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.
A homeowner’s request for compensation after discovering a large pit on his property was denied when it was revealed to be a decommissioned well, rather than a sinkhole.
The deep pit, which measured 4.5 meters, appeared beneath pavers just 1.5 meters away from the house in August 2022.
The homeowner contacted QBE insurance to lodge a claim, prompting the insurer to send a team to cordon off the affected area for safety.
The homeowner argued that the pit had been formed by a leaking pipe and believed the visible water flow at the bottom was evidence of such. He suggested that the water leak had caused soil erosion, exacerbating the formation of the pit.
In response, QBE appointed a forensic structural engineer to investigate. The engineer, assisted by a plumber, conducted several tests and authored three reports on their findings.
The investigation concluded that the pit resulted from the collapse of a well capping that had been in place for over five decades, predating the home's construction according to the neighborhood residents' accounts.
According to the engineer, the old well capping had eroded over time, explaining the presence of water at the base. Nearby sewer and stormwater pipes were examined, and it was found that water flow into the pit had been consistent. A sewer pipe leakage, identified approximately 19 meters from the pit, was determined to be too far away to contribute to its formation.
No legal or physical connection was determined to link the sewer leakage or any nearby pipes to the well's deterioration. The plumber validated the engineer's conclusions, confirming a lack of nearby pipe networks capable of forming a sinkhole.
The Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) later ruled in favor of QBE, citing comprehensive evidence provided by the engineer. The findings firmly established that the pit was a disused well, lacking any evident links to a leaking sewer or other leaks.
AFCA endorsed, "The expert evidence substantiates that the pit originates from a long-decommissioned well existing before the complainant’s house was built. Despite extensive testing, the results indicate no connection between any pipe leaks and the pit’s formation, the water at its base, or the erosion observed."
Though QBE did agree to compensate for incidental damages done during the examination process, including $1122 for the damage to the homeowner’s timber deck and an additional $1500 for the delays in processing the claim, which took over six months.
This case, initially reported by insurancenews.com.au, underscores the critical role of thorough expert investigation to differentiate between naturally occurring subsidence and structural failures caused by other factors.
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.
Renewed rural industry attention on insurance affordability is a timely warning for Australian farm businesses preparing for renewal season. Premium pressure is not only a household issue in regional areas; it can affect the commercial reality of running a farm, from insuring sheds and machinery to protecting stored produce, livestock infrastructure and liability exposures. - read more
The continuing review of Australia's Life Insurance Code of Practice has become more than an industry governance exercise. For policyholders, it is a timely reminder that the real value of life insurance depends on what happens at underwriting, at renewal, and especially when a claim is made. - read more
The latest industry attention on Australia's cyclone reinsurance arrangements is a timely reminder that premium relief for strata schemes is rarely driven by one policy lever alone. The cyclone pool was designed to reduce insurer exposure to cyclone-related losses in higher-risk regions, particularly across northern Australia. However, for owners corporations and body corporates, the practical impact can still vary sharply from building to building. - read more
Renewed attention on apartment building defects is a timely reminder that strata insurance is not assessed in isolation from the physical condition of a scheme. For owners corporations and body corporates, the issue is not only whether cover is in place, but whether the building can be clearly presented to insurers as a well-managed and understood risk. - read more
Fresh complaints data from the Australian Financial Complaints Authority has again put pressure on the general insurance sector, with policy disputes, delays and communication breakdowns remaining a major source of frustration for customers. For Australian tradies, the headline is not just that complaints are being lodged; it is that many disputes appear to begin with mismatched expectations between what a policyholder thought was covered and how the insurer interpreted the wording when a claim arrived. - read more
Life insurance is a financial product designed to provide peace of mind by offering a safety net for your loved ones in the event of your passing. The primary purpose of life insurance is to ensure that your family is financially protected, allowing them to maintain their standard of living even without your income. - read more
Life insurance serves as a crucial safety net, guarding your loved ones against the unforeseen. Just as you would take care of your health through regular check-ups, it is equally important to ensure that your life insurance policy remains in sound condition to provide the necessary protection. - read more
Life insurance is an essential financial protection that provides peace of mind to policyholders and their loved ones. The premiums you pay are determined by various factors, including age, health, lifestyle, and occupation. - read more
A life insurance claim usually involves notifying the insurer, confirming the policy and beneficiaries, providing evidence such as a death certificate or medical information, and waiting for the insurer or super fund trustee to assess the claim. - read more
Life insurance premiums in Australia are shaped by a mix of personal, health, lifestyle and policy choices. This guide explains the main cost factors, how underwriting works, and why quotes can vary between insurers. - read more
Knowledgebase
No-Fault Insurance: A type of car insurance where your insurer pays for your damages regardless of who is at fault in an accident.
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts.