Cyber Insurance Online :: News
SHARE

Share this news item!

Car Collector Fails in Bid for $122k Insurance Windfall

Car Collector Fails in Bid for $122k Insurance Windfall

Car Collector Fails in Bid for $122k Insurance Windfall?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.

A car enthusiast's efforts to boost his insurance payout from $78,000 to $200,000 after his rare vehicle was destroyed by fire have been thwarted.

The dispute began when the owner's 2005 HSV Coupe GTO Z Series succumbed to flames in March of the previous year. RACQ Insurance accepted the total loss and initially valued the vehicle at $68,000.

However, the unsatisfied owner declined this offer, leading to an independent valuation which described the car as being in “good condition for its age and mileage” despite its 315,000km on the odometer.

Although comparable lower-mileage vehicles were advertised above $81,000, the heavy usage severely reduced its collectible appeal, the independent valuer noted. Conclusively, the evaluator deemed the insurer's offer reasonable.

The car owner contested this, alleging RACQ Insurance's assessment was flawed, particularly regarding the engine type and the car's rarity as one of only 60 manual transmission models, asserting its condition was excellent.

In response, RACQ revised their offer to $78,000 factoring in the vehicle's unique modifications and reconditioned engine, but the claimant stood firm in his refusal.

The Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA), upon review, sided with the insurer. AFCA deemed RACQ Insurance's valuation and the independent assessment to be “logical, well-considered and helpful.”

According to Glass's Guide referenced by the AFCA, the vehicle's maximum estimated market value could not exceed $58,100, considering its age and mileage. Although rare, evidence was insufficient to justify a $200,000 evaluation.

The AFCA stated, “The complainant has not provided persuasive evidence to demonstrate the vehicle's worth is beyond what the insurer offered. Under such conditions, adjusting the settlement upward would not be justifiable.”

Reference: Original findings from the Australian Financial Complaints Authority's ruling were sourced from RACQ Insurance's appeal letter. Read more about the decision here.

Published:Wednesday, 24th Jul 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:

Rate this article

0 Comments

No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts.

Insurance News

IAG's Ambitious 2030 Growth Plan: What It Means for Tradies
IAG's Ambitious 2030 Growth Plan: What It Means for Tradies
31 May 2026: Paige Estritori
Insurance Australia Group (IAG) has unveiled an ambitious strategy, aiming to achieve over $25 billion in gross written premiums by 2030. This plan, announced during their Investor Day in Sydney, focuses on expanding their customer base to more than 11 million and enhancing shareholder returns. For tradespeople across Australia, this development could have significant implications. - read more
Addressing Delays in Income Protection Insurance Payouts: What Tradies Need to Know
Addressing Delays in Income Protection Insurance Payouts: What Tradies Need to Know
31 May 2026: Paige Estritori
Recent reports indicate a 67% increase in violations of the Life Insurance Code of Practice related to timely income protection payments. This trend is concerning for tradespeople who depend on these payouts during periods of illness or injury. - read more
Regulators Call for Immediate Reforms in TPD Insurance Amid Rising Mental Health Claims
Regulators Call for Immediate Reforms in TPD Insurance Amid Rising Mental Health Claims
31 May 2026: Paige Estritori
In a recent joint roundtable, the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) and the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) have emphasised the pressing need for reforms in Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) insurance. The regulators highlighted that without prompt action, the sustainability of TPD insurance could be at risk, primarily due to the increasing frequency and complexity of mental health-related claims. - read more
APRA Enforces Capital Add-On and Licence Conditions on KeyInvest After Risk Management Review
APRA Enforces Capital Add-On and Licence Conditions on KeyInvest After Risk Management Review
31 May 2026: Paige Estritori
The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has recently imposed an additional $5.5 million capital requirement on KeyInvest Limited, a life insurance company and friendly society primarily offering funeral bonds. This decision follows an independent review that identified shortcomings in KeyInvest's risk management framework and raised concerns about the board's oversight of the insurer's long-term objectives. - read more
Consumer Advocates Challenge Proposed Changes to Mental Health Exclusions in Life Insurance Policies
Consumer Advocates Challenge Proposed Changes to Mental Health Exclusions in Life Insurance Policies
31 May 2026: Paige Estritori
Consumer advocacy groups have recently expressed strong opposition to life insurers' proposals to lift existing code restrictions on blanket exclusions for mental health coverage. This move by insurers aims to modify the Life Insurance Code of Practice to allow for broader exclusions related to mental health conditions. - read more


Cyber Insurance Articles

10 Common Online Liabilities and How to Mitigate Them
10 Common Online Liabilities and How to Mitigate Them
In this digital age, online liabilities have become a crucial concern for individuals and businesses alike. At its core, an online liability refers to the potential risks and responsibilities associated with using the internet. These risks can range from data breaches to financial theft, and they have significant implications in our increasingly connected world. - read more
How to Protect Your Small Business from Cyber Threats
How to Protect Your Small Business from Cyber Threats
In today's digital age, the rising importance of cybersecurity for small businesses in Australia cannot be overstated. As technology permeates every aspect of business operations, it offers tremendous advantages but also exposes small businesses to a growing array of cyber threats. These threats are increasingly targeting small companies, seeking to exploit vulnerabilities and potentially cause significant financial and reputational damage. - read more
Understanding the Importance of Cyber Insurance in the Digital Age
Understanding the Importance of Cyber Insurance in the Digital Age
As we dive deeper into the digital era, the topic of cyber security becomes increasingly critical. With businesses and individuals relying heavily on digital technologies, the threat of cyber attacks looms larger than ever. This introductory section aims to unpack the concept of cyber insurance as a tool to mitigate these risks. - read more
Understanding Cyber Threats and How They Affect Your Finances
Understanding Cyber Threats and How They Affect Your Finances
Cyber threats refer to malicious acts that seek to damage data, steal information, or disrupt digital operations. These threats can come in various forms, such as malware, phishing attacks, ransomware, and more. - read more
From Phishing to Hacking: Examining the Coverage Options of Cyber Insurance Policies
From Phishing to Hacking: Examining the Coverage Options of Cyber Insurance Policies
In today's digital landscape, Australian small businesses face a myriad of cyber risks that can threaten their operations and financial stability. From sophisticated phishing scams to debilitating hacking attacks, the need to safeguard against such digital threats has never been more pressing. This introductory guide serves to illuminate the complexities of the cyber risk environment within Australia, focusing on the small business sector's unique vulnerabilities. - read more

Knowledgebase
Public Liability Insurance:
Insurance which provides protection against liability to third parties.