Whole Life Insurance: A type of life insurance that provides coverage for the insured's entire lifetime, with a savings component that builds cash value.
If you're an Australian consultant, you understand that your advice is a valuable commodity. But with that value comes responsibility, and a level of risk that you could be held liable if your guidance results in financial loss to a client. This is where professional indemnity insurance comes into play, serving as a vital shield, providing protection and peace of mind for both you and your clients. - read more
Indemnity insurance may sound like complex legalese, but at its core, it's a straightforward and crucial protection for businesses of all types and sizes. Simply put, it's a form of insurance that shields a business from bearing the full brunt of financial losses due to lawsuits or claims made against it. - read more
The landscape of work is changing in Australia, with more individuals embracing the flexibility and autonomy that freelancing offers. A significant surge in the freelance economy is a testament to this shift, as a myriad of professionals, from writers and designers to IT consultants, choose to offer their services independently. The burgeoning freelance community contributes not only to innovation but also to the country's economic vibrancy. - read more
Intellectual Property (IP) stands as one of the core components of any modern business, particularly for startups where innovation is often the primary competitive edge. Understanding and protecting IP is not just about safeguarding ideas; it's a critical aspect of maintaining a business's unique market position and its long-term viability. - read more
Insurance serves as a cornerstone in the foundation of a thriving business, mitigating various risks that can surface in the unpredictable world of commerce. At its heart, business insurance is about safeguarding the company's financial stability. It provides a critical safety net, ensuring that a single event doesn't have the power to derail years of hard work. - read more
If you're an Australian consultant, you understand that your advice is a valuable commodity. But with that value comes responsibility, and a level of risk that you could be held liable if your guidance results in financial loss to a client. This is where professional indemnity insurance comes into play, serving as a vital shield, providing protection and peace of mind for both you and your clients. - read more
Embarking on the entrepreneurial journey of running a small business comes with not only the thrill of potential success but also the specter of various risks. One of the most effective shields against the unforeseeable is small business insurance—a critical tool that safeguards your enterprise's financial health. In this section, we'll demystify the role insurance plays in protecting your small business and provide a brisk walkthrough of the different types of insurance options available. - read more
Intellectual Property (IP) stands as one of the core components of any modern business, particularly for startups where innovation is often the primary competitive edge. Understanding and protecting IP is not just about safeguarding ideas; it's a critical aspect of maintaining a business's unique market position and its long-term viability. - read more
The professional services industry has undergone a significant transformation in recent years, largely due to the integration of digital technology into everyday business operations. From cloud computing to mobile applications, the digital landscape for professional practices has expanded, offering new avenues of efficiency and connectivity. - read more
Starting a business is a thrilling venture, but it comes with its share of risks and uncertainties. One often underestimated aspect by many entrepreneurs is the need for adequate insurance, particularly, professional indemnity insurance. This type of insurance is crucial for protecting your start-up against potential financial liabilities resulting from errors, omissions, or professional negligence. - read more
Allianz's Payout Reduction Approved in Car Claim Dispute
Allianz's Payout Reduction Approved in Car Claim Dispute
5
In a landmark decision, the Australian Financial Complaints Authority has ruled in favor of Allianz, allowing the insurer to significantly reduce its payout for a car damage claim due to a misdescribed vehicle model.
The case involves a claimant who purchased a 2013 Range Rover Dynamic for $41,750 from a private seller on June 2nd of the previous year. Tragically, the vehicle caught fire and was deemed a total loss on the same day he picked it up.
Believing his new car was covered, the man submitted a claim to Allianz for the agreed value of $105,950, under a policy initiated the day of the incident. Initially, Allianz seemed to agree to the settlement amount; however, an investigation revealed a discrepancy in the model description.
The claimant had listed his vehicle as the more luxurious and costly 2013 Range Rover Autobiography MY14.5 model when, in fact, it was a Range Rover Dynamic. This misdescription resulted in an overinflated insured value.
As a result, Allianz recalculated the vehicle's worth and offered to settle the claim for a revised value of $66,630. After deducting remaining premiums and excess, the final payout amounted to $58,979.
The vehicle owner argued that he made an "innocent misrepresentation" because the insurer’s website provided a model with an outdated engine when he searched using his car's registration. He claimed he selected the Autobiography MY14.5 model since it had a similar engine type.
"I opted for the only model with my engine type and MY14.5 badging," the man explained to the complaints authority. "The website's labeling was incorrect and misled me."
The Australian Financial Complaints Authority concluded that while the policyholder's situation was understandable, it did not excuse the inaccurate car description, which breached policy terms.
"I acknowledge the complainant's challenge in finding his exact car model on the insurer's online policy platform," an AFCA ombudsman commented. "However, this does not justify misrepresenting the car's specification."
The AFCA stressed the importance of accurate car descriptions in insurance agreements, advising policyholders to make additional inquiries if unable to find the right model online.
This ruling reinforces Allianz's right to adjust the settlement based on a common law precedent, affirming the fairness of the insurer’s reduced offer. The case highlights the critical nature of precise data input when setting up insurance policies.
For further insights, the original article can be found on the Australian Financial Complaints Authority's website.
The rapid evolution of automobile technology, particularly in autonomous vehicles, is poised to reshape the insurance landscape significantly, according to insights from Howden Re. Reinsurers need to anticipate a more complex claims environment that requires advanced strategies to effectively manage the potential complexities. - read more
Cyber security leader Coalition has unveiled an innovative reinsurance intermediary, enhancing its offerings with sophisticated insights and capabilities in the cyber domain. - read more
A homeowner's struggle with her narrow driveway has culminated in the rejection of her car theft claim, illustrating the critical importance of adhering to insurance policy stipulations. - read more
A traveler who faced a canceled flight due to the flight crew reaching their legal working hour limits will only receive partial reimbursement for his expenses. This ruling came from an official complaints authority. - read more
In a landmark decision, the Australian Financial Complaints Authority has ruled in favor of Allianz, allowing the insurer to significantly reduce its payout for a car damage claim due to a misdescribed vehicle model. - read more
Need a Quick Professional
Indemnity Insurance Quote?
