Farm Insurance :: News

Share this news item!

Insurer Rejects Claim Over Diesel Fluid Mix-Up

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 contentious insurance claim has ended unfavourably for a motor policyholder after her husband mistakenly poured diesel exhaust fluid into her car's fuel tank.

Although the policyholder initially received assurances from a Suncorp representative that the use of AdBlue fluid wouldn't be considered improper fuelling - supposedly an excluded scenario under her policy - the claim was later denied.

This decision has sparked debate around policy definitions and customer service communication.

The policyholder argued that according to the product disclosure statement (PDS), only "incorrect fuel usage" was excluded, and as AdBlue is technically not a fuel, her claim should be valid. Additional grievances arose after alleging the insurer’s tow service inflicted further damage to her car, necessitating a new steering rack and wheel realignment.

Suncorp acknowledged the issue with its initial claim rejection, where the decision was based solely on the original PDS. However, the insurer pointed to a supplementary product disclosure statement (SPDS), which explicitly excludes coverage for damage resulting from using fluids not recommended by the vehicle's manufacturer. This key differentiation was reportedly communicated to the policyholder during her policy renewal.

The Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) sided with Suncorp, determining that the insurer did not mislead the customer about her claim status. While Suncorp admitted to referencing outdated PDS wording initially, AFCA deemed their reliance on the updated SPDS appropriate and found no obligation for the insurer to cover the incident. Additionally, AFCA found limited evidence to support the policyholder's accusations regarding damage caused by the towing service, reinforcing Suncorp's account of a winched, non-dragged vehicle recovery.

Despite these rulings, AFCA ordered Suncorp to compensate the policyholder $3000 for delay-induced inconveniences during the claim process, which left her without her vehicle for an extended period, citing the resulting undue stress and hassle.

This case highlights the importance of clear communication and understanding of policy amendments, emphasizing the role supplemental documents play during insurance assessments. Consumers are reminded to review documentation thoroughly during renewals to grasp the full scope of their insurance protections and exclusions.

Published:Wednesday, 16th Apr 2025
Source: Paige Estritori

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

Share this news item:

Insurance News

Urgent Call for Enhanced Farm Safety Amid Rising Fatalities

29 Oct 2025: Paige Estritori

In 2024, Australian agriculture faced a significant safety crisis, recording 72 farm-related fatalities-the highest in over two decades. This alarming statistic underscores the urgent need for enhanced safety protocols and awareness within the farming community. - read more

Soaring Insurance Costs Challenge Australian Farmers

29 Oct 2025: Paige Estritori

Australian farmers are confronting a significant surge in insurance premiums, a trend largely attributed to the increasing frequency and severity of extreme weather events. Over the past few years, many farmers have reported that their insurance bills have more than doubled, with annual premiums exceeding $100,000. - read more

Revolutionising Crop Insurance with Satellite Technology

29 Oct 2025: Paige Estritori

In a significant advancement for Australian agriculture, Insurance Facilitators (IF), a family-owned underwriting agency, has introduced a data-driven crop insurance solution leveraging satellite technology. This innovative approach aims to address longstanding challenges in the industry, including premium leakage and risk accumulation, by providing more accurate and efficient risk assessments. - read more

WFI and AgCarE Join Forces to Reward Sustainable Farming Practices

21 Oct 2025: Paige Estritori

In a significant move towards promoting sustainable agriculture, WFI Insurance has partnered with AgCarE, a certification program developed by AgForce, to offer premium reductions to farmers who achieve AgCarE certification. This collaboration aims to enhance financial, environmental, and social outcomes for Australian farmers and rural communities. - read more

Rising Insurance Costs Challenge Australian Farmers as Extreme Weather Intensifies

21 Oct 2025: Paige Estritori

Diversifying Small Farms Open New Avenues for Insurance Brokers

21 Oct 2025: Paige Estritori

The landscape of Australian agriculture is evolving as small commercial farms increasingly diversify their operations to enhance income and sustainability. This shift presents both challenges and opportunities for insurance brokers, as new ventures introduce complex risk management needs. - read more

Click for more Insurance News

Farm Insurance Articles

Is Your Farm Under-Insured? Tips for Assessing Bushfire Insurance Adequacy

The threat of bushfires looms large over the vast expanses of rural Australia, shaping the reality of farming in this sunbaked landscape. The risk, always present, escalates as the climate warms and dry conditions persist. It's not a matter of if, but when the land will be tested by fire's wrath. In this environment, the armor of insurance isn't just recommended; it's critical for survival. - read more

How to Choose the Right Farm Insurance Policy for Your Needs

Farm insurance is a type of coverage designed specifically for the unique risks and operations involved in farming. It encompasses protection for farm dwellings, equipment, livestock, and crops, offering a tailored approach that reflects the diverse needs of farm owners. This coverage can help safeguard your livelihood against unforeseen events that could disrupt farm operations or result in significant financial losses. - read more

Secure Your Farm's Future: Understanding the Importance of On-Farm Risk Assessment

In the ever-evolving landscape of modern agriculture, the security and stability of a farm hinge on thorough preparation and strategic foresight. A pivotal component in safeguarding a farm's future lies in the critical role of on-farm risk assessment. This process provides a structured approach to identifying potential risks that could affect a farm's operations, financial health, and overall sustainability. - read more

Income Protection for Farmers: Ensuring Stability Through Tough Times

The world of farming is one filled with uncertainties. Weather conditions, market prices, and various other factors can create a highly volatile income stream for those within the agricultural sector. This unpredictability can lead to financial instability that impacts not only the farmers themselves but also their families and the larger rural community. - read more

When the Rain Doesn't Come: Financial Planning Tips for Persistent Drought

For farmers across rural Australia, the unyielding dry spells brought on by persistent drought conditions are not just an environmental concern but a significant financial challenge. Effective financial planning becomes a cornerstone strategy for ensuring the resilience and longevity of these crucial agricultural businesses. The prickling heat and parched earth serve as stark reminders of nature's capacity to impact livelihoods, especially when the rain doesn't grace the farmlands for extended periods. - read more

Understanding Farm Equipment Insurance: What Rural Australians Need to Know

Farm equipment insurance is crucial for rural Australians who rely on their machinery for agricultural productivity. This insurance provides a safety net, helping to mitigate the financial risks associated with equipment loss or damage. - read more

Need a Quote?

Start your free farm insurance quote comparison here.

Knowledgebase

Term Life Insurance:
A type of life insurance policy that provides coverage for a specified period, such as 10 or 20 years.

This website is owned and operated by Clark Family Pty Ltd (as Trustee for the Clark Family Trust) 43 Larch Street Tallebudgera QLD 4228, A.C.N. 010281008.

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.