Insurance Claim Denied Due to Evidence of Multiple Collisions

An insurance dispute arose when a driver was refused coverage for car damage after evidence showed involvement in multiple collisions, contrary to her claim.

Initially, the woman filed a claim with Hollard Insurance, stating her car had collided once with another vehicle.

However, the situation took a turn when forensic data from in-car technology revealed two separate impacts occurring 11 minutes apart.

Hollard's initial acceptance of the claim was retracted following this discovery. In contrast, crash information from the other vehicle suggested the incidents happened roughly one minute apart. The insurer's expert highlighted inconsistencies in the impact heights, further pointing out that the vehicle's speed at the time of the incidents did not match the claimant's account.

The insurance policy mandated that coverage only applies to accidents resulting from a single, unexpected event. During a subsequent interview, the claimant acknowledged the possibility of additional impacts due to the car's movement post-collision, yet she was unable to provide a detailed account.

Hollard concluded that these discrepancies, along with expert analysis, indicated deceit on the claimant's part, invalidating her claim. The insured party contested the credibility of the expert report, labelling it misleading. However, the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) upheld the insurer’s decision, deeming the expert findings as comprehensive and logically structured.

AFCA noted the differing time frames between the vehicles' crash data but asserted this did not undermine Hollard's position. The ombudsman stated he was unconvinced that the damage was the result of a singular accident, aligning instead with the evidence of two distinct impacts.

AFCA's ruling confirmed that regardless of whether the second crash occurred one or 11 minutes after the first, the incidents constituted separate events, leading to the denial of the insurance claim.

Published:Thursday, 14th Aug 2025
Source: Paige Estritori

Share this news item:

Insurance News

Broker Ordered to Compensate Client for Uninsured Fire Losses

15 Aug 2025: Paige Estritori

A recent ruling mandates an insurance broker to pay nearly $300,000 in compensation to a client after an insurer, QBE, declined a fire claim and cancelled the policy due to nondisclosures. The fire, which occurred in October 2022, severely damaged the commercial premises. QBE asserted that they would have denied coverage had they known about asbestos on the property, among other unreported issues. - read more

Insurance Claim Denied Due to Evidence of Multiple Collisions

14 Aug 2025: Paige Estritori

An insurance dispute arose when a driver was refused coverage for car damage after evidence showed involvement in multiple collisions, contrary to her claim. Initially, the woman filed a claim with Hollard Insurance, stating her car had collided once with another vehicle. However, the situation took a turn when forensic data from in-car technology revealed two separate impacts occurring 11 minutes apart. - read more

ASIC Considers Action as Professional Indemnity Insurance Transparency Falls Short

12 Aug 2025: Paige Estritori

The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has voiced apprehension about the transparency of professional indemnity (PI) insurance amongst holders of the Australian Financial Services Licence (AFSLs). This concern arises from a recent market overview conducted to analyze PI insurance for AFSLs offering personal advice to retail clients. - read more

Traveller Triumphs in Insurance Dispute Over Unexpected Medical Detour

11 Aug 2025: Paige Estritori

A savvy traveller has successfully challenged an insurance decision after having to make an impromptu stay in London due to a medical emergency. This came after the man needed urgent medical attention following a cat bite he sustained in Albania, which sent him to the UK capital for essential treatment. - read more

Revolutionising Life Insurance: Digital PMARs and Next-Gen Underwriting

11 Aug 2025: Paige Estritori

In the age of instant digital services, where everything from basic necessities to luxury items can be delivered in a blink, the life insurance sector in Australia is poised for a transformative change. Historically plagued by lengthy processing times, the sector faces a persistent underinsurance gap, with over a million Australians lacking adequate life protection. The introduction of a digital Personal Medical Attendant Report (PMAR) by Acenda, formerly MLC Life, marks a significant stride towards addressing this challenge. - read more

Caravan Insurance Articles

Australian Caravan Owners: Understanding Your Comprehensive Cover Options

Welcome, Australian caravan enthusiasts! Embarking on road trips and enjoying the great outdoors is an integral part of the Aussie lifestyle. Whether you're a seasoned traveller or a newcomer to the caravan community, ensuring your home on wheels is fully covered should be top of mind. - read more

Essential Tips for Choosing the Right Caravan Insurance in Australia

Embarking on a journey with your caravan is an incomparable experience, offering a unique blend of adventure, freedom, and the comfort of a home on wheels. However, it’s essential to recognize that just like any significant investment, your caravan needs to be protected. That's where choosing the right caravan insurance becomes not just a consideration, but a necessity. - read more

5 Top Tips for Safely Caravanning with Your Furry Friends in Australia

Exploring the great Australian outdoors in a caravan with your furry friends by your side can create unforgettable memories and provide experiences that deepen the bond between you and your pets. The joy found in watching your pet's excitement as they encounter new sights, sounds, and smells is irreplaceable and adds a layer of delight to the adventures ahead. - read more

The Importance of Reviewing Your Caravan Insurance Policy Annually

A caravan insurance policy is essential for protecting your investment against various risks, such as theft, damage, and accidents. However, your insurance needs may change with time, and your current policy might not offer adequate coverage anymore. That's why it's essential to review your policy at least once a year and make the necessary changes to ensure it still meets your requirements. - read more

Understanding the Key Features of Various Caravan Insurance Plans

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

Knowledgebase

Term Life Insurance:
A type of life insurance policy that provides coverage for a specified period, such as 10 or 20 years.

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.

IMPORTANT: We are neither authorised nor licensed to provide finance or finance products. We do not recommend any specific 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, qualified intermediaries with whom you can 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 part 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.