurance sector, has announced the launch of TLI Underwriting, a new agency dedicated to providing specialised insurance solutions for heavy motor fleet operators. This strategic move aims to address the unique challenges faced by larger transport businesses in Australia. - read more


Farm Insurance Articles

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
Proven Strategies for Australian Farmers to Reduce Farm Insurance Premiums
Proven Strategies for Australian Farmers to Reduce Farm Insurance Premiums
Welcome to our comprehensive guide on navigating the complexities of farm insurance for Australian farmers. As an integral part of the agricultural industry, insurance provides a safety net that helps secure the livelihood of farmers against unpredictable events that can lead to financial hardship. From property damage due to natural disasters to loss of livestock or crops, having adequate farm insurance can make all the difference in keeping a farming operation afloat in times of crisis. - read more
Risk Management and Insurance Options for Farmers
Risk Management and Insurance Options for Farmers
Risk management is the practice of identifying, assessing, and prioritizing risks followed by coordinated efforts to minimize, monitor, and control the probability or impact of unfortunate events. In farming, risk management involves various strategies to protect the financial health and operational stability of the farm. - read more
The Digital Farmer's Guide to Insuring Your Agribusiness in the Tech Age
The Digital Farmer's Guide to Insuring Your Agribusiness in the Tech Age
Welcome to the defining era where technology and agriculture entwine, bringing forth the digital farmer's era. With the evolution of agribusiness in the tech age, comes an array of new tools, opportunities, and risks. As a custodian of the earth and steward of the latest innovations, safeguarding your digital farm is just as crucial as nurturing your crops and livestock. - read more
How to Protect Your Harvest: Tips for Choosing the Right Crop Insurance
How to Protect Your Harvest: Tips for Choosing the Right Crop Insurance
Farming, at its core, is an enterprise fraught with uncertainty. Weather calamities, pests, diseases, and fluctuating market conditions can all impact the output and quality of produce. This is where crop insurance proves its worth, serving as a safety net for farmers against the myriad risks they face each season. - 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
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
Insurance for Hobby Farms: Finding the Right Coverage
Insurance for Hobby Farms: Finding the Right Coverage
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
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
Protecting Your Herd: The Aussie Farmer's Guide to Livestock Insurance
Protecting Your Herd: The Aussie Farmer's Guide to Livestock Insurance
For Australian farmers, livestock is more than just a vital asset; it's the heartbeat of their livelihood. In a land where the sunburnt plains are as relentless as they are beautiful, protecting your herd isn't just a duty; it's a necessity. That's where livestock insurance comes into play—a shield against the unpredictability of Mother Nature. - 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
Peril:
A specific risk or cause of loss covered by an insurance policy, such as fire, theft, or flood.