Farm Insurance Australia :: News
SHARE

Share this news item!

Homeowner Triumphs in Ground Movement Damage Claim

Homeowner Triumphs in Ground Movement Damage Claim

Homeowner Triumphs in Ground Movement Damage 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 homeowner's dispute over damage caused by ground movement due to a leaking pipe has received a favorable verdict from the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA), promising significant coverage for repairs.

The homeowner noticed cracking in a load-bearing wall on July 8, 2022, and quickly linked the issue to a leaking water main he discovered the next day. He attributed the cracking and additional damage throughout his house to ground movement from the leak.

Independent assessments commissioned by Hollard Insurance presented contrasting views. A plumber observed substantial leakage, resulting in damp conditions and soaking of nearby stumps. He suspected this might have led to slight settlement problems and further cracking within the property, particularly in the kitchen area.

Hollard's engineer, however, inspected the house roughly a month later. Their report downplayed the leaking pipe, chalking up the damage to long-term issues associated with the soil's properties, including seasonal moisture changes and environmental causes. According to the engineer, the cracking damage predated the observed leak and was related to the house's history.

The homeowner highlighted extensive renovation work conducted between 2016 and 2019 to stabilize the foundations of his 1930s-era home, including underpinning and relevelling. He noted the lack of substantial cracking until the sudden appearance of damage in July 2022.

AFCA’s evaluation supported the homeowner’s evidence that the damage in the newer parts of the house was a recent development. Video footage and the plumber's testimony showed significant leakage, undermining the engineer's less critical assessment. AFCA also questioned the conclusiveness of the engineer's floor-level survey.

"While there is a history of movement-related damage, the noted cracking around the extension did not follow this pattern," AFCA determined. According to the authority, the factors cited by the engineer involved gradual, long-term damage, but in this case, the damage seemingly appeared suddenly due to the leaking pipe.

In its final ruling, AFCA concluded that the homeowner's losses likely resulted from an unexpected, sudden release of water. Consequently, Hollard Insurance would be responsible for repairing the assessed damage or covering repair costs. However, unrelated damage not connected to the leak would be excluded from coverage.

The case underscores the importance of independent reviews and cultivates awareness about homeowners' rights amidst damage disputes. AFCA's decision shines a light on their role in ensuring fair evaluations are considered in claim disputes.

This ruling is reported with original insights from an article appearing in Insurance News.

Published:Monday, 15th Jul 2024
Source: Paige Estritori

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

Share this news item:

Insurance News

Survey Highlights Alarming Number of Australians Travelling Uninsured
Survey Highlights Alarming Number of Australians Travelling Uninsured
16 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
IAG's Impressive FY25 Performance and Strategic Outlook for FY26
IAG's Impressive FY25 Performance and Strategic Outlook for FY26
16 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori
Insurance Australia Group (IAG) has reported a notable 4.3% increase in gross written premium (GWP), reaching $17.1 billion for the fiscal year 2025. This growth is accompanied by a net profit after tax of $1.36 billion, marking a significant rise from the previous year's $898 million. The company's reported insurance profit stands at $1.74 billion, with a margin of 17.5%, and a return on equity improving to 19.4%. Shareholders are set to benefit from a full-year dividend of 31. - read more
Potential Decrease in Australian Insurance Premiums Amid Global Market Downturn
Potential Decrease in Australian Insurance Premiums Amid Global Market Downturn
16 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
NSW Court Decision Escalates Liability Risks for Construction Industry
NSW Court Decision Escalates Liability Risks for Construction Industry
16 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori
A recent landmark ruling in New South Wales has significantly altered the liability landscape for the construction industry. The court's decision removes the ability for developers and builders to rely on proportionate liability defences under the Design and Building Practitioners Act 2020 (DBP Act), thereby increasing their exposure to claims related to building defects. - read more
Rising Public Liability Insurance Premiums Challenge Australian Businesses
Rising Public Liability Insurance Premiums Challenge Australian Businesses
16 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori
The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has released its latest National Claims and Policies Database (NCPD) statistics, revealing a substantial increase in public liability insurance premiums over recent years. According to the data, premiums have risen by 40% since 2015, a rate that surpasses general inflation and places additional financial strain on businesses across the country. - read more
IAG Foresees Ongoing Insurance Premium Rises Amidst Inflation and Climate Concerns
IAG Foresees Ongoing Insurance Premium Rises Amidst Inflation and Climate Concerns
16 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori
Insurance Australia Group (IAG), a leading insurer in the Australian market, has reported a significant 91% increase in net profit for the first half of the 2024-2025 financial year, amounting to $778 million. This surge is largely attributed to favourable weather conditions during the period. Despite this positive financial outcome, IAG's CEO, Nick Hawkins, has indicated that insurance premiums are expected to continue rising, though at a more moderated pace compared to previous years. - read more
Lismore Pizza Restaurant Secures Insurance Payout After Stormwater Damage Dispute
Lismore Pizza Restaurant Secures Insurance Payout After Stormwater Damage Dispute
16 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori
A Lismore-based pizza restaurant has successfully resolved an insurance dispute concerning stormwater damage sustained during severe weather events in February 2023. The restaurant experienced multiple instances of stormwater ingress between 10 pm on February 27 and 4 am on February 28, with water levels reaching up to 100mm before the premises were overwhelmed by floodwaters. - read more
CHU Revamps Residential Strata Insurance Policies
CHU Revamps Residential Strata Insurance Policies
16 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori
In August 2025, CHU, Australia's largest strata underwriting agency, announced significant updates to its residential strata insurance policies. These enhancements are designed to address evolving customer needs by removing complexities, bridging coverage gaps, and ensuring better protection for strata residents. - read more
NSW Implements Stricter Strata Maintenance Regulations
NSW Implements Stricter Strata Maintenance Regulations
16 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori
In November 2025, New South Wales (NSW) introduced a series of reforms aimed at strengthening the maintenance and repair obligations of strata properties. These changes empower NSW Fair Trading to issue compliance notices and enter enforceable undertakings with owners' corporations that fail to maintain and repair common property as required. - read more
Strata Communities Endorse Call for Enhanced Resilience Reforms
Strata Communities Endorse Call for Enhanced Resilience Reforms
15 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori
Strata communities are at the forefront of Australia's resilience battle, facing escalating costs, declining coverage, and prolonged recovery periods following disasters. Strata Community Association Australasia (SCA) has expressed strong support for the Insurance Council of Australia's (ICA) recent call for coordinated, long-term resilience reforms to protect communities from these challenges. - read more


Farm Insurance Articles

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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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


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.