Life Insurance Australia

Australian Life Insurance Quotes and Resources

Life Insurance Australia :: News

Share this news item!

Homeowner Successfully Challenges Insurer in Disclosure Dispute

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 property owner, whose home was recently flooded, has won a legal battle against his insurer over the denial of his claim.

The insurer, Auto & General Services, had alleged that the homeowner breached his policy terms by not disclosing a business operation in a farm shed on the property.

According to Auto & General Services, it denied the claim for flood damage because the homeowner failed to disclose that he had been running an air conditioner and refrigerator retail business from the shed. The insurer pointed out that during the most recent policy renewal, the homeowner confirmed that no part of the property was used for business activities or for buying, selling, or storing business products or equipment.

The homeowner admitted to operating a business out of the shed but argued that he was not required to disclose the details because the policy specifically excluded coverage for business and farming structures, including sheds. He emphasized that the policy referred to the insured dwelling as a "freestanding house" and that any losses to the shed were covered by a separate business insurance policy.

The Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) sided with the homeowner, stating that the home and contents policy did not cover the shed and it was fair for him not to disclose the business. AFCA ruled that when the homeowner answered the insurer's question about whether any part of the "property" was being used as a business premises, he understood the question to refer only to the freestanding residential dwelling where he lived. AFCA also noted that the certificate of insurance specifically mentioned the freestanding home and did not include any reference to outbuildings or sheds.

As a result of the ruling, Auto & General is now required to accept the claim and appoint a qualified expert to prepare a scope of works for repairs to the insured property. The insurer must arrange and complete the repairs or provide a cash settlement with a 15% contingency. AFCA has also instructed Auto & General to assess the homeowner's entitlement to temporary accommodation benefits and reinstate his policy.

Published:Saturday, 9th Dec 2023
Source: Paige Estritori

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

Share this news item:

Insurance News

AFCA Criticises TAL for Unfair Termination of Income Protection Benefits

16 Nov 2025: Paige Estritori

The Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) has recently ruled against TAL, a prominent life insurer, for terminating a policyholder's income protection benefits without prior notice. This decision underscores the critical importance of procedural fairness in the management of insurance claims. - read more

Actuaries Institute Highlights Financial Strain of Mental Illness on Insurance Systems

16 Nov 2025: Paige Estritori

The Actuaries Institute has issued a call for immediate action to address the escalating financial strain that mental illness is placing on Australia's insurance and compensation systems. This appeal underscores the pressing need to ensure the sustainability of the nation's financial safety net in the face of increasing mental health-related claims. - read more

Fitch Ratings Anticipates Continued Premium Increases in Australian Insurance Sector

16 Nov 2025: Paige Estritori

Fitch Ratings has projected that Australian insurers will continue to implement premium increases, with gross written premiums expected to grow by mid to high single digits. This forecast is driven by the need to offset rising claims and increased allowances for natural hazards. - read more

Surge in Cyber Insurance Adoption Among Australian Businesses

16 Nov 2025: Paige Estritori

In the past year, BizCover, a leading small business insurance provider, has reported an almost 50% rise in sales of cyber liability insurance. This significant uptick underscores the escalating awareness and concern among Australian businesses regarding cyber threats. - read more

IAG and Ag Guard Forge Partnership to Elevate Crop Insurance for Australian Farmers

14 Nov 2025: Paige Estritori

In a significant development for Australia's agricultural sector, Insurance Australia Group (IAG) has announced a strategic partnership with Ag Guard, a specialist rural underwriting agency. This collaboration will see Ag Guard managing the underwriting for IAG-owned CGU and WFI's crop insurance portfolios starting June next year. - read more

Click for more Insurance News

Life Insurance Articles

How to Prepare for a Hassle-Free Life Insurance Claim

Being prepared when it comes to life insurance claims can make a world of difference. Proper preparation helps you prevent delays and denials, ensuring that your loved ones receive the financial support promised by your policy without unnecessary hold-ups. By paying attention to the details, you can streamline the claims process, giving you and your family peace of mind during what is already a stressful time. - read more

Life After You: Planning Ahead With Quality Life Insurance for Your Family

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

Life Insurance Comparison: Key Questions to Ask Your Insurer

Life insurance is a crucial consideration for middle-aged to older Australians. It provides financial security for your loved ones in the unfortunate event of your death. Understanding the various options available is vital to making an informed decision. - read more

Understanding Life Insurance: How to Determine Coverage Amounts

Life insurance is a cornerstone of financial planning, offering peace of mind to you and security for your loved ones. It's a contract between you and an insurance company: in exchange for regular premiums, the insurer agrees to pay a sum of money to designated beneficiaries upon your passing. This vital tool ensures that your family's financial needs can be met during an incredibly difficult time. - read more

How Pre-Existing Conditions Influence Life Insurance Premiums

When it comes to life insurance, a pre-existing condition refers to any medical condition or illness that you have been diagnosed with before applying for a life insurance policy. - read more

Start Here !

Apply now for your free Insurance assessment and price comparisons!

Knowledgebase

Aggregate Limit:
The maximum amount an insurer will pay for all covered losses during a policy period.

This website is owned and operated by Clark Family Pty Ltd (ACN 010 281 008) as Trustee for the Clark Family Trust (ABN 35 957 893 714), 43 Larch Street Tallebudgera QLD 4228. Clark Family Pty Ltd is an Authorised Representative (AR 1298860) of Unique Group Broker Services Pty Ltd (AFSL 509434) for financial product referrals and an Authorised Credit Representative (ACR 401491) of Saccasan Pty Ltd (ACL 386297). Check our licensing details on the ASIC registers: Clark Family Pty Ltd ACR, Clark Family Pty Ltd AR, Saccasan Pty Ltd, Unique Group Broker Services.

IMPORTANT: We do not provide financial product advice or credit assistance. We act solely as an introducer and refer enquiries to licensed 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 validating 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.