Homeowner Faces Setback in Sinkhole Saga

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 deep pit, which measured 4.5 meters, appeared beneath pavers just 1.5 meters away from the house in August 2022.

The homeowner contacted QBE insurance to lodge a claim, prompting the insurer to send a team to cordon off the affected area for safety.

The homeowner argued that the pit had been formed by a leaking pipe and believed the visible water flow at the bottom was evidence of such. He suggested that the water leak had caused soil erosion, exacerbating the formation of the pit.

In response, QBE appointed a forensic structural engineer to investigate. The engineer, assisted by a plumber, conducted several tests and authored three reports on their findings.

The investigation concluded that the pit resulted from the collapse of a well capping that had been in place for over five decades, predating the home's construction according to the neighborhood residents' accounts.

According to the engineer, the old well capping had eroded over time, explaining the presence of water at the base. Nearby sewer and stormwater pipes were examined, and it was found that water flow into the pit had been consistent. A sewer pipe leakage, identified approximately 19 meters from the pit, was determined to be too far away to contribute to its formation.

No legal or physical connection was determined to link the sewer leakage or any nearby pipes to the well's deterioration. The plumber validated the engineer's conclusions, confirming a lack of nearby pipe networks capable of forming a sinkhole.

The Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) later ruled in favor of QBE, citing comprehensive evidence provided by the engineer. The findings firmly established that the pit was a disused well, lacking any evident links to a leaking sewer or other leaks.

AFCA endorsed, "The expert evidence substantiates that the pit originates from a long-decommissioned well existing before the complainant’s house was built. Despite extensive testing, the results indicate no connection between any pipe leaks and the pit’s formation, the water at its base, or the erosion observed."

Though QBE did agree to compensate for incidental damages done during the examination process, including $1122 for the damage to the homeowner’s timber deck and an additional $1500 for the delays in processing the claim, which took over six months.

This case, initially reported by insurancenews.com.au, underscores the critical role of thorough expert investigation to differentiate between naturally occurring subsidence and structural failures caused by other factors.

Published:Wednesday, 10th Jul 2024
Source: Paige Estritori

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

Share this news item:

Insurance News

Clear

Isuzu Australia Introduces Innovative Truck Leasing and Finance Services

09 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori

Isuzu Australia has announced the establishment of Isuzu Financial Services Australia (IFSA), a pioneering truck leasing and finance company set to commence operations in the third quarter of next year. This initiative marks the first time the Isuzu Group has founded such a company outside Japan, highlighting the strategic importance of the Australian market. - read more

Inattention and Speed Identified as Primary Causes of Major Truck Crashes

09 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori

The National Truck Accident Research Centre (NTARC) has released its latest Major Incident Investigation Report, shedding light on the predominant causes of significant truck crashes across Australia. The findings reveal that human factors, particularly inattention, distraction, and inappropriate speed, continue to be the leading contributors to these incidents. - read more

New Legislation Prohibits Life Insurers from Using Genetic Test Results

08 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori

The Australian government has enacted legislation prohibiting life insurers from using the results of genetic tests to refuse coverage or increase premiums. This landmark decision aims to eliminate genetic discrimination and encourage individuals to undergo potentially life-saving genetic testing without fear of financial repercussions. - read more

Australian Insurers Face Challenges in Cyber and AI Risk Readiness

08 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori

Recent findings from the PwC Insurance Banana Skins Survey have raised concerns about the preparedness of Australian insurers in managing emerging risks, particularly those associated with cyber threats and artificial intelligence (AI). The survey, which gathered insights from 698 insurance executives across 42 territories, including 37 from Australia, indicates that Australian insurers scored 6.6% lower on the Preparedness Index compared to their global counterparts. - read more

Rising Insurance Premiums Pose Challenges for Australian Businesses

08 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori

Businesses across New South Wales are grappling with substantial increases in insurance premiums, prompting calls for urgent reforms to alleviate financial pressures. According to Business NSW's latest Business Conditions Survey, nearly 80% of businesses have experienced double-digit hikes in insurance costs over the past year, with one in three reporting increases of 30% or more. These surges significantly outpace the annual inflation rate of 2.5%, placing an undue burden on the business community. - read more

Click for more Insurance News