Public Liability Insurance Online :: News
SHARE

Share this news item!

Insurer Ordered to Refund GAP Premium After Unfair Sale

Insurer Ordered to Refund GAP Premium After Unfair Sale

Insurer Ordered to Refund GAP Premium After Unfair Sale?w=400
A significant decision has been made as an insurer, Eric Insurance, is required to refund a consumer for a Guaranteed Asset Protection (GAP) policy deemed unfairly sold 13 years ago.
The policy stemmed from a $31,000 vehicle loan, and the consumer argued that misleading practices influenced this purchase.

The issue originated from a car sales agent's assertion that the GAP policy was necessary for loan approval, costing a premium of $1495, which was included in the borrowed sum. The consumer argued that the policy held little value since it only partially covered the intended financial gap and was represented as mandatory without clear disclosure of its optional nature.

The Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) conducted an investigation and found no record of a Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) with adequate information provided to the consumer. While Eric Insurance provided evidence of a PDS indicating that the policy was optional, no confirmation was available to prove its provision to the consumer.

A significant part of the complaint involved the nondisclosure of a hefty 61% commission paid to the sales agent. Although AFCA noted that high commissions alone do not constitute unfairness, they acknowledged the potential for such incentives to foster unethical sales tactics.

AFCA concluded that the consumer likely believed the GAP policy was a prerequisite due to the timing and manner of the sales process, suggesting misrepresentation and high-pressure sales tactics. The lack of transparent information compounded these concerns.

As a result, Eric Insurance has been instructed to refund the policy premium along with applicable interest and any inflation-related adjustments to the consumer.

This ruling underscores the ongoing challenges in ensuring transparent and fair sales practices within the insurance sector. For consumers, it highlights the importance of thoroughly understanding financial products and questioning additional charges tied to loans.

Published:Wednesday, 28th May 2025
Source: Paige Estritori

Share this news item:

Insurance News

Ride-Share Driver Prevails in Insurance Dispute Over Vehicle Use Ride-Share Driver Prevails in Insurance Dispute Over Vehicle Use
04 Jun 2025: Paige Estritori

A ride-share driver recently won a significant claim dispute against an insurer that initially denied his claim following a traffic accident. The Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) sided with the driver, determining that Auto & General could not prove he misrepresented his vehicle use when purchasing his insurance policy. - read more
Streamlining Life Insurance: New Digital Questionnaire Initiative Launched Streamlining Life Insurance: New Digital Questionnaire Initiative Launched
04 Jun 2025: Paige Estritori

In a groundbreaking development for the Australian life insurance sector, a new digital initiative promises to simplify the process of providing medical information for life insurance applications. The collaboration between Acenda, formerly known as MLC Life, and EQ Pathology introduces “smart” digital questionnaires to streamline data collection. - read more
Record Highs in UK Pet Insurance Payouts Reflect Rising Vet Costs Record Highs in UK Pet Insurance Payouts Reflect Rising Vet Costs
03 Jun 2025: Paige Estritori

The landscape of pet insurance in the UK has marked another milestone, with payouts reaching an unprecedented £1.23 billion ($2.36 billion) last year. This 4% increase over the previous year is attributed to soaring veterinary fees, reflecting broader inflation trends in the industry. - read more
Flood Crisis Exposes Insurance Shortfalls in NSW: Brokers Warn of Unmet Coverage Needs Flood Crisis Exposes Insurance Shortfalls in NSW: Brokers Warn of Unmet Coverage Needs
03 Jun 2025: Paige Estritori

As floods wreak havoc across New South Wales, the stark reality of inadequate insurance coverage emerges as a pressing issue for farmers, homeowners, and businesses. In localities like Taree, the lack of flood coverage is a cause for concern as the region grapples with the aftermath of record-breaking rains and destruction. - read more
Footballer's Injury Claim Denied by AFCA Due to Policy Limitations Footballer's Injury Claim Denied by AFCA Due to Policy Limitations
30 May 2025: Paige Estritori

A female football player has faced disappointment after her claim for physiotherapy expenses was denied by her insurer, AIG Australia. The athlete's claim was linked to a disorder in her right ankle, identified as osteochondritis dissecans after doctors conducted an X-ray. - read more


Business Insurance Articles

Essential Public Liability Coverage for Gym and Fitness Center Owners Essential Public Liability Coverage for Gym and Fitness Center Owners
Running a gym or fitness center comes with unique responsibilities, especially when it comes to providing a safe environment for clients. In this dynamic space, where individuals engage in activities that may pose risks, it is imperative for gym owners to understand the importance of public liability insurance. This type of coverage is a cornerstone for safeguarding your business against claims arising from accidental injuries or property damage to third parties. - read more
Navigating Public Liability Insurance for Event Organizers: A Must-Read Guide Navigating Public Liability Insurance for Event Organizers: A Must-Read Guide
Event organizing can be an exhilarating adventure, teeming with creativity and collaboration. However, with the buzz of activity and the gathering of crowds comes a significant responsibility to ensure the safety and well-being of attendees, staff, and the venue itself. This is where Public Liability Insurance becomes a pivotal part of an event organizer's toolkit. - read more
The Business Owner's Guide to Calculating Adequate Public Liability Coverage The Business Owner's Guide to Calculating Adequate Public Liability Coverage
For any business owner, navigating the waters of legal and financial protection can be daunting. Public liability insurance is a lifeboat in this respect; by understanding its basics, businesses can better shield themselves against the unpredictable tides of liability claims. As a starting point, public liability insurance is designed to protect businesses in the event that a third party suffers an injury or property damage due to the business's operations. - read more
Common Public Liability Risks You Might Be Overlooking Common Public Liability Risks You Might Be Overlooking
Public liability insurance is a critical form of coverage that protects businesses against claims of injury or damage caused by their operations to members of the public. Its primary purpose is to cover legal costs and compensation payments, which can otherwise cripple a business financially. - read more
Understanding Public Liability Insurance for IT Consultants: Risks and Mitigation Understanding Public Liability Insurance for IT Consultants: Risks and Mitigation
Public Liability Insurance acts as a shield for businesses, and for IT consultants, it's a safeguard against the unforeseen legal costs and compensation payments arising from third-party claims. As professionals who offer expert advice and services, IT consultants face unique risks that can lead to liability claims. Having public liability insurance not only provides a financial safety net but also serves as a testament to the consultant's responsibility and professionalism. - read more
Protect Your Construction Business: The Importance of Adequate Liability Coverage Protect Your Construction Business: The Importance of Adequate Liability Coverage
Operating within the construction industry involves managing an intricate web of risks and liabilities daily. Public liability insurance stands as one of the core safeguards to protect businesses from potential financial pitfalls that may arise from these risks. - read more
Essential Public Liability Coverage for Gym and Fitness Center Owners Essential Public Liability Coverage for Gym and Fitness Center Owners
Running a gym or fitness center comes with unique responsibilities, especially when it comes to providing a safe environment for clients. In this dynamic space, where individuals engage in activities that may pose risks, it is imperative for gym owners to understand the importance of public liability insurance. This type of coverage is a cornerstone for safeguarding your business against claims arising from accidental injuries or property damage to third parties. - read more
Understanding Public Liability Insurance: A Must-Have for Aussie Businesses Understanding Public Liability Insurance: A Must-Have for Aussie Businesses
For any Australian business, the unforeseeable mishaps that can occur daily pose potential risks not only to operational continuity but also to financial stability. At the core of a strategic risk management plan lies the essential protective layer of public liability insurance, a shield safeguarding businesses from the legal and financial repercussions of accidents and injuries that may happen on their premises, or as a result of their operations. - read more
The Role of Public Liability Insurance in Protecting Hospitality Venues The Role of Public Liability Insurance in Protecting Hospitality Venues
Public liability insurance serves as a critical safety net for event organizers, often seen as a robust shield safeguarding against potential financial repercussions arising from unforeseen incidents. In the dynamic atmosphere of events, where a multitude of variables come into play, this insurance plays a fundamental role in ensuring the stability and continuance of the host's operations. - read more
A Guide to Public Liability Insurance for Construction Businesses A Guide to Public Liability Insurance for Construction Businesses
When embarking on a construction project, the potential for unexpected incidents and the associated liabilities cannot be ignored. Navigating through the intricate world of insurance might seem daunting, but understanding public liability insurance can save your business from financial peril. In the ever-evolving landscape of Australian construction, its significance cannot be overstated. - read more


Your free liability insurance quote comparison starts here!
Cover Amount:
Postcode:

All quotes are provided free and without obligation. We respect your privacy.

Knowledgebase
Deductible:
The amount you must pay out-of-pocket for expenses before your insurance company covers the remaining costs.