Antique Car Claim Hits the Brakes: Home Insurance Does Not Cover Vehicle Damage

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 car owner had filed for the losses with his insurer, Allianz, under the impression that the stationary state of his classic automobile placed it outside the category of a motor vehicle, which would typically be excluded from home insurance coverage. The claim also included potential legal liabilities related to the damage inflicted upon the neighbor's property.

However, Allianz stood firm on the grounds of their policy, which explicitly excludes motor vehicles, setting the stage for AFCA’s involvement to help settle the matter. The authority consulted both dictionary and legal definitions during its adjudication to arrive at a conclusion.

The decision was crystal clear. Although the prized Mercedes was not road-ready, it was undeniably a car, designed for motor propulsion and fit for highway use. Conclusively, for all intents and purposes regarding the claim, the car was classified as a motor vehicle.

Additionally, the authority addressed the aspect of legal liability, stating that while it may have been a legitimate claim, the insurance policy in question conveniently draws a line, omitting any claims connected to the ownership or operation of a 'mechanically propelled vehicle.'

The underlying fact, as pointed out by AFCA, was that any car functions through mechanical propulsion, dovetailing with its design intent. Thus, the Mercedes, regardless of its non-functional state, was subject to the same rules, exempting the legal liability concerns from the policy's scope of coverage.

Despite the setback for the claimant in terms of coverage, AFCA noted an oversight by the insurer during its claims process. Allianz overlooked the policyholder's legal liability concerns without due consideration, an error that led to frustration and inconvenience for the customer. In light of this, AFCA has ruled that Allianz compensate the claimant with AUD 1,000 for non-financial losses sustained as a result of the claim handling process.

Published:Wednesday, 24th Apr 2024
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

Clear

Why Climate Risk Is Back on the Truck Insurance Agenda

13 Aug 2026: Paige Estritori

A fresh round of insurance industry warnings about climate exposure is a timely reminder for Australian truck operators that weather risk is no longer a background issue. Floods, bushfires, severe storms and prolonged road closures can affect far more than a single damaged vehicle. For owner-drivers and fleet managers, the larger concern is often the chain reaction: stranded equipment, missed delivery windows, cargo complications, depot damage and extended downtime while repair networks are under pressure. - read more

Affordability Pressure Puts Trade Cover Back Under the Spotlight

13 Aug 2026: Paige Estritori

Fresh industry attention on insurance affordability is more than a household budget story. For Australian tradespeople, rising premiums, higher repair costs and uneven disaster exposure can flow directly into how clients fund work, how projects are scoped and how small trade businesses protect their own equipment, vehicles and liability risks. - read more

Why Claim Clarity Matters More Than Ever for Income Insurance

13 Aug 2026: Paige Estritori

Recent complaints reporting from Australia's financial dispute resolution system has put a practical issue back in front of workers: the value of income insurance is not only in the monthly benefit promised, but in how clearly a policy works when a claim is made. - read more

What electronic work diaries mean for truck insurance

13 Aug 2026: Paige Estritori

Recent transport industry coverage has again put electronic work diaries in the spotlight, as more heavy vehicle operators look for practical ways to manage fatigue obligations without relying solely on paper records. For Australian trucking businesses, the shift is more than an administrative upgrade. It has direct implications for compliance evidence, driver management, incident investigation and the way insurers assess operational risk. - read more

Life Code Findings Put Income Protection Claims Back Under the Microscope

12 Aug 2026: Paige Estritori

The latest industry attention on Life Insurance Code compliance is another reminder that income protection insurance is not just about having a policy in place. For working Australians, the real test comes when illness or injury interrupts earnings and a claim needs to move from paperwork to practical financial support. - read more

Click for more Insurance News