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:

Insurance News

NRMA Flags Crude Oil Supply as Australia's Pressing Concern
NRMA Flags Crude Oil Supply as Australia's Pressing Concern
26 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori
The National Roads and Motorists' Association (NRMA) has raised concerns about Australia's crude oil supply, identifying it as a significant challenge amid ongoing Middle East conflicts. This situation has potential implications for transport costs and motor insurance exposures in the coming months. - read more
AustralianSuper Announces Substantial Insurance Premium Increases
AustralianSuper Announces Substantial Insurance Premium Increases
25 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori
AustralianSuper, the nation's largest superannuation fund, has informed its members of impending increases in insurance premiums, set to take effect from May 30, 2026. This development is particularly noteworthy for those holding life, total and permanent disability (TPD), and income protection insurance through their superannuation accounts. - read more
Insurers Push to Extend Rebate for Low-Income Seniors
Insurers Push to Extend Rebate for Low-Income Seniors
25 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori
Health insurers are calling on the Australian government to exempt low-income seniors, including those on the Age Pension, from the proposed changes to the Private Health Insurance Rebate. The concern is that requiring these individuals to pay hundreds of dollars more each year to maintain their private health insurance could lead some to downgrade their coverage or abandon it altogether. - read more
Marine Insurers Maintain Support Amid Middle East Conflicts
Marine Insurers Maintain Support Amid Middle East Conflicts
25 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori
The International Union of Marine Insurance (IUMI) has recently highlighted the resilience of marine insurers in the face of escalating conflicts in the Middle East. Despite the challenging geopolitical landscape, insurers continue to provide essential coverage for cargo, hull, liability, and offshore energy sectors, ensuring that global trade flows remain protected. - read more


Business Insurance Articles

How to Choose the Right Public Liability Insurance for Your Business
How to Choose the Right Public Liability Insurance for Your Business
Public liability insurance is a key consideration for business owners in Australia. This type of insurance helps protect businesses against claims made by third parties for injuries or property damage. But what exactly does it do? In simple terms, public liability insurance covers legal costs and expenses, as well as any damages awarded, if your business is found liable for an incident. - read more
The Role of Insurance in Protecting Your Small Business Assets
The Role of Insurance in Protecting Your Small Business Assets
In the bustling world of small businesses, the phrase 'expect the unexpected' captures the essence of entrepreneurship. While you can plan for success, unforeseen risks are always lurking around the corner. That's where the importance of insurance comes into play. It acts as a safeguard, protecting the lifeblood of your business against potential perils. - read more
The Top 5 Risks Small Businesses Face and How to Mitigate Them
The Top 5 Risks Small Businesses Face and How to Mitigate Them
Running a small business can be both rewarding and challenging. One of the key challenges is the variety of risks that can arise unexpectedly. These risks can range from financial uncertainties to operational hiccups, each potentially impacting your business's success. Understanding these risks and preparing for them is crucial for the longevity and sustainability of any small enterprise. - 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


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
Incontestability Clause:
A provision in a life insurance policy that prevents the insurer from voiding coverage due to a misstatement by the insured after a certain period.