Home Parking Dilemma Leads to Insurance Dispute Loss

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 insurer, SGUAS, denied the claim based on a clause that excluded coverage for vehicles left on the street between 10pm and 5am. The woman's car was stolen at 2am from directly outside her house, with the thieves gaining access by breaking into her home and taking the keys.

According to a police report, the location of the car would not have deterred the thieves, who broke a window to enter the house. “Regardless of where the car was parked, the offenders would have successfully taken the vehicle," stated the report.

The car owner revealed that she bought her insurance through a broker and relied on him for managing all details. She admitted to frequently parking on the street because of the difficulty in maneuvering her car into the narrow driveway and carport of her new home.

During the investigation, her broker argued to the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) that the car would have been stolen regardless of its parking spot. However, AFCA maintained that the insurer was not liable as the homeowner did not inform them of her regular street parking, a critical deviation from the declared parking arrangements.

AFCA's ombudsman expressed sympathy for the homeowner's plight but upheld the policy's exclusion for overnight street parking. "It seems this practice was established due to the inaccessible driveway, yet the policy clearly stipulates the necessity to inform the insurer of any such changes," the ombudsman noted.

"The homeowner consistently parked on the street overnight, thereby invalidating her insurance claim due to the policy's terms. The failure to communicate this change prejudiced the insurer’s ability to assess the risk properly, justifying the claim denial," the AFCA representative explained.

AFCA further noted that street parking significantly increases the risk of theft, a factor emphasized in the insurer’s underwriting guidelines. “Even though the thieves acted boldly, the information provided by the insurer indicates a higher theft risk for cars parked on the road,” it stated.

At the inception of the policy, the homeowner’s broker had conveyed detailed parking arrangements to the insurer, even providing a picture of the carport. Yet, this information became obsolete when the homeowner developed a habit of street parking without updating the insurer.

This case serves as a stark reminder of the crucial role precise adherence to insurance policy terms plays. Policyholders should communicate any changes in their circumstances to ensure their coverage remains valid. For more details, you can refer to the original ruling by AFCA.

Published:Monday, 9th Sep 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:

Insurance News

Clear

Australian Insurers Face Challenges in Risk Preparedness

21 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori

Recent findings from the PwC Insurance Banana Skins Survey reveal that Australian insurers are trailing their global counterparts in risk preparedness, scoring 6.6% lower on the Preparedness Index. This gap highlights the pressing need for the Australian insurance industry to bolster its strategies against emerging threats. - read more

Market Concentration in Australian Insurance Industry Under Scrutiny

21 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori

Australia's general insurance market is currently dominated by four major companies-Insurance Australia Group (IAG), Suncorp, QBE, and Allianz-which collectively control nearly 75% of the market. This high level of concentration has sparked discussions about its implications for competition and consumer outcomes. - read more

Rising Insurance Premiums Challenge Australian Small Businesses

21 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori

Australian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are grappling with escalating insurance premiums, a trend largely driven by the increasing frequency and severity of natural disasters. Data from insurance comparison site BizCover indicates that business claims for severe weather events have nearly doubled over the past three years, underscoring the growing impact of climate-related incidents on the business sector. - read more

Hutch Underwriting's New Landlord Insurance: A Digital Age Solution

20 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori

In August 2025, Hutch Underwriting unveiled a pioneering landlord insurance product tailored for the Australian market. This policy stands out by integrating cyber protection, addressing the evolving digital risks that modern landlords face. - read more

Allianz Identifies Australian Suburbs with Elevated Landlord Insurance Claims

20 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori

In April 2025, Allianz Australia released a report highlighting Australian suburbs with the highest number of landlord insurance claims. The findings provide valuable insights for property investors, emphasizing the importance of understanding regional risks. - read more

Click for more Insurance News