Case Studies

The following case summaries highlight common issues and consumer tips. Cases can be filtered by subject below and names have been changed to protect confidentiality. Access to the full case study database is available for IFSO Scheme Participants in the Participant Area.

Teenage son flips parents’ car

It’s unlikely you’ll have cover if an accident occurs when you’re in breach of licence.

Simon, on a restricted licence, flipped his parents’ car while his sister was in the passenger seat.
Vehicle Insurance

See the case summary

No cover for learner driver with passengers

Don’t expect to be covered if an accident occurs when you’re in breach of licence.

When Karl, with a learner driver’s licence, crashed on the Rimutaka ranges, he had 3 passengers. His claim was declined.
Vehicle Insurance

See the case summary

No tyre tread, no cover

Check your car is roadworthy, including the tyre tread, even if it has a warrant.

Jeremy wrote off his car in wet weather. His claim was declined because of a "smooth tyre".
Vehicle Insurance

See the case summary

Paying excess when it’s not your fault

You will have to pay an excess, even if you're not at fault. Some policies have limited exceptions.

Mia’s car was stolen and then found, but damaged. She wanted the excess to be refunded as she wasn’t at fault.
Vehicle Insurance

See the case summary

Car written-off, pay out less than expected

Check your policy for how much you will be paid out if your car is a write-off. It may be less than you expect.

Katie thought she would get $10,500 for her written-off car, but the insurer offered the market value of $7,500.
Vehicle Insurance Sum Insured

See the case summary

18 criminal convictions, no clean slate

Complete insurance applications accurately. Include any criminal convictions.

David’s burglary claim wasn’t even considered after his 18 criminal convictions were revealed – he'd said he had none.
House and Contents Insurance False Statements

See the case summary

Lost and found glasses and the ICR

‘Little lies’ have big consequences. Tell the truth. False statements can't be retracted.

Helen made a claim for lost glasses, and later admitted they were just scratched and worn.
House and Contents Insurance False Statements

See the case summary

D.I.Y receipts

If you provide false information, insurers can decline all aspects of a claim

Xavier produced $91.5K of fake invoices for earthquake repairs on his home. His claim was declined and his policy cancelled.
House and Contents Insurance False Statements

See the case summary

Fake photo, fake jewellery, no cover

Tell the truth. Your claim, and your evidence, will be checked.

Maria provided photos of costume jewellery from a random website to support her claim for a ruby pendant.
House and Contents Insurance False Statements

See the case summary

Previous declined claim, no cover for fire

Disclose your claims history when you first apply for insurance.

Barbara's claim for fire damage was declined. She hadn't disclosed a previous declined claim on her application.
House and Contents Insurance Fire False Statements

See the case summary

House in disrepair, no fire cover

Disclose all information likely to affect the terms of insurance. If in doubt, ask

Chris’ claim for fire damage was declined, and his policy avoided. He hadn’t disclosed that his house was in disrepair.
House and Contents Insurance Fire

See the case summary