Farm Insurance :: News

Share this news item!

AFCA Sides with Homeowners in Landmark Insurance Dispute Over Property Cracks

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.

Homeowners recently secured a favourable ruling against their insurer after a water leak led to significant structural damage.

After large cracks emerged on their property, Youi initially denied the insurance claim, attributing the damage to pre-existing issues like earth movement and tree root intrusion, both of which are exclusions in their policy.

Challenging Youi's stance, the homeowners took their dispute to the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA), which ultimately supported their case. The complainants argued that the damage, discovered shortly after the pipe leak in early 2023, was directly linked to the water escape.

An assessment by Youi's engineer had attributed the damage to ineffective drainage and was compounded by factors like inadequate footings and proximity to large trees. However, the homeowners countered this with their own engineer's assessment, indicating that the most severe damage occurred precisely where the leaked water had pooled, suggesting a strong correlation with the pipe burst rather than tree-induced movement.

AFCA emphasized the insurer's burden to establish that exclusions apply, noting Youi's lack of compelling evidence in their conclusions. The ombudsman's analysis favoured the complainants' expert findings, discounting the earth movement exclusion as unfounded given that the primary cause was the water leak.

The resolution mandates that Youi settle the claim, including coverage for temporary accommodations if necessary. Additionally, the insurer is required to compensate the homeowners with $1060 for professional fees alongside $4000 for non-financial losses, largely due to the distress caused by Youi's initial refusal to renew their policies. This decision was partly attributed to the insurer's premature policy termination despite the unresolved claim and ongoing case which involved credible external expert evaluations.

This development underscores the critical role of AFCA in ensuring that insurers adhere to fair practices and underscores the importance of homeowners closely documenting damage events to support their claims effectively.

The decision not only marks a significant outcome for consumer rights but also serves as a cautionary tale for insurers about the importance of comprehensive, evidence-based assessments before claim denial.

Published:Tuesday, 22nd Apr 2025
Source: Paige Estritori

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

Share this news item:

Insurance News

Summer Surge in Rural Crime: Protecting Australian Farms

06 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori

WFI Insurance has reported a significant increase in rural crime during the summer months, with January experiencing approximately 14% more crime-related insurance claims than any other month. This trend underscores the need for heightened vigilance and enhanced security measures on Australian farms during this period. - read more

Achmea Australia's Comprehensive Flood Cover: A Game-Changer for Farmers

06 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori

In a significant development for Australian farmers, Achmea Australia has announced that flood cover is built into its farm insurance policies. This offering addresses a critical gap in the market, as many leading underwriters have traditionally excluded flood coverage from their farm policies. - read more

NRMA's Departure from Farm Insurance: Implications and Alternatives for Australian Farmers

26 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori

In a significant shift within the Australian insurance landscape, NRMA Insurance ceased offering farm insurance policies, including Hobby Farm and Rural Farm Insurance, as of July 1, 2025. This decision has left many farmers seeking reliable alternatives to safeguard their livelihoods. - read more

Preparing for Summer Storms: Insights from Elders Insurance on Protecting Your Farm

26 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori

As the Australian summer approaches, Elders Insurance has issued a cautionary advisory to farmers, emphasising the heightened risk of storm-related damages during this season. Recent data indicates a significant increase in insurance claims due to summer storms, underscoring the need for proactive measures to safeguard agricultural assets. - read more

Climate Change and Rising Insurance Premiums: Insights from IAG

26 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori

Insurance Australia Group (IAG) has highlighted the growing impact of climate change on home insurance premiums, attributing rising costs to the increasing frequency and severity of extreme weather events. This trend underscores the urgent need for both mitigation and adaptation strategies to address evolving risks. - read more

Learning from Near Misses: Enhancing Farm Safety in Australia

18 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori

In July 2025, Farmsafe Australia launched the 'Second Chances - Who Knows How Many You'll Get' campaign, aiming to transform near misses on farms into learning opportunities to prevent future accidents. This initiative underscores the critical importance of recognising and addressing close calls in agricultural settings. - read more

Click for more Insurance News

Farm Insurance Articles

Navigating Farm Succession: A Step-by-Step Guide for Rural Australian Families

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on navigating farm succession for rural Australian families. The journey of passing on a family farm from one generation to the next is both a critical and challenging milestone. Recognizing that every farm has its unique story and set of circumstances is fundamental to the process. - 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

The Farmer's Handbook to Quick and Effective Insurance Claims

Insurance is a vital part of safeguarding any farming operation. As a farmer, protecting your property, equipment, and livelihood from unexpected events like natural disasters, theft, or accidents is crucial. Adequate insurance coverage ensures that you can recover quickly from setbacks without enduring overwhelming financial strain. - read more

Preparing for the Worst: Developing a Comprehensive Disaster Response Plan for Your Farm

As a farmer, you know that unexpected events can have a significant impact on your farm and your livelihood. Natural disasters, such as floods, fires, droughts, and storms, can occur at any time and have devastating consequences. That's why it's crucial to have a comprehensive disaster response plan in place to protect your property, assets, and, most importantly, your loved ones and livestock. - 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

Essential Coverage vs. Optional Add-ons: Balancing Protection and Costs

For Australian farmers, having the right insurance coverage isn't just a safety net—it's an integral part of sustaining their livelihood. Natural disasters, unpredictable climate conditions, and the inherent risks of agricultural production underline the critical importance of robust insurance for the agricultural community. As farmers navigate the complexities of insurance, understanding the basics becomes the first step toward securing their assets and ensuring the continuity of their operations. - read more

Need a Quote?

Start your free farm insurance quote comparison here.

Knowledgebase

Loss of Use:
Insurance coverage that pays for the additional living expenses if your home is uninhabitable due to a covered loss.

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.