Cairns car theft insurance horror stories emerge after David and Goliath win
Cairns car theft victims have come out in force with tales of unnecessary insurance headaches following one man’s gruelling two-month battle for his rightful payout.
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CAIRNS car theft victims have come out in force with tales of unnecessary insurance headaches following one man’s gruelling two-month battle for his rightful payout.
Bellenden Ker man Antony Ross finally got satisfaction after going public about his long-running ordeal with Suncorp initially trying to charge him a $1000 excess bill because he could not provide the thief’s details.
His nightmare was no isolated incident.
Cairns Post reader Dale Lewis recounted another insurance ordeal stemming from a stolen vehicle.
“Same happened to my brother – brand new LandCruiser, they smashed through the side window and damaged the door,” he said.
“(The insurer) wanted the $1000-or-so excess, then wanted to up his premiums for the next two years.
“He ended up paying to get it fixed himself … absolute rort.”
The Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) received 13,805 complaints about general insurers last financial year.
That included 61 complaints specifically about motor vehicle insurance providers across the across Far North Queensland.
Nationally, the car insurance firm with the most complaints was AAI Limited, followed by Insurance Australia Limited, Auto & General Services Pty Ltd and Allianz Australia Insurance Limited.
AAI Limited is the company used to offer Suncorp’s general insurance products, including home building, home contents, landlord, strata, car, CTP, motorcycle, caravan, motorhome, boat, business and barristers insurance.
Shirley Richards said she was also forced to pay a $600 excess bill when her car was stolen.
“The police even said they knew who it was but couldn’t prove it so no charges were laid and I had to pay,” she said.
It was deja vu for Trish McDonald.
“Same here,” she said.
“We supplied the criminal’s details through police but the crim is under 18 years so we have to pay the excess.”
The AFCA is a non-government ombudsman service providing free, fair and independent help with financial disputes.
Anyone with complaints can call 1300 931 678.
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