Income Insurance Online :: News
SHARE

Share this news item!

Ombudsman Directs RACT Insurance to Honour Car Crash Claim Despite Undisclosed Damage

Ombudsman Directs RACT Insurance to Honour Car Crash Claim Despite Undisclosed Damage

Ombudsman Directs RACT Insurance to Honour Car Crash Claim Despite Undisclosed Damage?w=400
The Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) has intervened to instruct RACT Insurance to process a claim for a policyholder who failed to disclose prior damage to his four-wheel drive.
Initially, when securing the insurance over the phone, the owner described the vehicle as being in "good shape" with only minor scratches.
However, post-accident assessments by RACT revealed damage that seemed to have existed before the incident.

According to the claimant, the superficial damage to parts such as panels, bumpers, and the tailgate occurred in two separate instances only after purchasing the policy. RACT acknowledged these claims of post-policy incidents but argued that they didn't explain all the observed damage, suggesting a misrepresentation of the vehicle's condition at the time of policy commencement.

Despite recognising the policyholder's partial misrepresentation, AFCA highlighted that RACT had not definitively proven it would have declined insurance had the accurate condition been disclosed. The insurer's guidelines indicate that cars with "extensive damage" are automatically ineligible for coverage; however, those with "some damage" may still qualify. AFCA determined that the identified damage likened more to "some damage" than the "extensive damage" that would categorically void coverage.

This determination underscores the significance of transparent communication between policyholders and insurers regarding vehicle conditions. It highlights the thresholds insurance companies apply in policy evaluations and the necessity of their transparency. This decision not only affects the insured's entitlement to coverage but also serves as a key precedent for similar cases, promoting greater clarity about what constitutes significant pre-existing damage that could deny coverage.

The decision sets a vital precedent in the insurance industry, reinforcing the need for clear disclosure guidelines and policies that articulate what qualifies as unacceptable pre-existing damage. Insurers might need to revisit and possibly adjust their underwriting criteria to ensure alignment with regulatory expectations and reduce disputes. For the consumer, this case serves as a reminder of the importance of full disclosure and understanding the conditions under which their policy operates.

Published:Friday, 3rd Oct 2025
Source: Paige Estritori

Share this news item:

Insurance News

NSW and SA Initiate Trials for Increased Mass Limits on Zero-Emissions Trucks
NSW and SA Initiate Trials for Increased Mass Limits on Zero-Emissions Trucks
13 Oct 2025: Paige Estritori
In a significant move towards sustainable transport, New South Wales (NSW) and South Australia (SA) have commenced trials permitting higher mass limits for zero-emissions trucks. This initiative aims to encourage the adoption of environmentally friendly heavy vehicles by addressing existing regulatory constraints. - read more
Austroads Survey Uncovers Safety Concerns with Overseas Licensed Heavy Vehicle Drivers
Austroads Survey Uncovers Safety Concerns with Overseas Licensed Heavy Vehicle Drivers
13 Oct 2025: Paige Estritori
A recent survey conducted by Austroads has brought to light significant safety concerns regarding overseas licensed heavy vehicle drivers operating in Australia. With over 1,900 respondents, the survey aims to inform potential policy changes to enhance road safety and driver competency. - read more
ICA Advocates for Government Reforms to Mitigate Rising Motor Insurance Premiums
ICA Advocates for Government Reforms to Mitigate Rising Motor Insurance Premiums
13 Oct 2025: Paige Estritori
The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) has issued a call for urgent government action to address the escalating costs of motor insurance premiums. Highlighting a 42% increase in comprehensive motor insurance premiums since 2019, the ICA attributes this surge to various systemic cost drivers. - read more
Suncorp's Earnings Surge and Share Buyback Announcement
Suncorp's Earnings Surge and Share Buyback Announcement
13 Oct 2025: Paige Estritori
Suncorp, a prominent Australian insurer, has reported an 8% increase in full-year cash earnings, reaching A$1.49 billion for the year ending June 30, 2025. This performance exceeded analyst expectations and underscores the company's robust financial health. - read more
ASIC's Legal Action Against RACQ Insurance: What You Need to Know
ASIC's Legal Action Against RACQ Insurance: What You Need to Know
13 Oct 2025: Paige Estritori
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has commenced Federal Court proceedings against RACQ Insurance, alleging that the insurer misled more than 570,000 customers through deceptive premium comparison figures in renewal notices issued between September 2019 and December 2024. - read more
Click for more Insurance News


Life Insurance Articles

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
How Accidental Income Protection Insurance Can Provide Peace of Mind
How Accidental Income Protection Insurance Can Provide Peace of Mind
Accidental income protection insurance is a type of policy that provides financial support if you are unable to work due to an accident. Unlike regular income protection insurance, which can cover illnesses and injuries, this specific insurance focuses solely on accidents. - read more
Income Protection Insurance Explained: Ensure Your Livelihood in Times of Uncertainty
Income Protection Insurance Explained: Ensure Your Livelihood in Times of Uncertainty
When life takes an unexpected turn, whether due to illness, injury, or other unforeseen events, the financial repercussions can be devastating. This is where income protection insurance becomes an essential component of maintaining financial stability. Income protection insurance acts as a safety net, ensuring that even in times of hardship, your financial obligations can be met, and your standard of living maintained. - 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
Deciphering Your Policy: A Beginner's Guide to Insurance Terminology
Deciphering Your Policy: A Beginner's Guide to Insurance Terminology
Welcome to the world of insurance – a domain where words like 'deductible' and 'premium' can significantly impact your financial protection and peace of mind. As a beginner, grasping the basics of insurance terminology is the first step towards making informed decisions about the policies that safeguard your assets and future. In this guide, we will embark on a journey through the language of insurance, which can often seem as complex as the policies themselves. - read more


Start Here

Monthly Income Benefit:
Postcode:

All quotes are provided free on our secure server and without obligation. We respect your privacy.

Knowledgebase
Deductible:
The amount you must pay out-of-pocket for expenses before your insurance company covers the remaining costs.

Quick Links: | Income Insurance | Income Protection Insurance | Income Insurance For Self-employed | Income Insurance Quotes | Best Income Insurance Australia | Income Insurance For Employees | Income Insurance Comparison | Income Protection For Contractors | Temporary Income Protection | Income Replacement Insurance | Income Protection Policy
This website is owned and operated by Clark Family Pty Ltd (as Trustee for the Clark Family Trust) 43 Larch Street Tallebudgera QLD 4228, A.C.N. 010281008, authorised Financial Services Representative of Unique Group Broker Services Pty Ltd, Australian Financial Services License 509434. Visit the ASIC website for additional licensing information.
IMPORTANT: We are neither authorised nor licensed to provide finance or financial products and we do not offer any form of credit or other financial advice. All product enquiries and requests for financial and/or other advice on this website are referred to third party intermediaries, insurers and lenders - with whom you can then deal directly. We may receive a fee or commission from these third parties in consideration for the referral. Before any action is taken to obtain a product or service referred to by this website, advice should be obtained (from either the third party to whom we refer you or from another qualified intermediary) as to the appropriateness of obtaining those products having regard to your objectives, financial situation and needs. Whilst we have our own process for vaidating the legitimacy of our referral partners, you should always verify the credentials of your financial adviser before proceeding with recommendations that they may present. Visit the ASIC website for further information.