Insurance Online
Australia's leading Online Insurance resource
The episode came to light following a collision on April 26. When the man sought compensation from IAG, the insurance provider refuted the claim, identifying that his policy officially lapsed without renewal on April 8, 2019.
The customer contended he hadn't received any reminders or notifications regarding the renewal lapse. Emphasizing his loyalty, he mentioned his impressive track record of 18 years as a customer who consistently managed renewals punctually.
IAG countered his assertion by pointing to their records, which indicated that a renewal statement demanding a premium of $1036 had been broadcast among a massive batch of 11,163 documents for processing on March 9, 2019. Verification revealed the dispatch took place between March 11 and March 12, followed by Australian postal deployment on March 13.
Referring to a critical legislative factor, IAG underlined that the Insurance Contracts Act of 1984, through section 58, mandates at least 14 days' notice for renewal. Despite this, the legislation stipulates a cover ceiling of up to 12 months even where renewal communications falter – a window far exceeded in this scenario.
Evaluating the dispute, the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) noted that under the Evidence Act 1995, the expectation was for the mail to reach its destination by March 22 – equating to a seven-day post from mail lodgment to receipt and allowing the customer ample grace before the renewal deadline.
AFCA further confirmed the absence of any refutation from the customer regarding this mailing timeline, reinforcing the lack of convincing testimony related to possible mail service disruptions impacting the delivery within his locality.
"The policy became void due to non-renewal five years preceding the claimed damages," affirmed AFCA. "A notional statutory policy, even if hypothetically existent, would have surpassed expiration over four years before the documented loss. Thus, no legitimate or statutory policy substantiation ties to IAG for the claim in question."
This case taps into the broader importance of consumers vigilant about policy end dates and renewal communications, spotlighting a harsh reality faced by the consumer after years of prior satisfactory engagement with the insurer.
Published:Monday, 9th Dec 2024
Source: Paige Estritori
| Travel Insurance Dispute Highlights Pre-Existing Condition Clause 22 Jan 2025: Paige Estritori In a recent case that underscores the importance of understanding insurance policy clauses, a man who cut short his vacation in the United States to be with his terminally ill sister-in-law has been denied an insurance payout. The ruling, made by the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA), favored the travel insurer due to the claimant’s lack of coverage for pre-existing medical conditions of relatives. - read more |
| Dutton Calls for Urgent Solutions as Insurability Crisis Hits Halls Gap 22 Jan 2025: Paige Estritori Peter Dutton, the leader of the Coalition, voiced pressing concerns over the growing issue of 'uninsurable risks' during a recent visit to the fire-stricken tourist town of Halls Gap in Victoria. The picturesque location, frequently visited by tourists, experienced significant bushfire disruptions over the Christmas holiday, highlighting broader insurance challenges. - read more |
| Storm Devastation: Over 11,000 Claims Filed in NSW and ACT After Severe Weather 21 Jan 2025: Paige Estritori The recent onslaught of electrical storms that lashed across New South Wales (NSW) and the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) has resulted in a flurry of activity from the insurance industry, as shown by the impressive number of claims filed. In an eventful week of wild weather, the Insurance Council of Australia reported an influx of 11,366 claims tied to the severe storms that began on January 15. - read more |
| Severe Weather in Eastern Australia Sparks Insurance Claims Spike 17 Jan 2025: Paige Estritori Recent storms sweeping across New South Wales and parts of Queensland have led to a surge in emergency calls and insurance claims, as residents grapple with the aftermath of strong winds, heavy rainfall, and hail. This extreme weather has posed significant challenges to numerous households and businesses, prompting a rallying cry for assistance. - read more |
| Broker Sentenced for Fraudulent Builders’ Insurance Scheme 15 Jan 2025: Paige Estritori In a significant legal crackdown, a broker has been sentenced for his involvement in selling fraudulent builders’ warranty insurance to construction firms in New South Wales. This case underscores the urgent need for regulatory vigilance in the insurance sector. - read more |
| The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Travel Insurance for Your Australian Adventure Embarking on an Australian adventure can ignite excitement in the heart of any traveller, but being prepared for the unexpected should be top of mind. Travel insurance is an essential travel companion that safeguards your journey from unforeseeable circumstances. Whether confronting flight cancellations, medical emergencies, or lost luggage, the right travel insurance policy can make a world of difference, offering peace of mind to fully immerse in the Aussie adventure experience. - read more
|
| How to Save Money on Your Boat Insurance Premiums Boat ownership comes with many responsibilities, including obtaining adequate insurance coverage. However, as with any type of insurance, boat insurance premiums can quickly become costly. It's essential to save as much as possible on your policy without sacrificing the necessary protection it provides. - read more
|
| The Ultimate Guide to Understanding Life Insurance in Australia Life insurance is a contract between an individual and an insurance company. The insurer promises to pay a designated beneficiary a sum of money upon the death of the insured person. - read more
|
| Starting Out: How to Pick the Right Insurance As a Young Professional in Australia Welcome to the journey of safeguarding your future! As a young professional in Australia, you're likely juggling the demands of a burgeoning career with personal goals and financial responsibilities. Navigating the world of insurance is critical in creating a safety net around these aspirations. But why exactly is insurance a cornerstone for those entering the professional realm, and how do you discern which coverage best aligns with your unique pathway? - read more
|
| The Differences Between Public Liability and Professional Indemnity Insurance In the dynamic world of commerce, Australian businesses face a plethora of risks daily. Business insurance serves as a safeguard, ensuring that the unforeseen does not hinder the stability and growth of an enterprise. Whether it’s a startup or a seasoned corporation, understanding and selecting the appropriate insurance coverage is crucial for resilience and longevity. - read more
|
|
|
How to Save Money on Your Boat Insurance Premiums Boat ownership comes with many responsibilities, including obtaining adequate insurance coverage. However, as with any type of insurance, boat insurance premiums can quickly become costly. It's essential to save as much as possible on your policy without sacrificing the necessary protection it provides. - read more
|
|
The Comprehensive Comparison: Evaluating Different Insurance Providers in Australia Welcome to the comprehensive guide on evaluating different insurance providers in Australia. Navigating through the plethora of insurance options can be overwhelming. With a market full of competing insurers, choosing the right provider is critical to ensuring ample protection for your assets, health, and peace of mind. This introduction aims to underscore the significance of this decision for Australian consumers. - read more
|
|
How to Compare Life Insurance Policies in Australia Without Overpaying Life insurance stands as a pillar of financial stability in the lives of many Australians, providing peace of mind and security for families and individuals facing the uncertainty of the future. The importance of life insurance cannot be overstated; it offers a safety net that serves to protect your loved ones in the event of a tragedy, ensuring their financial well-being during difficult times. - read more
|
|
Income Protection: How to Safeguard Your Earnings in Uncertain Times In the landscape of personal financial planning, income protection insurance emerges as a critical safeguard against the unpredictable nature of life's many uncertainties. As we navigate through economic turbulence and job market volatility, the importance of income protection becomes ever more apparent. This type of insurance serves as a financial backstop, designed to provide a stable flow of income when you're unable to work due to sickness or injury. - read more
|
|
Protecting Your Legacy: Estate Planning and Life Insurance for Australians When thinking about the future, it's essential to have a comprehensive strategy that ensures the well-being of your loved ones and the security of your assets. Estate planning and life insurance are two critical pillars in safeguarding your family's financial stability. Despite the complexity often associated with these topics, understanding their importance and implementing them correctly can provide immense peace of mind. - read more
|