AFCA Rules Against Engine Theft Coverage in Motor Policy Dispute

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.

The crux of the AFCA's ruling rested on the lack of evidence indicating the claimant's ownership of the engine, thereby negating any financial loss acknowledged under the policy. According to an AFCA ombudsman, even if ownership was established, the engine's status-intended but not installed-did not align with the policy’s definitions of 'vehicle' or 'modifications.'

Furthermore, the complainant had not opted for an additional policy benefit that could extend the cover to spare parts awaiting assembly into the insured vehicle. As a result, the claim for engine theft remains outside the current policy's provisions.

The insured also sought assistance from IAG to recover costs from the repairer, a request AFCA deemed inappropriate, emphasizing that issues pertaining to the repairer fell outside the scope of his insurance contract. This path remains a private matter between the claimant and the repairer involved.

This case highlights the critical importance for policyholders to thoroughly understand the intricacies and limitations of their insurance policies, particularly regarding coverage for vehicle components not yet integrated into the car. It demonstrates the necessity for explicit policy terms and the potential need for additional cover options to protect significant investments like spare parts.

The decision may prompt individual insurers and the wider insurance market to reassess coverage options related to spare parts and modifications to align with consumer expectations and reduce disputes. Policyholders are advised to consult their insurers to ensure adequate coverage, especially when dealing with valuable customizations or restorations. This incident serves as a valuable reminder to scrutinize insurance policies closely and engage with insurers proactively to clarify available coverage options.

Published:Sunday, 4th May 2025
Source: Paige Estritori

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

Share this news item:

Insurance News

Clear

The Financial Perils of Travelling Uninsured: A Wake-Up Call for Australians

12 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori

Recent research has unveiled a concerning trend: 14% of Australian travellers embark on international journeys without any form of travel insurance. This statistic is even more alarming among younger travellers under 30, with nearly one in four opting to travel uninsured. Such decisions expose individuals to significant financial risks, especially when unforeseen events occur abroad. - read more

IAG CEO Predicts Ongoing Insurance Premium Rises

12 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori

Insurance Australia Group (IAG) has reported a significant 91% increase in net profit for the first half of the 2025 financial year, reaching $778 million. This surge is largely attributed to favourable weather conditions and a reduction in claims. Despite this positive financial performance, IAG's CEO, Nick Hawkins, has indicated that insurance premiums are expected to continue rising, albeit at a slower pace than in previous years. - read more

ICA Unveils Strategy to Combat Rising Motor Insurance Costs

12 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori

The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) has released a comprehensive report titled 'Motor Insurance Policy Paper - A Roadmap for Reducing Rising Premiums,' calling for urgent and coordinated action to address the systemic cost drivers behind escalating motor insurance premiums. The report highlights that comprehensive motor insurance premiums have increased by 42% since 2019, reaching an average of $1,052 per year in 2024. - read more

APRA Data Reveals Steady Performance in General Insurance Intermediaries

12 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori

The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has released its latest bi-annual report on intermediated general insurance, providing insights into market activity for the six months ending June 2025. The data indicates a stable performance among general insurance intermediaries, with total premiums invoiced through intermediaries reaching $21.5 billion. Of this, $17.6 billion was placed with APRA-authorized general insurers, $2.6 billion with Lloyd’s underwriters, and $1.3 billion with unauthorized foreign insurers. - read more

ICA Advocates for Overhaul of Civil Liability Laws Amid Rising Insurance Premiums

12 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori

The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) has recently released a white paper highlighting the urgent need for reforms to state and territory civil liability laws, which have remained largely unchanged for nearly 25 years. These outdated laws are contributing to significant increases in public liability insurance premiums, affecting a wide range of businesses across the nation. - read more

Rising Public Liability Insurance Premiums Challenge Australian Businesses

12 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori

Australian businesses are grappling with a significant rise in public liability insurance premiums, a trend attributed to outdated civil liability laws and escalating legal expenses. The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) has highlighted that some businesses have experienced premium increases of up to 60% since 2019, placing additional financial strain on various sectors. - read more

ICA Calls for National Review of Civil Liability Laws Amid Rising Insurance Costs

12 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori

The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) is advocating for a national review of civil liability laws to address the escalating costs of public liability insurance premiums affecting businesses nationwide. The ICA's recent white paper underscores the need to modernise state and territory laws that have remained largely unchanged for nearly a quarter of a century. - read more

Café's Storm Damage Claim Reduced Due to Underinsurance

12 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori

In a recent case, a café and catering business faced significant financial challenges after a storm forced its closure. The establishment ceased operations on August 28, 2024, and resumed on January 24, 2025, following repairs approved by their insurer, Suncorp. The insurer compensated the business with $280,570 for a year's gross profit loss and an additional $26,863 for increased operational costs. - read more

Insurer Ordered to Pay Arson Claim Despite Director's Past Convictions

12 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori

A recent ruling by the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) has significant implications for restaurant owners and their insurance policies. An insurer was ordered to pay an arson claim it had initially denied, citing the restaurant's sole director's failure to disclose his criminal history during the policy's inception. - read more

Undisclosed Tenant Changes Result in Denied Insurance Claim for Landlord

12 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori

A recent decision by the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) highlights the importance of landlords accurately disclosing tenant activities to their insurers. In this case, a landlord's failure to inform their insurer, AIG, about a tenant's change from operating a restaurant to hosting religious meetings led to the denial of a substantial theft claim. - read more

Click for more Insurance News