Household Insurance Online :: News
SHARE

Share this news item!

Car Collector Fails in Bid for $122k Insurance Windfall

Car Collector Fails in Bid for $122k Insurance Windfall

Car Collector Fails in Bid for $122k Insurance Windfall?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 car enthusiast's efforts to boost his insurance payout from $78,000 to $200,000 after his rare vehicle was destroyed by fire have been thwarted.

The dispute began when the owner's 2005 HSV Coupe GTO Z Series succumbed to flames in March of the previous year. RACQ Insurance accepted the total loss and initially valued the vehicle at $68,000.

However, the unsatisfied owner declined this offer, leading to an independent valuation which described the car as being in “good condition for its age and mileage” despite its 315,000km on the odometer.

Although comparable lower-mileage vehicles were advertised above $81,000, the heavy usage severely reduced its collectible appeal, the independent valuer noted. Conclusively, the evaluator deemed the insurer's offer reasonable.

The car owner contested this, alleging RACQ Insurance's assessment was flawed, particularly regarding the engine type and the car's rarity as one of only 60 manual transmission models, asserting its condition was excellent.

In response, RACQ revised their offer to $78,000 factoring in the vehicle's unique modifications and reconditioned engine, but the claimant stood firm in his refusal.

The Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA), upon review, sided with the insurer. AFCA deemed RACQ Insurance's valuation and the independent assessment to be “logical, well-considered and helpful.”

According to Glass's Guide referenced by the AFCA, the vehicle's maximum estimated market value could not exceed $58,100, considering its age and mileage. Although rare, evidence was insufficient to justify a $200,000 evaluation.

The AFCA stated, “The complainant has not provided persuasive evidence to demonstrate the vehicle's worth is beyond what the insurer offered. Under such conditions, adjusting the settlement upward would not be justifiable.”

Reference: Original findings from the Australian Financial Complaints Authority's ruling were sourced from RACQ Insurance's appeal letter. Read more about the decision here.

Published:Wednesday, 24th Jul 2024
Author: Paige Estritori

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

Share this news item:

Insurance News

Australian Farmers Confront Rising Insurance Premiums Amid Climate Challenges
Australian Farmers Confront Rising Insurance Premiums Amid Climate Challenges
22 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori
Australian farmers are currently grappling with a significant surge in insurance premiums, with increases ranging from 20% to 40%, depending on the insurer. This escalation is primarily driven by the rising frequency and severity of natural disasters, coupled with a contracting underwriter market and escalating costs of goods and services. - read more
Widespread Rural Crime Exposes NSW Farmers to Repeated Victimisation
Widespread Rural Crime Exposes NSW Farmers to Repeated Victimisation
22 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori
A recent survey conducted by WFI Insurance in collaboration with the University of New England (UNE) Centre for Rural Criminology has unveiled alarming statistics regarding rural crime in New South Wales. The findings indicate that over 90% of NSW farmers have encountered criminal activities on their properties, with approximately 30% reporting being targeted seven or more times. - read more
Elders Insurance Highlights Increased Summer Storm Risks for Farmers
Elders Insurance Highlights Increased Summer Storm Risks for Farmers
22 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori
As the Australian summer approaches, Elders Insurance has issued a cautionary advisory to farmers, emphasising the heightened risk of storm-related damages during this season. Recent data indicates a significant increase in insurance claims due to summer storms, underscoring the need for proactive measures to safeguard agricultural assets. - read more
Government Backs 12 Projects to Boost Heavy Vehicle Safety
Government Backs 12 Projects to Boost Heavy Vehicle Safety
22 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori
The Australian Government, in collaboration with the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR), has announced a $4.2 million investment in 12 industry-led projects designed to improve heavy vehicle safety across the nation. This funding is part of the Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative (HVSI), which has supported over 181 projects with more than $45 million since its inception in 2016. - read more
Climate Change's Impact on Rising Home Insurance Premiums
Climate Change's Impact on Rising Home Insurance Premiums
22 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori
In recent developments, Insurance Australia Group (IAG) has raised concerns about the escalating impact of climate change on home insurance premiums. The insurer's latest report indicates that Australians should anticipate higher costs due to the increasing frequency and severity of weather events. - read more
Click for more Insurance News


Household Insurance Articles

What to Look for When Choosing a Home and Contents Insurance Policy
What to Look for When Choosing a Home and Contents Insurance Policy
Home and Contents Insurance is a type of insurance policy that covers any damage or loss that may occur to your property, as well as the contents within it. This can include damages caused by fire, flood, theft and other unforeseen circumstances. In Australia, Home and Contents Insurance is of utmost importance due to the increasing rates of natural disasters such as bushfires and floods. - read more
The Most Common Mistakes in Household Insurance Claims and How to Prevent Them
The Most Common Mistakes in Household Insurance Claims and How to Prevent Them
Household insurance is a crucial safety net for both homeowners and renters in Australia, offering protection against a range of potential damages and losses. Navigating the insurance claims process, however, can often be challenging and fraught with pitfalls. - read more
Wild Weather Ahead: Safeguarding Your Property from Storm-Related Damages
Wild Weather Ahead: Safeguarding Your Property from Storm-Related Damages
Welcome to our essential guide for protecting your property as wild weather sets its sights on Australia. Catastrophic storms and extreme conditions don't have to spell disaster for your home. Understanding the sheer force of Mother Nature reinforces the importance of consistent preparedness. In this article, we'll arm you with the knowledge you need to stand resilient against the elements. - read more
Tips and Tricks for Fitting Insurance Premiums into Your Monthly Budget
Tips and Tricks for Fitting Insurance Premiums into Your Monthly Budget
Understanding the significance of insurance in managing your finances is crucial. It acts as a safeguard, providing a buffer against unexpected losses or damage to your most valuable possessions. However, the costs associated with this necessary protection can be challenging to manage, especially when it comes to fitting insurance premiums into a monthly budget. - read more
Building Your Safety Net: Understanding Total Replacement Cover
Building Your Safety Net: Understanding Total Replacement Cover
For many Australians, their home is their castle, their sanctuary, and most significantly, their largest investment. Safeguarding this asset against unpredictable events is not merely a consideration—it's a necessity. That's where Total Replacement Cover comes into play. But what does this term really mean, and why is it paramount when it comes to choosing a home insurance policy? - read more


Your free Household 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
Premium:
The amount paid for an insurance policy, usually on a regular basis, to maintain coverage.

Quick Links: | Home And Contents Insurance Australia | Home Insurance Australia | Contents Insurance Australia | Household Insurance | Home Insurance Quotes | Best Home Insurance Policies | Affordable Home Insurance | Home Insurance Comparison | Home Insurance Coverage | Home Insurance Premiums | Home Insurance Discounts
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.