Home Parking Dilemma Leads to Insurance Dispute Loss
Home Parking Dilemma Leads to Insurance Dispute Loss
2
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 struggle with her narrow driveway has culminated in the rejection of her car theft claim, illustrating the critical importance of adhering to insurance policy stipulations.
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.
The Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) has recently ruled against Zurich Insurance, instructing the insurer to maintain the current income protection benefits for a policyholder after an 11-year delay in proposing a reduction. This decision underscores the critical importance of timely and transparent communication between insurers and their clients. - read more
In the 2025 Life Insurance Awards presented by Money Magazine, Neos has been honored as the top provider in the Income Protection Insurance category. This accolade reflects Neos's commitment to delivering comprehensive and reliable income protection solutions to Australians. - read more
Marina operators in Northern Australia are confronting a significant crisis as insurance premiums escalate dramatically, with some experiencing increases exceeding 300% over recent years. This surge in costs is placing immense financial strain on the industry, prompting urgent calls for government intervention. - read more
As global trade dynamics undergo significant shifts, GT Insurance is reaffirming its commitment to supporting marine clients navigating these challenges. The recent imposition of US tariffs-25% on Australian steel and aluminium, and 10% on other exported goods-has introduced new uncertainties for local exporters, particularly in sectors like beef and bulk freight. These tariffs, effective from April 5, 2025, have prompted concerns about declining export volumes and reduced freight margins. - read more
Business NSW, the leading business advocacy group in New South Wales, has raised alarms over the escalating insurance premiums that are placing significant financial strain on businesses across the state. Recent findings from their Business Conditions Survey reveal that nearly 80% of businesses have encountered double-digit increases in insurance costs over the past year, with one in three reporting hikes of 30% or more. These surges starkly contrast with the annual inflation rate of 2. - read more
When you’re young, life is all about new experiences and making plans for a promising future. While factors like travel, career, and relationships often take centre stage, one aspect often overlooked is life insurance. It might seem like something to consider later in life, but starting a policy while you're young can be a savvy financial move. - read more
Welcome to a pivotal guide dedicated to empowering you with the essentials of income protection insurance in Australia. As we navigate through times of uncertainty, safeguarding your financial wellbeing becomes not just a priority, but a necessity. Income protection insurance stands as one of the key pillars of financial security, ensuring a steady flow of income during periods when you're unable to work due to illness or injury. - read more
Life insurance is a crucial part of any comprehensive financial plan, providing peace of mind that your loved ones will be financially secure in the event of your passing. - read more
As the landscape of finance and personal security evolves in Australia, the importance of being insured has never been more prominent. In a world of changing family dynamics, economic pressures, and higher living costs, life insurance stands as a bastion of support ensuring the well-being of loved ones in the event of unforeseen circumstances. - read more
Life insurance is a fundamental component of a robust financial plan, yet its significance is often underestimated. It serves as a safety net, ensuring that your loved ones are financially secure in the event of your absence. Understanding life insurance is the first step towards safeguarding your family’s future. - read more
Start Here !
Apply now for your free Insurance assessment and price comparisons!
Knowledgebase
Insurable Interest: A financial or other kind of interest in the insured item or person, necessary for a valid insurance contract.
