Insurer Prevails in Fraudulent Rental Claim Dispute

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.

The claimant asserted the lot was leased to a company as a conference facility, incurring a monthly rent of $3300, but became uninhabitable due to water damage. While QBE compensated the water damage, initially declining the rental loss claim, they later approved it after a review, disbursing $31,818 from January to October 2022.

However, concerns about the rental claim's legitimacy were raised by the owners' corporation, prompting further investigation. The claimant had provided a formal lease agreement purportedly made on October 1, 2021, but the incorporation of the tenant company occurred almost six months later. The claimant's director admitted the written lease was backdated in tandem with the claim submission, originally having only a verbal agreement, believing the document was necessary for the claim's success.

Furthermore, a rental ledger indicated payments for October through December 2021, which the director later conceded were never made, fabricated to bolster claim acceptance. QBE branded these actions as attempts to unjustly secure entitlements, enabling them to retrieve $46,830 in payments and costs.

Despite opposing the fraud accusation, stating the ledger mistake was not intended to mislead, AFCA concluded the claim was deceptive. They highlighted misrepresentations regarding the timeline of the lease agreement and rent payments as intentional efforts to deceive the insurer. Given the rent claim constituted a major part of the payout, AFCA deemed it justifiable for QBE to reclaim funds.

This resolution underscores the stringent expectations on claim accuracy and integrity, flagging potential repercussions for misleading insurance practices.

Published:Monday, 17th Mar 2025
Source: Paige Estritori

Please Note: If this information affects you, seek advice from a licensed professional.

Share this news item:

Insurance News

Clear

Nutrien Ag Solutions Tops Roy Morgan's Trusted Agribusiness Survey

27 Nov 2025: Paige Estritori

In a significant development within the Australian agricultural sector, Nutrien Ag Solutions has been recognised as the nation's most trusted agribusiness, according to the latest Roy Morgan survey. This marks the first time Nutrien has achieved this distinction, overtaking Elders, a longstanding leader in the industry. - read more

Australian Sheep Industry's $139.8 Million Transition Plan in Full Swing

27 Nov 2025: Paige Estritori

The Australian sheep industry is making significant strides in its $139.8 million transition plan, aimed at modernising and strengthening the sector. Recent weeks have seen the release of several grant programs under the Sheep Industry Transition Assistance Package (SITAP), providing much-needed support to farmers and associated businesses. - read more

PGA of Western Australia Back on Track After Financial Turmoil

27 Nov 2025: Paige Estritori

The Pastoralists and Graziers Association of Western Australia (PGA) has successfully navigated a period of financial uncertainty, emerging stronger after addressing internal financial irregularities. The organisation's commitment to transparency and effective management has been pivotal in restoring confidence among its members and the broader agricultural community. - read more

Rising Insurance Premiums Pose Financial Challenges for Australian Farmers

27 Nov 2025: Paige Estritori

Australian farmers are currently facing significant financial challenges due to a sharp increase in insurance premiums. Reports indicate that some farmers have experienced a 20% rise in premiums over the past year, a trend largely attributed to the escalating risks associated with climate change. This surge in costs is prompting a concerning number of farmers to reconsider their insurance coverage, with some opting to forgo it entirely, thereby exposing themselves to substantial financial risk. - read more

Empowering the Future: Rural Aid's Initiative to Support Young Australian Farmers

27 Nov 2025: Paige Estritori

Rural Aid has launched a compelling new fundraising campaign designed to secure the future of rural Australia by supporting the next generation of farmers. This initiative seeks to address the challenges faced by young and aspiring farmers, ensuring the sustainability and growth of the nation's agricultural sector. - read more

Click for more Insurance News