Health Insurance Online :: News
SHARE

Share this news item!

Customer Wins in Insurance Dispute Over Laser Equipment

Customer Wins in Insurance Dispute Over Laser Equipment

Customer Wins in Insurance Dispute Over Laser Equipment?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.

In a recent ruling, a salon owner successfully contested a claim with her insurance provider concerning a dispute over a laser machine.
This case highlights significant issues around insurance policy interpretation and customer rights.

The crux of the dispute arose when the salon's laser machine broke down in February, and repair costs were estimated at $18,069. The salon owner had insured the machine for $50,000 in December of the previous year, following its second-hand purchase and refurbishment in 2012 for $66,000.

Despite acknowledging the damage, QBE Insurance reduced its compensation to $7,286, citing an underinsurance clause. QBE claimed that due to the model being discontinued, a replacement would necessitate insuring at $155,000.

The insurer's clause stipulated that if the sum insured was less than 80% of the "total new replacement value," the liability could be adjusted accordingly. However, the salon owner challenged this assessment, arguing that a comparable refurbished machine was valued between $30,000 and $45,000.

The Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) intervened, siding with the salon owner. AFCA declared that policy wording began ambiguous, noting discrepancies in terms such as "full value" and "total new replacement value", creating confusion about the clause's intent.

AFCA clarified: "When the policy is read as a whole, it indicates the laser should be insured for its full value, or what it would cost to replace with a similar laser in a similar condition." They refuted QBE's expectation that the salon owner should have insured the laser for $155,000, indicating she would never recoup more than $50,000 under policy terms.

This ruling mandates QBE to cover the repair costs, less the policy’s deductible. The case emphasizes the importance of clarity in insurance contracts and equitable treatment of claims.



Published:Wednesday, 27th Nov 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

HESTA Announces Reduction in Insurance Fees to Benefit Members
HESTA Announces Reduction in Insurance Fees to Benefit Members
11 May 2026: Paige Estritori
HESTA, a prominent Australian superannuation fund, has unveiled a significant reduction in insurance fees, set to take effect from 1 July 2026. This initiative aims to make insurance coverage more accessible and affordable for its members, aligning with the fund's commitment to enhancing member benefits. - read more
Hostplus and MetLife Australia Extend Partnership to Enhance Member Insurance Benefits
Hostplus and MetLife Australia Extend Partnership to Enhance Member Insurance Benefits
11 May 2026: Paige Estritori
Hostplus, a leading Australian superannuation fund, has announced the extension of its group insurance partnership with MetLife Australia until June 2028. This strategic move aims to elevate the servicing models across claims and underwriting, ultimately delivering stronger outcomes for Hostplus members. - read more
Marine Insurers Maintain Support Amid Middle East Conflicts
Marine Insurers Maintain Support Amid Middle East Conflicts
11 May 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
Cyclone Narelle Highlights Marine Insurance Challenges in Northern Australia
Cyclone Narelle Highlights Marine Insurance Challenges in Northern Australia
11 May 2026: Paige Estritori
Severe Tropical Cyclone Narelle, which struck Northern Australia in March 2026, has brought to the forefront the escalating challenges in securing marine hull insurance in regions like Northern Queensland and Western Australia. The cyclone's path, impacting both the Northern Territory and the northwest of Western Australia, exemplifies the increasing volatility of weather patterns and their profound implications for the marine insurance sector. - read more
Rising Wreck Removal Costs Challenge Marine Insurance Industry
Rising Wreck Removal Costs Challenge Marine Insurance Industry
11 May 2026: Paige Estritori
The escalating costs associated with wreck removal are emerging as a significant challenge for the marine insurance industry. Recent incidents have demonstrated that expenses related to salvage operations, environmental remediation, and debris clearance can substantially exceed initial estimates, posing financial risks that may surpass traditional liability limits. - read more


Health Insurance Articles

The Benefits of Private Health Insurance for Families: Is It Worth the Cost?
The Benefits of Private Health Insurance for Families: Is It Worth the Cost?
Health insurance is a crucial aspect of financial planning for individuals and families alike. It provides protection against unexpected medical costs and ensures that you have access to necessary healthcare services when you need them most. - read more
Understanding Health Insurance: A Starter's Guide for Young Australians
Understanding Health Insurance: A Starter's Guide for Young Australians
Embarking on the journey of understanding health insurance is a pivotal stride for young Australians. It's a proactive step that embodies responsibility for one's well-being and financial foresight. Health insurance can often seem like a complex affair reserved for a future self, but grappling with its intricacies early can be both economically savvy and health-conscious. - read more
The Digital Age of Health Insurance: Comparing Policies Online
The Digital Age of Health Insurance: Comparing Policies Online
The dawn of the digital age has significantly transformed the way we approach nearly every aspect of our lives, and the domain of health insurance is no exception. With the arrival of innovative digital tools, the health insurance landscape has undergone a striking evolution, allowing for unprecedented accessibility and convenience in managing healthcare coverage. - read more
Is Private Health Insurance Worth It? Exploring the Benefits
Is Private Health Insurance Worth It? Exploring the Benefits
In Australia, health insurance plays a significant role in ensuring individuals can access quality medical care without incurring prohibitive costs. - read more
Affordable Health Insurance: How to Find the Best Plan for You
Affordable Health Insurance: How to Find the Best Plan for You
Affordable health insurance refers to insurance plans that offer necessary health coverage at a price within one's financial means. These plans aim to balance cost with the quality of care, providing essential services without excessive financial burden. The goal is to make healthcare accessible to a wider population, ensuring that everyone can maintain their health without going into debt. - read more

Knowledgebase
Reinsurance:
Insurance that an insurance company purchases from another insurance company to mitigate risk.