Quake Damage Claims Dismissed Over Previous Faults
Quake Damage Claims Dismissed Over Previous Faults
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.
Two farmhouses seeking insurance payouts for earthquake damage have had their claims denied, following a decision highlighting the role of pre-existing issues.
The company behind the claim stated that the properties were impacted by a 5.4-magnitude earthquake that occurred in November 2018. Although the earthquake's epicenter was approximately 45 kilometers away from the buildings, Geoscience Australia specified the evident damage radius to be no more than 27 kilometers from the epicenter.
In their defense, the claimant's engineering expert conceded that the buildings were situated outside the primary damage zone but contended that the earthquake’s vibrations had unleashed energy beneath the geological formations on which the houses stood.
The expert identified "preexisting or dormant conditions" in the properties, including previously repaired damage which, according to him, reopened due to ground movement prompted by the quake, also leading to the manifestation of new fractures.
Meanwhile, Allianz, the insurance provider, enlisted a forensic civil and structural engineer who assessed the damages. His findings revealed brickwork fissures in multiple sections of one property, referred to as House H, and evident cracks within the garage of the second property, termed House P, in addition to a separation between a storeroom and the home.
The engineer hired by Allianz attributed the damage to prolonged foundation instability and deterioration of the mortar used in the brickwork, rather than to the seismic event.
The Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) upheld the insurer’s position, noting that both engineers corroborated the presence of damage similar to what was being contested even before the 2018 earthquake, specifically in House H.
AFCA further mentioned that updates made to certain rooms within the house remained unaffected, while external brickwork conditions pointed towards significant wear and tear, contributing to the losses. Comparable remarks were also made in regard to House P.
"While both experts agree it is conceivable for House H to incur earthquake-related damage under ideal conditions despite its location outside the designated impact radius, the insurer's expert refuted the existence of such conditions in this case," stated the adjudicator from AFCA.
"Even if the earthquake were recognized as being a proximate cause of the damage to House H, it would coexist with other excluded factors (wear and tear, prolonged structural movement)."
"Consequently, the insurer maintains the right to invoke those exclusions as a basis for denying the claim," AFCA concluded.
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.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has intervened to prevent Insurance Australia Group (IAG) from acquiring the insurance operations of the Royal Automobile Club of Western Australia (RAC WA). The proposed $1.35 billion transaction raised significant competition concerns, prompting the ACCC to act in the interest of consumers and the broader insurance market. - read more
The Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) has determined that a broker breached its duty of care, resulting in the denial of a truck damage claim due to the driver's inexperience. This case underscores the critical importance of brokers thoroughly understanding and communicating policy exclusions to their clients. - read more
Daimler Truck Financial Services and Geico Insurance have partnered to launch 'Connected Insurance,' a data-driven, telematics-based program designed to assist Freightliner and Western Star owner-operators and small fleets in reducing their commercial vehicle insurance costs while promoting safer driving practices. - read more
The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) is set to host the 2026 AFR Insurance Summit on June 16 at The Fullerton Hotel in Sydney. This pivotal event will bring together industry leaders to address pressing issues within Australia's insurance sector, with a particular emphasis on climate-related risks, insurance affordability, and maintaining public trust. - read more
Dynamic Insurance Services has initiated legal proceedings against Steadfast Group, QBE Insurance, and Allianz Australia Insurance, alleging coordinated actions that restricted its access to essential insurance products. The lawsuit, filed in March 2026, claims that these companies engaged in practices that adversely affected Dynamic's business operations. - read more
Caravanning has seen a rise in popularity across Australia, with many discovering the joys of hitting the open road and exploring the vast landscapes that the country has to offer. From coastal trips to inland adventures, caravanning provides the flexibility and freedom that many travelers are seeking. - read more
Caravanning is a popular pastime for many Australians, offering the freedom to explore the great outdoors and travel at leisure. However, owning a caravan comes with its own set of responsibilities and risks. - read more
The caravan lifestyle is experiencing a remarkable surge in popularity across Australia. Recent years have seen a significant increase in the number of individuals and families embracing the nomadic way of life, traveling across the country in caravans. - read more
Setting off on a caravan trip is an exciting adventure, but before you hit the open road, it's essential to ensure your caravan is in top-notch condition. Performing pre-trip checks can make the difference between a memorable journey and a disastrous one. - read more
Caravanning in Australia taps into a deep-seated love for adventure and the great outdoors. With vast landscapes and awe-inspiring natural beauty, it's no wonder that hitting the road with a caravan in tow has become a cherished pastime for many Aussies. - read more
Knowledgebase
Claim: A formal request made by the policyholder to the insurance company for payment of a loss covered by the insurance policy.
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts.