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

Queensland Strata Owners: Act Now to Lower Your Insurance Premiums
Queensland Strata Owners: Act Now to Lower Your Insurance Premiums
05 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori
Strata property owners in North and Central Queensland are being urged to take advantage of new federal and state initiatives designed to reduce insurance premiums and enhance cyclone resilience. These programs provide financial incentives for property upgrades that can lead to significant savings on insurance costs. - read more
Strata Living in Australia: A $1.4 Trillion Market and Growing
Strata Living in Australia: A $1.4 Trillion Market and Growing
05 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori
The insured value of strata properties in Australia has reached an estimated $1.4 trillion, underscoring the growing significance of strata living in the nation's housing landscape. This substantial valuation reflects the increasing number of Australians choosing strata-titled properties as their preferred mode of residence. - read more
CHU's 2025 Report: Strata Insurance Premiums Remain Stable Amidst Industry Shifts
CHU's 2025 Report: Strata Insurance Premiums Remain Stable Amidst Industry Shifts
05 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori
CHU, Australia's largest strata insurance underwriting agency, has released its 2025 State of the Strata Market report, providing a comprehensive analysis of the current state of the industry. The report offers valuable insights into premium movements, the impact of weather events, regulatory developments, and emerging risks affecting strata insurance. - read more
Surge in Mental Health Claims Reshapes Australia's Insurance Landscape
Surge in Mental Health Claims Reshapes Australia's Insurance Landscape
02 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori
Australia's insurance industry is experiencing a significant shift as mental health conditions have become the leading cause of total and permanent disability (TPD) claims. Recent data from the Council of Australian Life Insurers (CALI) indicates that mental health issues now account for nearly one-third of all TPD claims, marking a substantial change in the industry's claim patterns. - read more
Australian Insurance Premiums See Notable Decrease
Australian Insurance Premiums See Notable Decrease
02 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori
Recent data indicates a notable decline in life and income protection insurance premiums across Australia, providing consumers with more affordable coverage options. According to the latest Direct Life Insurance Report from Rainmaker Information, direct life premiums have decreased by 7% since 2024. Similarly, direct income protection premiums have seen significant reductions, with average premiums for waiting periods of 30 days and 90 days decreasing by 12% and 13%, respectively. - read more
TAL's Health Sense Plus Now Covers Income Protection Policies
TAL's Health Sense Plus Now Covers Income Protection Policies
02 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori
In a significant development for policyholders, TAL has expanded its Health Sense Plus program to encompass income protection (IP) policies. This initiative, effective from August 8, 2025, aims to incentivise proactive health management by offering premium discounts to clients who engage in preventative health checks. - read more
Northern Australian Marinas Appeal for Government Support Amid Escalating Insurance Costs
Northern Australian Marinas Appeal for Government Support Amid Escalating Insurance Costs
02 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori
Marina operators across Northern Australia are sounding the alarm over surging insurance premiums, with some reporting increases exceeding 300% in recent years. This financial strain is prompting urgent calls for government intervention to ensure the sustainability of the industry. - read more
Coast Insurance Announces New Co-CEOs to Propel Strategic Growth
Coast Insurance Announces New Co-CEOs to Propel Strategic Growth
02 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori
In a significant move within the Australian insurance sector, Coast Insurance has appointed Stephanie Muller and Jordan Brindley as Co-Chief Executive Officers. This strategic decision underscores the company's commitment to robust leadership and sustained growth. - read more
Suncorp Braces for $350 Million Reinsurance Impact Following Severe Storms
Suncorp Braces for $350 Million Reinsurance Impact Following Severe Storms
02 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori
Recent supercell thunderstorms have wreaked havoc across South East Queensland and northern New South Wales, leading to significant financial implications for insurers. Suncorp, a major player in the Australian insurance market, is preparing for a substantial reinsurance retention of $350 million as a result of these events. - read more
QBE Insurance Faces Market Challenges as Premium Growth Slows
QBE Insurance Faces Market Challenges as Premium Growth Slows
02 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori
QBE Insurance Group, Australia's largest insurer by market value, recently experienced a significant decline in its share price, reaching a seven-month low. This downturn is primarily attributed to a noticeable slowdown in the company's premium rate growth during the third quarter of the 2025 fiscal year. - read more


Farm Insurance Articles

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
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
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
Common Pitfalls to Avoid When Insuring Your Farm Equipment
Common Pitfalls to Avoid When Insuring Your Farm Equipment
In the world of agriculture, having the right insurance coverage is essential. Farming is a high-risk industry that deals with unpredictable elements, and insuring your farm equipment can safeguard your 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
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
How to Safeguard Your Farm: A Guide for Australian Farmers
How to Safeguard Your Farm: A Guide for Australian Farmers
Farming is inherently risky. With factors like weather, pests, and market fluctuations affecting crops, it's crucial to manage these risks effectively. - 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
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
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
Rider:
An optional provision added to an insurance policy that provides additional benefits or coverage.