Income Insurance Online :: News
SHARE

Share this news item!

Car Collector Fails in Bid for $122k Insurance Windfall

Car Collector Fails in Bid for $122k Insurance Windfall

Car Collector Fails in Bid for $122k Insurance Windfall?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 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.

Published:Wednesday, 24th Jul 2024
Author: Paige Estritori

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.

Share this news item:

Rate this article

0 Comments

No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts.

Insurance News

Why Builder Insolvencies Are Becoming a Strata Insurance Issue
Why Builder Insolvencies Are Becoming a Strata Insurance Issue
26 Aug 2026: Paige Estritori
Fresh reporting on Australia's construction sector has highlighted a problem that strata communities cannot afford to treat as background noise: builder and trade contractor failures remain a live risk for apartment buildings, particularly where major repairs, defect rectification or insurance reinstatement works are required. - read more
Why Rebuild Cost Pressure Matters for Strata Insurance
Why Rebuild Cost Pressure Matters for Strata Insurance
26 Aug 2026: Paige Estritori
Fresh attention on Australia's construction cost environment is a useful reminder for strata communities that insurance adequacy is not just about the premium charged at renewal. For owners corporations and body corporates, the more important question is whether the insured value of the building would still be enough to rebuild, reinstate common property and meet associated professional costs after a major loss. - read more
Why Clearer Insurance Communication Matters for Employers
Why Clearer Insurance Communication Matters for Employers
26 Aug 2026: Paige Estritori
ASIC’s latest scrutiny of insurance in superannuation communications is a timely reminder that life cover is only valuable when people understand when it applies, what it pays, and where the gaps may sit. For employers, CFOs and HR leaders, this is not just a superannuation fund issue. It goes directly to workforce wellbeing, benefit design and the way organisations explain financial protection to their people. - read more
What Stronger Insurer Results Mean for Tradies at Renewal Time
What Stronger Insurer Results Mean for Tradies at Renewal Time
26 Aug 2026: Paige Estritori
APRA’s latest general insurance statistics point to a sector that is in a stronger financial position than it was during the worst of recent inflation, repair-cost and catastrophe pressures. For Australian tradies, that sounds positive at first glance: a well-capitalised insurance market is better placed to pay claims, support recovery after major loss events and keep products available across higher-risk occupations and regions. - read more
What Simpler Advice Rules May Mean for Life Insurance
What Simpler Advice Rules May Mean for Life Insurance
26 Aug 2026: Paige Estritori
The latest stage of Australia’s financial advice reform debate has direct implications for life insurance, particularly for people who hold cover through superannuation or have avoided seeking advice because of cost and complexity. The policy direction is aimed at making limited, practical guidance easier to access, including through super funds and financial institutions, while still maintaining consumer protections. - read more


Life Insurance Articles

5 Key Factors to Consider When Shopping for Income Protection in Australia
5 Key Factors to Consider When Shopping for Income Protection in Australia
Welcome to our comprehensive guide on securing your financial future in Australia. In a world of uncertainties, income protection insurance plays a critical role in maintaining your financial security and peace of mind. - read more
Combining Financial Security and Affordability: Income Protection for Australians Explained
Combining Financial Security and Affordability: Income Protection for Australians Explained
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
Income Safety Net: How to Choose the Right Income Protection for Your Lifestyle
Income Safety Net: How to Choose the Right Income Protection for Your Lifestyle
In the face of life's unpredictable twists and turns, few things are as disconcerting as the possibility of suddenly losing your ability to earn an income due to illness. Such events are often unexpected and can have significant financial repercussions that interrupt not only your flow of daily life but also compromise your future plans. - read more
Separating Fact from Fiction: The Myths of Income Insurance Revealed
Separating Fact from Fiction: The Myths of Income Insurance Revealed
Have you ever thought about how you would manage financially if you couldn't work due to an illness or injury? Income protection insurance is designed to replace a significant portion of your income if you find yourself unable to earn for an extended period. It's an essential safety net, providing peace of mind and financial stability during times of uncertainty. - read more
How to Compare Income Protection Policies When You Have a Medical History
How to Compare Income Protection Policies When You Have a Medical History
In today's ever-changing world, financial security is a cornerstone of peace of mind, particularly for Australians grappling with medical histories. Income protection insurance emerges as a pivotal solution, safeguarding not only the individual’s fiscal health but the well-being of their dependents. This introduction explores the nuances of income protection insurance and its particular significance for those with pre-existing medical conditions. - read more

Knowledgebase
Professional indemnity:
An insurance that provides cover for liability incurred in the course of exercising a profession.