Cyber Insurance Online :: News
SHARE

Share this news item!

Delayed Insurance: Post-Crash Policy No Cover

Delayed Insurance: Post-Crash Policy No Cover

Delayed Insurance: Post-Crash Policy No Cover?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 motorist discovered the hard way that taking out an insurance policy hours after an accident won't cover the damages inflicted.
The lesson? Timing is crucial when it comes to insurance coverage.

On the afternoon of July 23rd of last year, a driver found himself in an unfortunate car accident, leaving his vehicle damaged and uninsured. Later that same day, he decided to purchase an insurance policy from Suncorp at 5:52 PM. However, his subsequent claim filed on August 16 was denied.

While the driver didn’t challenge the sequence of events, he argued that his certificate of insurance indicated a coverage period starting from July 23, 2023, to the same date in 2024, suggesting the coverage backdated to the beginning of the day he bought the policy.

The Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) addressed this dispute, clearly stating that the driver’s assumption was “unreasonable.” According to the AFCA, the policy explicitly covered only the period after the insurance policy was initiated by the policyholder.

"Though the policy lacks a specified start time," the authority’s adjudicator remarked, "it is illogical to consider that coverage starts at 12:01 AM on the day of purchase. Coverage cannot extend retrospectively to incidents occurring before the policyholder has arranged the insurance."

The decision underscored the insurer’s intent: the policy was to become effective post-purchase and not retroactively. Suncorp also highlighted that there had been a misrepresentation when the vehicle’s condition was declared during the application process, pointing out existing damages to the door and front passenger seat that were unaccounted for.

This case illustrates an essential principle for all insurance seekers: Coverage begins once the policy is active. In a previous review related to this issue, the adjudicator referenced a similar stance adopted by another insurance firm.

  • Ensure all current damages are accurately reported before applying for a policy.
  • Understand that purchasing a policy after an incident does not cover prior damages.

This ruling reinforces the importance of having active insurance coverage at all times. Any gaps in coverage can lead to significant financial implications, as demonstrated by this driver’s unfortunate experience. Make sure to verify all terms and conditions for clarity on policy start times to avoid such dilemmas.

Published:Tuesday, 21st May 2024
Source: Paige Estritori

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

Share this news item:

Insurance News

AIA Australia Introduces Enhancements to Priority Protection Life Insurance
AIA Australia Introduces Enhancements to Priority Protection Life Insurance
28 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori
AIA Australia has announced significant updates to its Priority Protection life insurance suite, effective from 9 November 2025. These enhancements are designed to simplify discounts, improve policy clarity, and support premium affordability for policyholders. - read more
Decline in Life and Income Protection Insurance Premiums Benefits Australians
Decline in Life and Income Protection Insurance Premiums Benefits Australians
28 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori
Recent data indicates a notable decline in life and income protection insurance premiums across Australia, providing consumers with more affordable coverage options. According to the latest Direct Life Insurance Report from Rainmaker Information, direct life premiums have decreased by 7% since 2024. Similarly, direct income protection premiums have seen significant reductions, with average premiums for waiting periods of 30 days and 90 days decreasing by 12% and 13%, respectively. - read more
Club Marine Launches Land-Based Insurance for Race Boats
Club Marine Launches Land-Based Insurance for Race Boats
28 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori
Club Marine, Australia's leading boat insurance provider, has expanded its offerings to include land-based insurance coverage for race boats. This initiative is designed to support participants in the Australian Offshore Superboat Championship (AOPC) by providing protection for their vessels while on land. - read more
Pantaenius Australia Offers New 90-Day Lift Cover for Boat Maintenance
Pantaenius Australia Offers New 90-Day Lift Cover for Boat Maintenance
28 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori
Pantaenius Australia, a specialist in marine insurance, has introduced a 90-day lift cover policy designed to provide boat owners with third-party liability insurance while their vessels are out of the water for maintenance or survey purposes. - read more
Australians File Record 111,373 Financial Complaints in 2025
Australians File Record 111,373 Financial Complaints in 2025
28 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori
In 2025, Australians lodged a record 111,373 complaints with the financial watchdog, marking a 14% increase from the previous year. This surge underscores growing consumer dissatisfaction and challenges within the financial services sector. - read more


Cyber Insurance Articles

Best Practices for Securing Your Small Business in the Digital Age
Best Practices for Securing Your Small Business in the Digital Age
Cybersecurity refers to the measures and practices put in place to protect digital information and systems from attacks, unauthorized access, damage, and disruption. - read more
Cyber Insurance 101: What Every Australian Business Owner Needs to Know
Cyber Insurance 101: What Every Australian Business Owner Needs to Know
Cyber insurance, also known as cyber liability insurance, is a type of coverage designed to protect businesses from the financial repercussions of cyber attacks and data breaches. As cyber threats become more sophisticated, the need for a safety net to mitigate the impact of such incidents has grown significantly. - read more
Cyber Insurance Claims: What Small Business Owners Need to Know
Cyber Insurance Claims: What Small Business Owners Need to Know
Cybersecurity incidents are a growing concern for small businesses. These incidents can have disastrous consequences on the affected businesses and their customers. Cyber insurance policies provide a form of financial protection for small businesses in the event of a cyber-attack. This article will provide an overview of cyber insurance claims and its importance for small business owners. - 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
Cyber Security Checklists: Keeping Your Small Business Safe
Cyber Security Checklists: Keeping Your Small Business Safe
In today's digital age, cyber security has become a critical aspect for small businesses in Australia. As more operations move online, the potential for cyber threats increases. Small businesses are particularly vulnerable, making it essential to understand and address these risks proactively. - read more


Your free Cyber insurance quote comparison starts here!
First Name:
Postcode:

All quotes are provided free and without obligation by a Specialist from our National Broker referral panel. See our Privacy Statement for more details.


Knowledgebase
Policyholder:
The individual or entity who owns the insurance policy.