Household Insurance Online :: News
SHARE

Share this news item!

Landmark NSW Decision: Dog Walking Costs Covered in Car Crash Injury Claims

Landmark NSW Decision: Dog Walking Costs Covered in Car Crash Injury Claims

Landmark NSW Decision: Dog Walking Costs Covered in Car Crash Injury Claims?w=400
In a groundbreaking decision by the NSW Personal Injury Commission, an insurer has been directed to cover the costs of dog walking services for a car crash victim.
The commission ruled that these services classify as domestic assistance under the state’s Motor Accident Injuries Act.
This case could pave the way for broader interpretations of "attendant care services" for claimants.

The claimant, Jeffrey Forrest, sustained injuries to his neck, shoulder, arm, and hand following a rear-end car collision in 2020. His recovery was compounded by a diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder. Last September, he sought to include the expenses incurred from employing a dog walking service in his claim for statutory benefits from QBE, the compulsory third-party insurer. At that point, Forrest had accrued approximately $800 in dog walking fees.

Initially, QBE covered some of the dog walking expenses, paying $39.95 per session. However, they later rejected further claims, stating that after Forrest’s recovery from surgery in March, such expenses were neither "reasonable nor necessary." QBE contended that dog walking did not constitute treatment or typical care, making it ineligible under the "attendant care services" category.

In a decisive move, commission member Belinda Cassidy ruled that dog walking indeed fits the scope of attendant care services, which aim to assist with everyday tasks. She explained that such services encompass personal assistance, nursing, home maintenance, and domestic tasks. She clarified that "everyday" does not imply daily occurrence, establishing that dog walking is an intrinsic part of Forrest's domestic life for which he may need support.

The insurer, QBE, argued there was no proof that Forrest was responsible for dog walking duties before the accident. Ms Cassidy acknowledged this might influence a separate evaluation of the costs’ reasonableness. However, she highlighted the possibility that Forrest's family, particularly his wife, might lack the time now due to new responsibilities, thereby necessitating such services.

The decision has been sent back to the commission for further medical assessments to conclusively determine if the dog walking expenses are reasonable and necessary, along with a review of associated costs.

Published:Thursday, 3rd Jul 2025
Source: Paige Estritori

Share this news item:

Insurance News

Asbestos Scare Leaves Hospitality Business Uninsured Asbestos Scare Leaves Hospitality Business Uninsured
04 Jul 2025: Paige Estritori

The discovery of asbestos-contaminated mulch in a Sydney park led to the cancellation of a festival, resulting in significant financial losses for a hospitality business. Despite these setbacks, the company's claim for coverage under its business interruption (BI) policy was rejected. - read more
Landmark NSW Decision: Dog Walking Costs Covered in Car Crash Injury Claims Landmark NSW Decision: Dog Walking Costs Covered in Car Crash Injury Claims
03 Jul 2025: Paige Estritori

In a groundbreaking decision by the NSW Personal Injury Commission, an insurer has been directed to cover the costs of dog walking services for a car crash victim. The commission ruled that these services classify as domestic assistance under the state’s Motor Accident Injuries Act. This case could pave the way for broader interpretations of 'attendant care services' for claimants. - read more
Extreme Weather Drives $1.8 Billion in First Half Losses for Australian Insurers Extreme Weather Drives $1.8 Billion in First Half Losses for Australian Insurers
03 Jul 2025: Paige Estritori

Extreme weather events in Australia have resulted in significant financial impacts for insurers, tallying $1.83 billion in losses during the first half of the year. This comes as insurance companies gear up for further claims linked to ongoing severe weather in New South Wales. - read more
ClearView Names New Underwriting Head Amidst Strategic Changes ClearView Names New Underwriting Head Amidst Strategic Changes
30 Jun 2025: Paige Estritori

ASX-listed life insurer ClearView has announced the appointment of Peter Tilocca as Head of Underwriting, coinciding with key updates to its underwriting standards and definitions. Tilocca's extensive two-decade career in Australian underwriting includes leadership roles at Zurich, Noble Oak, One Path Life, and RGA Australia. His new role with ClearView commenced on 30 June. - read more
Ombudsman Supports Theft Claimant in Home Business Coverage Dispute Ombudsman Supports Theft Claimant in Home Business Coverage Dispute
30 Jun 2025: Paige Estritori

A recent case has seen a policyholder triumph over her insurer after the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) ruled in her favour following a contentious dispute regarding home business operations. The controversy arose when the woman's theft claim was denied by her insurance provider, IAG, over allegations of fraudulent misrepresentation about the use of her rental property. - read more


Household Insurance Articles

The Ultimate Checklist for Comparing Home Insurance in Australia The Ultimate Checklist for Comparing Home Insurance in Australia
Embarking on the journey of homeownership is a landmark event full of anticipation and dreams. As Australians, we cherish the sanctuary of our homes against the backdrop of our incredibly diverse and sometimes unpredictable climate. However, with this excitement comes a significant responsibility—protecting your investment with the right home insurance. - read more
Financial Planning for Homeowners: Top Strategies to Protect Your Assets Financial Planning for Homeowners: Top Strategies to Protect Your Assets
Financial planning is a crucial aspect of personal finance, enabling individuals to manage their money effectively and achieve their financial goals. For homeowners, financial planning takes on even greater significance. It involves not just handling your income and expenses, but also protecting valuable assets like your home and possessions. - read more
How to File a Home Insurance Claim in Australia - A Step by Step Guide How to File a Home Insurance Claim in Australia - A Step by Step Guide
Experiencing damage or loss to your home can be a stressful and overwhelming experience. However, having home insurance provides a safety net for homeowners who need to file a claim. - read more
Protecting Your Home: The What, Why, and How of Home Insurance Protecting Your Home: The What, Why, and How of Home Insurance
As Australians, our homes are often at the heart of our livelihoods and hold significant emotional and financial value. Protecting this important asset is more than just a precaution; it's a necessary step in safeguarding our future. Home insurance acts as a shield against unpredictable events that can have devastating effects on our property and peace of mind. Whether it's from natural disasters or unforeseen accidents, the significance of home insurance cannot be understated. - 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
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
How to ensure your home renovation is covered by your insurance policy How to ensure your home renovation is covered by your insurance policy
Renovating your home can be an exciting time, but it can also be a stressful one. There are so many things to consider and plan for, including financing the renovations, choosing the right contractor, and selecting the materials to be used. One aspect that often gets overlooked during planning is the impact that renovations can have on your insurance coverage. - read more
Why Income Protection Insurance Matters for Every Australian Earner Why Income Protection Insurance Matters for Every Australian Earner
The unpredictable nature of life can often leave us vulnerable to financial uncertainty, especially when it comes to our ability to earn an income. Whether due to illness, injury, or unexpected job loss, the loss of income can have a devastating impact on our financial stability and quality of life. This is where the importance of insurance in financial planning becomes evident. - read more
Essential Tips to Find the Right Home and Contents Insurance for Your Family Essential Tips to Find the Right Home and Contents Insurance for Your Family
In the face of unpredictable climate patterns and wild weather, safeguarding your home becomes a top priority, especially in a country like Australia. Choosing the right home and contents insurance is essential in providing a financial safety net against the forces of nature. With this in mind, the importance of insurance cannot be overstated, acting as a crucial buffer to protect your property and belongings. - 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 (via our secure server) and without obligation. We respect your privacy.

Knowledgebase
Policyholder:
The individual or entity who owns the insurance policy.