Liability Insurance Australia

Australian liability insurance resources

Liability Insurance Australia :: News

SHARE

Share this news item!

AFCA Rules Against Engine Theft Coverage in Motor Policy Dispute

AFCA Rules Against Engine Theft Coverage in Motor Policy Dispute

AFCA Rules Against Engine Theft Coverage in Motor Policy Dispute?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 applicant's attempt to claim insurance coverage after the theft of an engine designated for his 1993 Nissan Skyline has been denied.

Despite holding a comprehensive motor policy with IAG, the insured's claim was rejected after multiple engines were stolen in a brazen ram-raid at his vehicle repairer's workshop in November 2023, prompting an appeal to the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA).

The crux of the AFCA's ruling rested on the lack of evidence indicating the claimant's ownership of the engine, thereby negating any financial loss acknowledged under the policy. According to an AFCA ombudsman, even if ownership was established, the engine's status-intended but not installed-did not align with the policy’s definitions of 'vehicle' or 'modifications.'

Furthermore, the complainant had not opted for an additional policy benefit that could extend the cover to spare parts awaiting assembly into the insured vehicle. As a result, the claim for engine theft remains outside the current policy's provisions.

The insured also sought assistance from IAG to recover costs from the repairer, a request AFCA deemed inappropriate, emphasizing that issues pertaining to the repairer fell outside the scope of his insurance contract. This path remains a private matter between the claimant and the repairer involved.

This case highlights the critical importance for policyholders to thoroughly understand the intricacies and limitations of their insurance policies, particularly regarding coverage for vehicle components not yet integrated into the car. It demonstrates the necessity for explicit policy terms and the potential need for additional cover options to protect significant investments like spare parts.

The decision may prompt individual insurers and the wider insurance market to reassess coverage options related to spare parts and modifications to align with consumer expectations and reduce disputes. Policyholders are advised to consult their insurers to ensure adequate coverage, especially when dealing with valuable customizations or restorations. This incident serves as a valuable reminder to scrutinize insurance policies closely and engage with insurers proactively to clarify available coverage options.

Published:Sunday, 4th May 2025
Author: Paige Estritori
Sources

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

Share this news item:

Insurance News

NSW Strata Reforms Strengthen Maintenance Compliance Enforcement

NSW Strata Reforms Strengthen Maintenance Compliance Enforcement

19 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori

The New South Wales (NSW) government has introduced a new tranche of strata reforms aimed at enhancing the maintenance and safety of apartment buildings across the state. A key component of these reforms is the proposal to grant NSW Fair Trading the authority to enter any apartment building without a warrant if there are reasonable grounds to believe that the owners corporation is failing to maintain common property adequately. - read more

CHU's 2025 Report Shows Stability in Strata Insurance Premiums Amid Climate and Regulatory Shifts

CHU's 2025 Report Shows Stability in Strata Insurance Premiums Amid Climate and Regulatory Shifts

19 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori

CHU, Australia's leading strata insurance underwriting agency, has released its 2025 State of the Strata Market report, providing a comprehensive analysis of the current state of the industry. The report offers valuable insights into premium movements, the impact of weather events, regulatory developments, and emerging risks affecting strata insurance. - read more

CHU Enhances Strata Insurance Capacity for Larger Developments

CHU Enhances Strata Insurance Capacity for Larger Developments

19 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori

In response to the evolving landscape of strata developments in Australia, CHU, the nation's leading strata insurance underwriting agency, has significantly increased its capacity to underwrite individual strata risks. The agency has raised its maximum single risk capacity to $690 million, a substantial rise from the previous limit of $300 million. This enhancement applies to CHU's strata insurance policies across both residential and commercial properties. - read more

Significant Rise in Australian Home Insurance Premiums

Significant Rise in Australian Home Insurance Premiums

19 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori

Australian homeowners are facing substantial increases in home insurance premiums, with the average premium rising by 16% over the past year, according to a recent report by consumer advocacy group Choice. Notably, insurers such as Kogan, RAC, and Honey have implemented hikes exceeding 30%, placing additional financial strain on policyholders. - read more

APRA Highlights Evolving Trends in Australian Insurance Sectors

APRA Highlights Evolving Trends in Australian Insurance Sectors

19 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori

The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has released its quarterly aggregate statistics for the insurance sector, covering the period ending September 30, 2025. The data reveals notable shifts across general insurance, life insurance, and private health insurance sectors, reflecting the dynamic nature of the Australian insurance landscape. - read more

Click for more Insurance News

Business Insurance Articles

5 Tips for Reducing Your Liability Insurance Premiums in Australia

5 Tips for Reducing Your Liability Insurance Premiums in Australia

Liability insurance is a crucial form of protection that offers coverage against claims resulting from injuries and damage to people or property. Within the bustling landscape of Australian businesses, possessing this form of insurance is key to financial security and continuity. It acts as a safety net, ensuring businesses can manage risks without bearing the full brunt of potentially costly legal claims. - 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

How Public Liability Insurance Can Save Your Business During a Crisis

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

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

The Cost of Safety: How Much Public Liability Insurance Does Your Australian Business Need?

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

Start Here !

Knowledgebase

Deductible:
The amount you must pay out-of-pocket for expenses before your insurance company covers the remaining costs.

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.