Liability Insurance :: News
SHARE

Share this news item!

Uninsured Driver Denied Compensation in Dispute with QBE

Uninsured Driver Denied Compensation in Dispute with QBE

Uninsured Driver Denied Compensation in Dispute with QBE?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.

The Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) has ruled in favour of QBE Insurance in a case where an uninsured driver attempted to secure compensation following a collision involving a fire truck.
The incident occurred when the QBE-insured driver paused at an intersection to allow a fire truck to pass, leading to the uninsured driver impacting their vehicle.

The uninsured motorist, disputing QBE's decision to hold him responsible and requiring payment for damages, sought redress through AFCA. He claimed the QBE-insurer's customer triggered the incident by stopping abruptly, without warning, following the fire truck's activation of sirens and lights.

Despite lacking dashcam footage, AFCA reviewed a Queensland Fire Department statement suggesting the distraction and subsequent collision were foreseeable due to the fire truck's presence at a blind corner. Although acknowledging that the QBE customer was potentially negligent for stopping suddenly without adequate warning, AFCA maintained the road rules require drivers to maintain a safe distance to prevent such accidents.

The adjudication concluded that a sufficient following distance was lacking, which could have otherwise allowed the uninsured driver to avert the collision, rendering the complaint unsubstantiated for coverage of his damages. Consequently, the tribunal found him responsible for a portion of the crash alongside the QBE-insured driver.

The ruling bars the uninsured from receiving compensation for his vehicle damage, legal fees, or money paid to QBE, citing jurisdiction limits. Yet, it mandated QBE to issue a $500 compensation for originally misleading the uninsured driver with incorrect statements regarding cost bearing.

Published:Friday, 21st Mar 2025
Author: Paige Estritori

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.

Share this news item:

Rate this article

0 Comments

No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts.

Insurance News

Why rural heavy vehicle safety matters for insurance
Why rural heavy vehicle safety matters for insurance
22 Jul 2026: Paige Estritori
The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator’s latest focus on agricultural heavy vehicle safety is a timely reminder for farm, livestock, grain and regional freight operators: safety standards are not just a compliance issue. They can also shape claims outcomes, business interruption, liability exposure and future access to affordable truck insurance. - read more
Why Lithium Battery Fire Risk Matters for Tradies
Why Lithium Battery Fire Risk Matters for Tradies
22 Jul 2026: Paige Estritori
Lithium-ion batteries are now part of everyday trade work. They power cordless tools, site lighting, testing equipment, drones, portable power stations and, for some electricians and solar installers, the systems being installed for customers. A fresh insurance industry analysis has again highlighted why this technology is not just a convenience issue, but a serious risk management issue for businesses. - read more
Why the Simple Advice Push Matters for Your Cover
Why the Simple Advice Push Matters for Your Cover
22 Jul 2026: Paige Estritori
Australia’s life insurance sector has renewed its push for consumers to receive simpler help with the cover they already hold, particularly through superannuation. The Council of Australian Life Insurers has again argued that many people need clearer, more accessible guidance about insurance inside super, including death, disability and, where available, income protection insurance. - read more
AFCA Decision Highlights Limits on Recovering Income Protection Payments
AFCA Decision Highlights Limits on Recovering Income Protection Payments
22 Jul 2026: Paige Estritori
A new Australian Financial Complaints Authority decision has offered an important reminder for anyone relying on income protection insurance through work or super: once benefits have been paid, an insurer generally needs a strong and clearly evidenced basis before asking for that money back. - read more


Business Insurance Articles

How to Lower Public Liability Insurance Premiums Without Sacrificing Coverage
How to Lower Public Liability Insurance Premiums Without Sacrificing Coverage
In the ever-evolving landscape of Australian commerce, business insurance stands as a crucial bulwark, safeguarding enterprises against unforeseen financial perils. Recognizing this, our in-depth exploration begins with an overview of the monumental role business insurance plays for Australian companies, both large and small. It's a cornerstone for risk management, providing business owners with peace of mind as they navigate the intricacies of their industries. - read more
Understanding Product Liability Insurance in Australia: A Business Owner's Guide
Understanding Product Liability Insurance in Australia: A Business Owner's Guide
As a business owner in Australia, navigating the complexities of protecting your company is crucial, with product liability insurance being an essential aspect to consider. This type of insurance is designed to shield businesses from financial losses that may arise if a product they manufacture, supply, or sell causes harm to a consumer or damages property. - read more
The Impact of Environmental Liability on Australian Business Operations
The Impact of Environmental Liability on Australian Business Operations
In today's ever-evolving business landscape, the significance of environmental sustainability and legal accountability is increasingly paramount. Australian enterprises, in particular, are encountering a growing need to understand and manage environmental liability. This reality not only influences corporate image but also carries substantial financial and legal ramifications. - read more
Professional Indemnity vs Public Liability: What's the Best Choice for Your Small Business?
Professional Indemnity vs Public Liability: What's the Best Choice for Your Small Business?
As a small business owner, understanding the intricacies of liability insurance is pivotal to safeguarding the fruit of your hard work. Insurances such as professional indemnity and public liability are not just safety nets; they are vital components that can mean the difference between bouncing back and closing down following unforeseen legal hurdles. - read more


Start Here !
Start here!
Cover Amount:
Postcode:

All quotes are provided obligation-free by a participating broker from our national referral partner network. We respect your Privacy.


Knowledgebase
Endorsement:
An amendment or addition to an existing insurance policy that changes the terms or scope of the original policy.