Unsecure Vehicle Leads to Rejected Insurance Claim

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.

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
Author: Paige Estritori

Please Note: We do not endorse any specific products or companies. Some content is sourced from third parties, including press releases, and may not be independently verified for accuracy or completeness.

Share this news item:

Insurance News

Clear

ICA Advocates for Overhaul of Civil Liability Laws to Ease Insurance Burden

07 Jun 2026: Paige Estritori

The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) has recently called for urgent reforms to outdated state and territory civil liability laws, highlighting their significant contribution to the rising insurance costs faced by small businesses and community organisations. These laws, many of which have not been reviewed in nearly 25 years, are increasingly seen as inadequate in addressing the complexities of modern liability claims. - read more

ACCC Approves Uniting Church's National Insurance Purchasing Program

07 Jun 2026: Paige Estritori

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has granted a six-year authorisation for the Uniting Church's national insurance purchasing program, a move anticipated to reduce premiums and deliver better outcomes for the organisation's diverse operations. - read more

NSW Court Decision Escalates Liability Risks for Construction Sector

07 Jun 2026: Paige Estritori

A recent landmark ruling in New South Wales has significantly altered the liability landscape for the construction industry. The court's decision removes the ability for developers and builders to rely on proportionate liability defences under the Design and Building Practitioners Act 2020 (DBP Act), thereby increasing their exposure to claims related to building defects. - read more

ARPC's Revised Cyclone Premiums Reward SME Risk Mitigation Efforts

07 Jun 2026: Paige Estritori

The Australian Reinsurance Pool Corporation (ARPC) has announced revised premium rates for its Cyclone Reinsurance Pool, set to take effect on April 1, 2026. A notable feature of these revisions is the introduction of premium discounts for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that have undertaken specific risk mitigation activities. - read more

Softening Trends in Australia's Commercial Insurance Market During H1 2026

07 Jun 2026: Paige Estritori

The Australian commercial insurance market has experienced a notable softening throughout the first half of 2026, characterized by competitive pricing and increased insurer capacity. This trend is largely attributed to improved insurer profitability post-COVID-19, stabilized reinsurance conditions, and a global capital surplus intensifying competition. - read more

Click for more Insurance News