Car Collector Fails in Bid for $122k Insurance Windfall
Car Collector Fails in Bid for $122k Insurance Windfall
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 car enthusiast's efforts to boost his insurance payout from $78,000 to $200,000 after his rare vehicle was destroyed by fire have been thwarted.
The dispute began when the owner's 2005 HSV Coupe GTO Z Series succumbed to flames in March of the previous year. RACQ Insurance accepted the total loss and initially valued the vehicle at $68,000.
However, the unsatisfied owner declined this offer, leading to an independent valuation which described the car as being in “good condition for its age and mileage” despite its 315,000km on the odometer.
Although comparable lower-mileage vehicles were advertised above $81,000, the heavy usage severely reduced its collectible appeal, the independent valuer noted. Conclusively, the evaluator deemed the insurer's offer reasonable.
The car owner contested this, alleging RACQ Insurance's assessment was flawed, particularly regarding the engine type and the car's rarity as one of only 60 manual transmission models, asserting its condition was excellent.
In response, RACQ revised their offer to $78,000 factoring in the vehicle's unique modifications and reconditioned engine, but the claimant stood firm in his refusal.
The Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA), upon review, sided with the insurer. AFCA deemed RACQ Insurance's valuation and the independent assessment to be “logical, well-considered and helpful.”
According to Glass's Guide referenced by the AFCA, the vehicle's maximum estimated market value could not exceed $58,100, considering its age and mileage. Although rare, evidence was insufficient to justify a $200,000 evaluation.
The AFCA stated, “The complainant has not provided persuasive evidence to demonstrate the vehicle's worth is beyond what the insurer offered. Under such conditions, adjusting the settlement upward would not be justifiable.”
Reference: Original findings from the Australian Financial Complaints Authority's ruling were sourced from RACQ Insurance's appeal letter. Read more about the decision here.
Please Note: We do not endorse any specific products or companies. Some content is sourced from third parties, including press releases, and may not be independently verified for accuracy or completeness.
The ACCC’s fifth and final insurance monitoring report has given strata committees in cyclone-exposed regions a clearer view of what the Cyclone Reinsurance Pool is-and is not-achieving. Released on 25 June 2026, the report found that the pool has helped reduce or moderate premiums for policyholders in higher cyclone-risk areas, including residential strata schemes. - read more
Australian tradies know the pressure of keeping cover in place while juggling wages, materials, fuel, tax, vehicle costs and unpredictable cash flow. A new review by the General Insurance Code Governance Committee is a timely reminder that the way an insurance renewal is presented can make a real difference to what a small business owner understands, compares and ultimately pays. - read more
A new Federal Court penalty against Mercer Super has put another spotlight on the systems that sit behind insurance held through superannuation. Mercer Super has been ordered to pay $10.3 million after failures to report internal investigations into significant member service issues to ASIC, including one matter involving insurance premiums that continued to be charged after members had died. - read more
Australia’s H5 bird flu situation has moved quickly, with authorities responding to new detections in migratory seabirds, including a confirmed case in New South Wales and further concerns in Western Australia. Importantly for producers, officials have continued to stress that there is currently no evidence of infection in poultry or the wider agricultural production system, and the public health risk remains low. - read more
Australian small and medium-sized businesses have another management liability option to consider, after BizCover expanded its partnership with Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Company on 1 July 2026. The new product has been added to BizCover’s online platform and is aimed at organisations with annual turnover up to $25 million and up to 200 staff, with cover limits available up to $5 million. - read more
Financial security is a cornerstone of peace of mind, particularly when life is known for its unpredictability. This introductory section sheds light on the vital nature of income protection insurance and its role in safeguarding Australians' financial well-being. Ensuring continual financial inflow during times of illness or injury not only offers stability but also protects one's standard of living. - read more
Financial security is crucial in today's unpredictable world, where unexpected events can disrupt the stability and comfort of our daily lives. For Australians, protecting one's income and lifestyle from unforeseen circumstances is a key component of personal finance. - read more
In the uncertain times we face today, where both health and economic climates are unpredictable, safeguarding your financial stability becomes paramount. This is where income protection insurance steps in as an essential safety net. For many Australian families, it's the buffer that ensures life's financial commitments are met, even when ability to work is compromised. - read more
Income protection insurance is a safeguard that provides individuals with financial stability in the event they are unable to work due to illness or injury. This type of insurance typically replaces a significant percentage of the insured's income, ensuring that their financial commitments can still be met during periods when they cannot earn an income through employment. - read more
Filing an insurance claim in Australia can be a daunting process, especially if you are not familiar with the necessary steps and requirements. Claiming insurance is crucial when you need financial support, whether due to a natural disaster, accident, or another unexpected event. - read more
Knowledgebase
Indemnity: A legal principle that stipulates that insurance policies should restore the insured to the financial position they were in before the loss.
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts.