Life Insurance Australia :: News
SHARE

Share this news item!

AFCA Supports RAA Insurance in Vehicle Location Dispute

AFCA Supports RAA Insurance in Vehicle Location Dispute

AFCA Supports RAA Insurance in Vehicle Location Dispute?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.

An insurance dispute over the location of a vehicle culminated in the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) backing RAA Insurance in their decision to deny a claim.
The issue surrounded the policyholder's claim that her son’s car was stored in South Australia, while the vehicle was allegedly used and registered in Victoria.

The son, who initially filed the claim following an accident in April of the previous year, saw his claim denied by RAA Insurance. The insurance provider, based in South Australia, concluded that the vehicle was a total loss but rejected the claim after discovering the car's purchase and registration in Victoria despite frequent visits to South Australia.

During the claims process, the son portrayed himself as the primary driver, asserting minimal use by his mother, the policyholder. However, he later altered his statements to AFCA, stating that the car was never his and was unregistered in Victoria. AFCA found these new assertions unconvincing due to the lack of documentation supporting his position.

The ombudsman involved in the dispute stated that evidence indicated the vehicle was mainly used, registered, and stored in Victoria at the time the policy was taken out. Consequently, it was determined that the policyholder misrepresented the car's usual location and storage when securing insurance coverage.

RAA Insurance referenced their underwriting standards, emphasizing that they do not extend coverage to vehicles registered outside South Australia or the Broken Hill postcode. A declaration from an RAA employee supported this position, confirming that the vehicle’s Victorian registration would have led to denial of coverage initiation.

AFCA observed that such misrepresentation compromised RAA's risk assessment capabilities, justifying the insurer's decision to decline the claim. The omission of accurate information about the vehicle's storage location led to the policy being issued under false pretenses. AFCA concluded that compelling the insurer to honor the claim would be unjust, given the circumstances.

Published:Thursday, 24th Apr 2025
Source: Paige Estritori

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

Share this news item:

Insurance News

Surge in Mental Health Claims Challenges Australia's Income Protection Insurance
Surge in Mental Health Claims Challenges Australia's Income Protection Insurance
25 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori
Recent data from the Council of Australian Life Insurers (CALI) reveals a significant shift in the landscape of income protection insurance in Australia. Mental health conditions have emerged as the leading cause of total and permanent disability (TPD) claims, accounting for nearly one-third of all claims paid. In 2024 alone, insurers disbursed over $2.2 billion for retail mental health claims, a figure that has almost doubled compared to five years prior. - read more
Decline in Income Protection Premiums Reflects Market Adjustments in Australia
Decline in Income Protection Premiums Reflects Market Adjustments in Australia
25 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori
Recent research from Rainmaker Information indicates a notable decrease in income protection insurance premiums across Australia. Direct income protection premiums have fallen by 12% for policies with a 30-day waiting period and 13% for those with a 90-day waiting period since 2024. Similarly, premiums for life products sold through advisers have decreased by 5%, with income protection premiums dropping by 7% for 30-day waiting periods and 5% for 90-day periods. - read more
Superannuation Insurance Extends Coverage to 6 Million More Australians
Superannuation Insurance Extends Coverage to 6 Million More Australians
25 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori
New research from the Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia (ASFA) reveals that superannuation insurance now provides critical protection to over 6 million Australians who would otherwise be uninsured. This expansion has been achieved without impacting household spending, as the coverage is included within superannuation contributions. - read more
Adore Beauty's Strategic Acquisition of Ikou Enhances Market Presence
Adore Beauty's Strategic Acquisition of Ikou Enhances Market Presence
25 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori
In a significant move within the Australian beauty industry, Adore Beauty has announced the acquisition of wellness and skincare brand Ikou for $25 million. This strategic decision aims to bolster Adore Beauty's private label offerings and marks its entry into the physical retail space. - read more
Government Scrutinizes Health Insurers' Pricing Practices
Government Scrutinizes Health Insurers' Pricing Practices
25 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori
Health Minister Mark Butler has issued a stern warning to private health insurers regarding the use of 'underhanded' tactics to raise premiums. This comes in response to findings that some insurers have been closing old policies and introducing more expensive ones, effectively increasing costs for consumers. - read more


Life Insurance Articles

A Millennial's Guide to Life Insurance
A Millennial's Guide to Life Insurance
For many millennials, navigating the complexities of personal finance and future planning can feel like a bewildering journey. Among these financial responsibilities, life insurance emerges as a paramount consideration. More than just a safety net, life insurance can be the cornerstone of a sound financial strategy, providing peace of mind for both the policyholder and their loved ones. - read more
Life Insurance and Estate Planning: What You Need to Know
Life Insurance and Estate Planning: What You Need to Know
Life insurance and estate planning are critical components of financial security. They ensure that your loved ones are protected financially when you are no longer around. By understanding these tools, you can take significant steps to secure your family's future. - read more
Trauma Cover: Calculating Adequate Protection for Life's Unexpected Moments
Trauma Cover: Calculating Adequate Protection for Life's Unexpected Moments
The financial fabric of our lives consists of both planning and safeguarding against the unforeseen. Trauma cover, a lesser-known but crucial aspect of personal insurance, provides this protection by offering a lump sum payment upon diagnosis of specific serious illnesses or injuries. In the tapestry of financial planning, it acts as a vital safety net, ensuring that unexpected health crises do not lead to monetary distress. - read more
How Life Insurance Provides Financial Security for Your Loved Ones
How Life Insurance Provides Financial Security for Your Loved Ones
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
The Impact of Parenthood on Your Life Insurance Choices
The Impact of Parenthood on Your Life Insurance Choices
Life insurance, a contract between an insurer and a policyholder, is designed to provide financial protection to loved ones in the event of the policyholder's death. For parents, this protection takes on a new level of significance. The birth of a child heralds a profound shift in priorities, with a focus on safeguarding the future of one's family. Hence, understanding life insurance options becomes a crucial aspect of responsible parenting. - read more


Start Here !
life insurance
Apply now for your free Insurance assessment and price comparisons!

Start Here

Life Cover Amount:
Postcode:

All quotes are provided free and without obligation by a Specialist from our National Broker referral panel. See our Privacy Statement for more details.


Knowledgebase
Umbrella Policy:
An additional insurance policy that provides extra liability coverage beyond the limits of the insured's primary policies.