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

Australian General Insurers Report Record $7.3 Billion Profit
Australian General Insurers Report Record $7.3 Billion Profit
18 Jan 2026: Paige Estritori
The Australian general insurance sector has reported a remarkable after-tax profit of $7.3 billion for the last financial year, marking its most substantial earnings in over ten years. This significant increase is primarily attributed to a decrease in catastrophe-related losses and robust investment returns. - read more
Australian General Insurance Premiums Set to Surpass $144 Billion by 2029
Australian General Insurance Premiums Set to Surpass $144 Billion by 2029
18 Jan 2026: Paige Estritori
The Australian general insurance market is on a trajectory to see direct written premiums (DWP) exceed $144 billion by 2029, according to projections from data and analytics firm GlobalData. This anticipated growth is largely fueled by heightened demand for coverage in response to the increasing frequency of natural disasters. - read more
Understanding the Impact of New Regulations on Cosmetic Nurses' Insurance
Understanding the Impact of New Regulations on Cosmetic Nurses' Insurance
18 Jan 2026: Paige Estritori
The cosmetic nursing sector in Australia has experienced significant growth, driven by increasing demand for non-surgical cosmetic procedures such as injectables and skin treatments. This expansion has led to heightened scrutiny and the introduction of new regulations aimed at ensuring patient safety and professional accountability. - read more
Health Minister Addresses Insurers' Use of Loopholes to Raise Premiums
Health Minister Addresses Insurers' Use of Loopholes to Raise Premiums
18 Jan 2026: Paige Estritori
In December 2024, Australian Health Minister Mark Butler issued a stern warning to private health insurers regarding the use of 'underhanded' tactics to raise premiums. This statement came in response to findings that some insurers have been closing old policies and introducing more expensive ones, effectively increasing costs for consumers without transparent communication. - read more
Australia's General Insurance Market Set for Significant Growth by 2029
Australia's General Insurance Market Set for Significant Growth by 2029
18 Jan 2026: Paige Estritori
Australia's general insurance industry is on a trajectory for substantial growth, with direct written premiums (DWP) projected to reach $146.9 billion by 2029. This forecast, provided by GlobalData, anticipates a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.2%, rising from $103.1 billion in 2025. - read more
Click for more Insurance News


Cyber Insurance Articles

Strengthen Your Defences: Implementing Effective Cybersecurity Protocols
Strengthen Your Defences: Implementing Effective Cybersecurity Protocols
In today's digital age, understanding the cyber threat landscape in Australia is not just important—it's essential. Cyber attacks are becoming more sophisticated and are affecting businesses and individuals at an alarming rate. Common types of cyber attacks include phishing, ransomware, and data breaches, each with the potential to cause significant harm. The impact of cybersecurity breaches on both the economy and the reputation of affected entities is profound, ranging from financial loss to long-lasting reputational damage. - read more
Protecting Your Business from Online Threats: The Benefits of Cyber Insurance
Protecting Your Business from Online Threats: The Benefits of Cyber Insurance
In today's digital age, businesses are increasingly becoming more vulnerable to online threats. Cyber attacks are not just limited to large corporations. Small businesses are also at risk and can suffer severe financial losses due to cyber threats. It is essential for small businesses to invest in cyber insurance. Cyber insurance offers protection against online threats, providing financial assistance if a company experiences a data breach, cyber attack, or other forms of cybercrime. - read more
Protecting Sensitive Data: Cyber Threat Prevention for Remote Teams
Protecting Sensitive Data: Cyber Threat Prevention for Remote Teams
Remote work has seen a significant rise in Australia, especially following the COVID-19 pandemic. More businesses are embracing flexibility, allowing employees to work from home or other remote locations. - read more
Case Studies: The True Impact of Cyber Attacks on Australian Small Businesses
Case Studies: The True Impact of Cyber Attacks on Australian Small Businesses
As we delve into the digital era, the number of cyber threats that challenge Australian small businesses is significantly on the rise. Cyber attacks have become more sophisticated, frequent, and continue to disrupt the operations of small enterprises, often with devastating consequences. The need to fortify defenses against such threats has never been more paramount. - 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


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
Reinsurance:
Insurance that an insurance company purchases from another insurance company to mitigate risk.

Quick Links: | Cyber Insurance | Business Cyber Insurance | Cyber Liability Insurance | Small Business Cyber Insurance | Cyber Risk Insurance | Commercial Cyber Insurance | Cyber Security Insurance | Data Breach Insurance | Cyber Attack Insurance | Cyber Insurance Coverage | Cyber Insurance Policy
This website is owned and operated by Clark Family Pty Ltd (ACN 010 281 008) as Trustee for the Clark Family Trust (ABN 35 957 893 714), 43 Larch Street Tallebudgera QLD 4228. Clark Family Pty Ltd is an Authorised Representative (AR 1298860) of Unique Group Broker Services Pty Ltd (AFSL 509434) for financial product referrals and an Authorised Credit Representative (ACR 401491) of Saccasan Pty Ltd (ACL 386297). Check our licensing details on the ASIC registers: Clark Family Pty Ltd ACR, Clark Family Pty Ltd AR, Saccasan Pty Ltd, Unique Group Broker Services.
IMPORTANT: We do not provide financial product advice or credit assistance. We act solely as an introducer and refer enquiries to licensed 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 validating 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.