Farm Insurance :: News

Share this news item!

Ombudsman Directs RACT Insurance to Honour Car Crash Claim Despite Undisclosed Damage

The Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) has intervened to instruct RACT Insurance to process a claim for a policyholder who failed to disclose prior damage to his four-wheel drive.

Initially, when securing the insurance over the phone, the owner described the vehicle as being in "good shape" with only minor scratches.

However, post-accident assessments by RACT revealed damage that seemed to have existed before the incident.

According to the claimant, the superficial damage to parts such as panels, bumpers, and the tailgate occurred in two separate instances only after purchasing the policy. RACT acknowledged these claims of post-policy incidents but argued that they didn't explain all the observed damage, suggesting a misrepresentation of the vehicle's condition at the time of policy commencement.

Despite recognising the policyholder's partial misrepresentation, AFCA highlighted that RACT had not definitively proven it would have declined insurance had the accurate condition been disclosed. The insurer's guidelines indicate that cars with "extensive damage" are automatically ineligible for coverage; however, those with "some damage" may still qualify. AFCA determined that the identified damage likened more to "some damage" than the "extensive damage" that would categorically void coverage.

This determination underscores the significance of transparent communication between policyholders and insurers regarding vehicle conditions. It highlights the thresholds insurance companies apply in policy evaluations and the necessity of their transparency. This decision not only affects the insured's entitlement to coverage but also serves as a key precedent for similar cases, promoting greater clarity about what constitutes significant pre-existing damage that could deny coverage.

The decision sets a vital precedent in the insurance industry, reinforcing the need for clear disclosure guidelines and policies that articulate what qualifies as unacceptable pre-existing damage. Insurers might need to revisit and possibly adjust their underwriting criteria to ensure alignment with regulatory expectations and reduce disputes. For the consumer, this case serves as a reminder of the importance of full disclosure and understanding the conditions under which their policy operates.

Published:Friday, 3rd Oct 2025
Source: Paige Estritori

Share this news item:

Insurance News

NRMA's Departure from Farm Insurance: What It Means for Australian Farmers

05 Oct 2025: Paige Estritori

In a significant shift within the Australian insurance landscape, NRMA has announced its withdrawal from the farm insurance sector, ceasing the sale of new policies as of July 1, 2025. This decision leaves many farmers seeking reliable alternatives to safeguard their livelihoods. - read more

Diversification Drives New Insurance Needs for Australia's Small Farms

26 Sep 2025: Paige Estritori

In the evolving landscape of Australian agriculture, small commercial farms are increasingly diversifying their operations to enhance income and sustainability. This shift, while offering economic benefits, introduces new complexities in risk management and insurance coverage, presenting both challenges and opportunities for insurance brokers. - read more

Satellite Technology Revolutionizes Crop Insurance for Australian Farmers

26 Sep 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

ASIC Takes Legal Action Against RACQ Insurance Over Misleading Premium Comparisons

25 Sep 2025: Paige Estritori

The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has initiated Federal Court proceedings against RACQ Insurance, a subsidiary of Insurance Australia Group (IAG), alleging that the insurer misled over 570,000 customers through deceptive premium comparison pricing in renewal notices issued between September 2019 and December 2024. - read more

Surge in Farm Impact-Related Claims Raises Safety Alarms

25 Sep 2025: Paige Estritori

WFI Insurance has reported a significant 44% increase in farm impact-related claims over the past year, marking the highest level in four years. This surge includes incidents such as vehicle crashes and crush injuries, with approximately 1,800 claims related to farm vehicle accidents, including those involving quad bikes and side-by-side vehicles (SSVs). Many of these incidents have resulted in severe injuries, including fractures and head trauma. - read more

Rising Insurance Premiums for Farm Machinery Amidst Increasing Extreme Weather Events

25 Sep 2025: Paige Estritori

Australian farmers are grappling with a significant rise in insurance premiums for farm machinery, driven by the increasing frequency and severity of extreme weather events. Some farmers have reported that their insurance bills have more than doubled over the past few years, with annual premiums exceeding $100,000. - read more

Click for more Insurance News

Farm Insurance Articles

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

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

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

Agribusiness Risk: Liability Issues Facing Australian Farmers Today

The agricultural sector in Australia carves a significant portion of the country's economy, contributing to its GDP and providing employment across rural and suburban areas. Thus, navigating the complexities of agribusiness is not just a matter of crop cultivation and livestock management, but also of understanding the intricate web of liability risks that come with the terrain. - 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

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

Need a Quote?

Start your free farm insurance quote comparison here.

Knowledgebase

Grace Period:
A time period after the premium is due during which an insurance policy remains in force even if the premium has not yet been paid.

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 (as Trustee for the Clark Family Trust) 43 Larch Street Tallebudgera QLD 4228, A.C.N. 010281008, authorised Financial Services Representative of Unique Group Broker Services Pty Ltd, Australian Financial Services License 509434. Visit the ASIC website for additional licensing information.

IMPORTANT: We are neither authorised nor licensed to provide finance or financial products and we do not offer any form of credit or other financial advice. All product enquiries and requests for financial and/or other advice on this website are referred to 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 vaidating 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.