Farm Insurance Australia :: News
SHARE

Share this news item!

Undisclosed debt agreement results in rejected insurance claim

Undisclosed debt agreement results in rejected insurance claim

Undisclosed debt agreement results in rejected insurance claim?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 motorist lost her insurance claim dispute after failing to disclose a debt agreement while renewing her insurance policy.

The insured claimed for damage to her car following an accident in March last year. After buying her policy in i2018, she renewed it in i 2020. The client had entered a debt agreement on January 31, 2019 but failed to disclose it to her insurer at renewal.

The insurance company rejected her claim, saying it learned only recently she had a debt agreement and would not have re-issued the policy if it had known.

The insured alleged that she was not asked whether or not she had entered a debt agreement when renewing her policy but the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) determined that the insurer had reasonable grounds to deny the claim due to the non-disclosure of information by the complainant. 

The AFCA found evidence from which it appeared that the insurer informed the complainant of her duty of disclosure on policy renewal in a clear manner.

According to AFCA , “Section 21 of the [Insurance Contracts Act] provides for the insured’s duty to disclose every matter known to the insured that the insured knows to be a matter relevant to the insurer’s decision to accept the risk”.

The complainant said the insurer did not ask her specific questions about her financial position and was unaware of her need to inform the insurer that she had a debt agreement.

“I acknowledge that the complainant says that the insurer should have specifically asked her about her financial position during phone calls, however, the insurer is not required to do this.” AFCA said

The certificate of insurance required that the insured confirm that she was not currently bankrupt or subject to a debt agreement. The AFCA states that the complainant “provided no information to indicate a change in the matter”.

The insurer said that it was prejudiced by the fact that she withheld information about her debt agreement, and would not have renewed her policy had she informed them of this.

The insurer had to refund the complainant's premium for the policy period that commenced from her renewal if it had not done so.

Published:Wednesday, 25th May 2022
Source:

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

Share this news item:

Insurance News

Allianz Australia Penalised for Misleading Travel Insurance Information
Allianz Australia Penalised for Misleading Travel Insurance Information
24 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori
In a significant ruling, the Supreme Court of New South Wales has imposed fines totaling $16.8 million on Allianz Australia Insurance and its subsidiary, AWP Australia, for disseminating misleading information about their travel insurance products between 2016 and 2018. This decision underscores the critical importance of transparency and accuracy in the insurance sector. - read more
Survey Highlights Alarming Number of Australians Travelling Uninsured
Survey Highlights Alarming Number of Australians Travelling Uninsured
24 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori
Recent research conducted by the Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) has unveiled a concerning trend: approximately 14% of Australian travelers embark on international journeys without any form of travel insurance. This statistic has prompted industry leaders to urge Australians to reconsider the importance of securing adequate coverage before traveling abroad. - read more
Surge in Medical Claims Among Australian Travellers Highlights Importance of Comprehensive Insurance
Surge in Medical Claims Among Australian Travellers Highlights Importance of Comprehensive Insurance
24 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori
In 2024, medical incidents emerged as the leading cause of travel insurance claims among Australian travelers, accounting for more than 40% of all claims handled by nib Travel. This trend underscores the critical importance of securing comprehensive travel insurance to mitigate the financial risks associated with medical emergencies abroad. - read more
Australian Homeowners Confront Steep Rise in Insurance Premiums
Australian Homeowners Confront Steep Rise in Insurance Premiums
24 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori
Over the past five years, Australian homeowners have experienced a significant 51% increase in home insurance premiums. This surge has placed a considerable financial burden on property owners nationwide, with Darwin residents facing the highest costs. - read more
Potential Relief for Australian Policyholders Amid Global Insurance Market Downturn
Potential Relief for Australian Policyholders Amid Global Insurance Market Downturn
24 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori
Recent developments in the global financial markets have sparked discussions about potential benefits for Australian insurance policyholders. A significant sell-off in the insurance sector on Wall Street has led analysts to speculate that Australian insurance premiums could see a reduction in the near future. - read more
Climate Change Escalates Home Insurance Premiums Across Australia
Climate Change Escalates Home Insurance Premiums Across Australia
24 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori
As the effects of climate change become increasingly evident, Australian homeowners are facing a surge in home insurance premiums. The rising frequency and severity of natural disasters, such as floods, bushfires, and storms, have significantly impacted the insurance landscape, leading to higher costs for property owners. - read more
ICA Advocates for Overhaul of Civil Liability Laws to Curb Rising Insurance Premiums
ICA Advocates for Overhaul of Civil Liability Laws to Curb Rising Insurance Premiums
24 Feb 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
Liberty Adds 'Safe Harbour' Insolvency Cover to D&O Policies
Liberty Adds 'Safe Harbour' Insolvency Cover to D&O Policies
24 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori
Liberty Specialty Markets has announced the addition of a company insolvency extension to its Australian directors' and officers' (D&O) liability policies. This innovative feature is designed to support companies and their directors by covering reasonable costs incurred when engaging approved advisers under the 'safe harbour' insolvency regime. - read more
APRA Reports Significant Underwriting Gains in Short-Tail Insurance
APRA Reports Significant Underwriting Gains in Short-Tail Insurance
24 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori
The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has released data indicating a substantial underwriting profit of $1.55 billion in short-tail insurance lines for the September quarter. This marks a notable improvement in the sector's performance, with householders insurance contributing $636 million to the overall profit. - read more
Undisclosed Tenant Activities Result in Denied Insurance Claim for Landlord
Undisclosed Tenant Activities Result in Denied Insurance Claim for Landlord
24 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori
In a recent ruling by the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA), a landlord's $99,295 theft claim was denied due to non-disclosure of a tenant's change in property use. The case underscores the critical importance of accurate tenant use disclosure in property insurance policies. - read more
Car Finance- Quick & Easy
Image for Car Finance- Quick & EasyIf you are in the market for a new or used car, then we're in the market to help you arrange the money. Our car loan & leasing finance service is backed by a national panel of car loan specialists who will establish your eligibility, find lender/s offering the best deals for your situation - and help you through the approval and settlement process. No charge to you - and no obligation to proceed with any recommendations offered.


Farm Insurance Articles

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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Future-Proofing the Farm: What Every Tech-Savvy Australian Farmer Needs to Know About Insurance
Future-Proofing the Farm: What Every Tech-Savvy Australian Farmer Needs to Know About Insurance
Welcome to the first steps in future-proofing your farming legacy. When we think about the hustle and bustle of daily farm life, it's easy to overlook the critical importance of estate planning. For the Australian farmer, estate planning is not just a matter of securing your assets; it's about ensuring the survival and progression of your hard-earned labour to the next generation. - 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
Coinsurance:
A percentage of the cost of a covered healthcare service that you pay after you have paid your deductible.