According to a ruling from the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA), Auto & General Services rejected the claim on the grounds that the owner left the car unlocked and unattended with keys inside. This incident underscores the importance of basic security measures in protecting one's assets.
The car owner had parked at his parents’ home for a morning visit. Despite conceding the car was left unlocked with the keys, he contested that it wasn't unattended. He explained that he, along with friends and family, had a view of the vehicle from inside the house where they were watching a basketball game. Additionally, he argued that his sister-in-law was outside near the vehicle’s parking spot.
Contrary to these claims, the insurer pointed out that it took more than 45 minutes for the theft to be noticed. They also found that the sister-in-law was not present in the garden when the theft occurred. The AFCA sided with the insurer, stating that the individuals inside were "not looking at, or paying attention to, what was happening outside, but rather were watching basketball and chatting."
AFCA emphasized that the insurance policy specifically required the vehicle not to be left unsecured and unattended "for any time period." This condition was breached, they noted, since reasonable efforts to safeguard the car were not taken.
The complainant further argued that with modern technology, the car could have been stolen even without the keys inside. However, the authority rebutted, indicating that the vehicle became "an easier target for theft than one which is secured." An AFCA ombudsman observed, “I am satisfied that leaving the key in the car while unattended can reasonably be regarded as being capable of causing or contributing to the theft.”
This case sheds light on the essential, yet often overlooked, practice of securing one's vehicle at all times. While sophisticated methods to steal vehicles do exist, minimum precautions like locking and removing keys make a significant difference in deterring theft. By neglecting these steps, car owners increase the risk their vehicles could be an attractive target for opportunistic thieves.
The original report from Insurance News conveys the message that car insurance policies obligate policyholders to actively secure their vehicles. This ensures that in the unfortunate event of theft, insurance protection is not compromised by preventable lapses.
Published:Thursday, 31st Oct 2024
Source: Paige Estritori
Insurers Eye AI for a Technological Future 12 Nov 2024: Paige Estritori The insurance sector is gearing up for a significant technological transformation with plans to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) extensively in the coming years. A survey conducted by Earnix highlights that over two-thirds of insurance companies are planning to deploy AI tools within the next two years. This trend marks a pivotal moment in the industry's journey toward modernization. - read more |
APRA Explores Alternative Reinsurance Solutions Amid Market Challenges 11 Nov 2024: Paige Estritori The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) is reshaping its approach to the reinsurance sector, focusing on enhancing premium affordability and availability for insurers. In an effort to modernize the reinsurance framework, APRA seeks comprehensive feedback from relevant stakeholders. - read more |
Insurance Landscape: Future Trends and Insights 11 Nov 2024: Paige Estritori In its latest release, designed to enhance industry understanding, CGU has unveiled the third installment in its Strive guide series. This edition provides valuable insights for brokers, highlighting current trends and significant shifts impacting the insurance sector and the broader economic environment. - read more |
Insurance Dilemma: Ignored Occupation Costs Claimant His Compensation 08 Nov 2024: Paige Estritori A recent case involving an Uber Eats driver has highlighted the critical importance of truthfulness when disclosing occupational details to auto insurers. The claimant's car crash claim was rejected due to an undisclosed delivery job, marking a significant case study on the enactment of insurance policy terms. - read more |
Regulator Enforces Capital Boost on Insurer Over Compliance Issues 08 Nov 2024: Paige Estritori The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has compelled Pacific International Insurance to elevate its capital reserves by $10 million due to apparent inadequacies in the oversight of its intermediary arrangements. - read more |
Understanding Liability Insurance: A Must-Read for Australian Business Owners As a business owner in Australia, navigating the complexities of insurance is crucial to safeguard your enterprise against unforeseen events. Liability insurance emerges as a cornerstone of a sound risk management plan, protecting you financially when held responsible for accidents, injuries or negligence. Its importance cannot be understated, as it serves not only to defend your business assets but also to ensure peace of mind in a climate of continually evolving liabilities. - read more
|
Common Myths About Public Liability Insurance Debunked Today, we're diving into the world of public liability insurance, a crucial topic for anyone running a small business or working as a self-employed professional in Australia. - read more
|
The Importance of Public Liability Insurance in the Australian Labour Hire Industry The Australian labour hire industry has seen a significant rise in recent years, and with this growth, comes new and unique risks that companies in this industry must be prepared to navigate. One such risk is the potential for accidents or damages to occur in the workplace, which is where public liability insurance comes in. This article will explore the definition of public liability insurance and why it is so important for labour hire companies in Australia. - read more
|
How Public Liability Insurance Can Save Your Business During a Crisis Public liability insurance is designed to protect your business from financial loss if you are found liable for causing injury or property damage to a third party. This type of insurance covers legal costs and any compensation claims that might arise from accidents or incidents involving your business operations. - read more
|
Understanding the Role of Public Liability Insurance in Business Disaster Planning For Australian business owners, planning for unforeseen disasters is not just prudent; it's an essential aspect of sustaining operations amidst challenges. Recognizing the importance of comprehensive strategies, including robust insurance cover, can make all the difference in business longevity and legal protection. As we navigate the complexities of running a business, it's imperative to have a safeguard against mishaps that could otherwise jeopardize our hard-earned success. - read more
|
Decoding Public Liability Insurance: Is It a Must-Have for Your Australian Startup? Public liability insurance is an integral safety net designed to protect businesses from the financial risks associated with lawsuits or claims. It provides coverage when a business is found legally responsible for personal injury to a third party or damage to their property. This form of insurance can significantly reduce the burden of legal fees, compensation claims, and other associated costs that may arise from unforeseen incidents. - read more
|
Is Your Business Fully Protected? Top Signs It’s Time to Renew Your Liability Insurance As a business owner, one of your top priorities is safeguarding your enterprise from unforeseen events that could lead to financial liabilities. Liability insurance is the cornerstone of this protection, offering a safety net against claims that could otherwise derail your business's financial stability. However, it's not just about having insurance; it's crucial to ensure your coverage is current and adequate for your evolving business requirements. - read more
|
How Public Liability Insurance Can Save Your Business During a Crisis Public liability insurance is designed to protect your business from financial loss if you are found liable for causing injury or property damage to a third party. This type of insurance covers legal costs and any compensation claims that might arise from accidents or incidents involving your business operations. - read more
|
The Cost of Safety: How Much Public Liability Insurance Does Your Australian Business Need? As a business operating in Australia, understanding the ins and outs of public liability insurance is not just recommended, it's essential. This type of insurance serves as a safeguard, protecting your business against the financial repercussions of lawsuits and claims arising from third-party injuries or property damage due to your business operations. In a world where one unintended mishap can lead to costly legal battles, public liability insurance stands as your first line of defense. - read more
|
Public Liability Insurance Claims: What to Expect and How to Prepare Public liability insurance is a type of insurance policy that provides coverage for businesses and individuals against claims made by third parties for injuries or damages sustained while on their property or as a result of their activities. - read more
|