Liability Insurance Australia

Australia's leading Liability Insurance resource

Liability Insurance Australia :: News

SHARE

Share this news item!

Jail Time for Gym Owner Who Masterminded an Unusual Scam

Jail Time for Gym Owner Who Masterminded an Unusual Scam

Jail Time for Gym Owner Who Masterminded an Unusual Scam?w=400

⚠️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.

An extraordinary case of insurance fraud has landed a Perth gym owner behind bars.

Karen Salkilld, who concocted a plan to fake her own death and scam an insurance company out of over $700,000, has been sentenced to three years in prison.

This month, Salkilld admitted guilt to charges of defrauding TAL, a major insurance firm. She submitted a fraudulent claim on February 7 through InsuranceLine, a TAL affiliate. The insurance policy had named a past romantic partner as the beneficiary.

The two were in a committed relationship for several years before parting ways last year. It's important to note that her former partner had no knowledge of or involvement in the fraudulent activity.

Salkilld had access to personal identification of her ex-partner, including a passport, using these details to execute her scheme. She asserted in her claim that she had died in an auto collision in Broome, WA, in December of the previous year.

To support her fabrication, she doctored a death certificate, coroner's court document, and an investigation record regarding the alleged demise.

In a meticulous move, she set up a financial account using her ex-partner's name at MyState Bank Tasmania, further posing as the ex-partner in the email exchange with the bank. The fraudulent insurance payment amounting to $718,963 was wired into this account on February 14. Salkilld then funneled this money to cover debts tied to her enterprises.

Her ruse unraveled when MyState Bank Tasmania flagged certain transactions as suspicious, prompting further scrutiny.

The court, quoting Judge Vicki Stewart, concluded, “The conclusion that your offending was motivated by greed is unavoidable.” She further added, “You were living beyond your means and overcommitted yourself. As the state prosecutor said...this money comes from a pool. Insurance premiums go up for everybody, and in that sense, it really is an offence against the community.” A restitution directive was issued, calling for the seized funds to be remitted to TAL.

The significant impact of such fraudulent actions on community insurance rates highlights the broader consequences of financial crimes. Salkilld's case reminds us of the integrity expectations placed on individuals within the financial ecosystem.

The coverage and statements related to this case have been adapted from details reported by Insurance News Magazine.

Published:Thursday, 31st Oct 2024
Source: Paige Estritori

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

Share this news item:

Insurance News

Preparing for Summer Storms: Elders Insurance's Advice to Farmers

Preparing for Summer Storms: Elders Insurance's Advice to Farmers

01 Jan 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

New Partnership Offers Insurance Savings for Sustainable Farmers

New Partnership Offers Insurance Savings for Sustainable Farmers

01 Jan 2026: Paige Estritori

In a significant move towards promoting sustainable agriculture, WFI Insurance has partnered with AgCarE 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

IAG Highlights Climate Change's Impact on Rising Insurance Costs

IAG Highlights Climate Change's Impact on Rising Insurance Costs

01 Jan 2026: Paige Estritori

Insurance Australia Group (IAG) has issued a warning to Australians, indicating that home insurance premiums are expected to rise due to the increasing frequency and severity of extreme weather events, a trend attributed to climate change. This development underscores the pressing need for both mitigation and adaptation strategies to address the evolving risks. - read more

Insurers Flag Holiday Road Risks Amidst Freight Traffic Surge

Insurers Flag Holiday Road Risks Amidst Freight Traffic Surge

01 Jan 2026: Paige Estritori

As Australia enters the summer holiday season, insurers and transport specialists are raising alarms about heightened road risks resulting from the convergence of increased freight activity and holiday travel. This period sees a significant uptick in both passenger vehicles and heavy trucks on the roads, amplifying the potential for accidents and safety incidents. - read more

Escalating Collision Risks Challenge Australian Fleet Operators

Escalating Collision Risks Challenge Australian Fleet Operators

01 Jan 2026: Paige Estritori

Australia's transport and haulage sector is currently navigating a period of heightened operational risk, marked by an uptick in both the frequency and severity of motor collision claims. This trend underscores the pressing need for fleet operators to adopt proactive risk management strategies and leverage advanced insurance solutions to safeguard their operations. - read more

Click for more Insurance News

Business Insurance Articles

Understanding Liability Insurance: A Must-Read for Australian Business Owners

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

The Smart Business Approach: How to Effectively Compare Public Liability Insurance Rates

The Smart Business Approach: How to Effectively Compare Public Liability Insurance Rates

Running a business comes with inherent financial risks. Whether you own a small café or a large construction company, unforeseen incidents can lead to significant financial losses. - read more

Understanding The Costs: How Much Does Public Liability Insurance Typically Cost?

Understanding The Costs: How Much Does Public Liability Insurance Typically Cost?

Public liability insurance is a crucial form of protection for both businesses and individuals, safeguarding them against potential claims for personal injury or property damage that occur as a result of their operations or services. In an increasingly litigious society, having this coverage can mean the difference between staying afloat financially and facing business closure due to unexpected claims. - read more

Decoding Public Liability Insurance: Is It a Must-Have for Your Australian Startup?

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

Key Benefits of Comparing Public Liability Insurance Rates for Australian Businesses

Key Benefits of Comparing Public Liability Insurance Rates for Australian Businesses

As an Australian business owner, you face numerous financial risks daily. Accidents can happen at any time, whether it's a slip and fall on your premises or damage caused by your products or services. These incidents can lead to costly legal actions that may put significant strain on your business finances. - read more

Start Here !

Knowledgebase

Double Indemnity:
A clause or provision in a life insurance policy that doubles the payout in cases of accidental death.

Quick Links: | Liability Insurance Australia | Public Liability Insurance | Professional Indemnity Insurance | Business Liability Cover | Small Business Liability Insurance | Liability Insurance For Trades | Liability Insurance Quote | Corporate Liability Insurance | Liability Insurance For Professionals | Best Liability Insurance Australia

| HOME | RATES | CALCULATORS | NEWS | ARTICLES | ABOUT | CONTACT | PRIVACY | BROKERS | AFFILIATES | SITEMAP |

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.

powered by Financial Services Online | Copyright Clark Family Pty Ltd A.C.N. 010 281 008 - all rights reserved

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.