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Long story short... In October 2021, my husband had too much to drink, things escalated and I called the police. He was arrested and charged with Common Assault and Damage to Property - found guilty on both charges, no conviction recorded. We are still together and remain committed to fixing our marriage.
Come March 2022, Sydney had storms and flooding and our house was affected. Whilst making the claim, I was asked standard questions, including about criminal history of policy holders, of course I answered honesty. The claim is still pending, but my insurer has advised me that the policy will not be renewed (in August), due to the criminal history of my husband.
I have started looking for another insurer for my home and contents and surprise, I'm being declined. I understand that insurers have boxes to tick and risks to consider, however it's like I'm being punished by the system. I wish they could exclude 'accidental damage' for instance or increase my excess, but it's just a blanket NO.
1800 RESPECT and the Insurance Council of Australia have been lovely, but no real help. Allianz according to their website is 'family violence' aware, but even they declined me. I called an Insurance Broker and was advised that they couldn't assist me either.
I don't know what to do. At the moment, it's looking like I may have to be uninsured for 5 years...
Any advise would be appreciated.
TIA
8 Replies
If it's not on record why tell them? I get being honest but sometimes it's best to lie. If it was a once off thing which I assume it was if you're back with him then they don't need to know. They're not insuring you because of the risk of him driving a car through your loungeroom or torching the place. Use common sense, if that's not going to happen then they don't need to know.
That would be fraud. The insurance would be null and void or criminal charges could apply if claimed.
Well she doesn't have much choice you can't just leave your house uninsured and if there's a mortgage it's probably part of the conditions so screwed either way. I know I would rather tell a small lie and have insurance than not.
I get this seems the way, but you're not insured as you lied. It's also fraud - a criminal offence. If you lie, claim, and they find out, it's at best, a denied claim. At worst, a potential charge & conviction (if they paid). I know of someone who went to jail for insurance fraud (claimed fraudulently).
Insurance companies have investigation departments for this. It's serious business.
Unless she claims for malicious damage then they won't even know.
My husband used to work in insurance claims. It's surprising what they can find out, or it only takes a malicious phone call tip off.
Would you risk a conviction for fraud? Because if you claim for ANYTHING, take a payout & they investigate you're cooked. Insurance companies are ruthless and will 100% report you & pursue charges & their money back.
It's a slippery slope, so lie if you like, but don't encourage others to take the risk.
She's been rejected. There is a record of that now. It would be found out.
Do not lie. If you have to claim in future & they check or someone lets slip they will definitely use it to decline your claim. Your policy is also a legal document. It's fraud to lie deliberately.
You'll just have to keep calling insurance companies or brokers.
That broker might have told you they can't assist because it's too hard, for too little return. There's many smaller companies out there, too.