Insurance Archives

Are volcanic eruptions an unforeseeable event?

Jamie and Rose were travelling in Bali. Following media reports of a volcanic eruption, they returned to New Zealand. Their travel insurer declined their claim for costs, noting they had left due to their own personal choice. Jamie and Rose disagreed.

What happens if I’m aware of the possibility of a change of plans before I purchase my insurance?

Shona changed her mind about travelling overseas when she was made redundant from her job. Shona knew that redundancy was a possibility when she booked her travel. Would Shona’s travel insurance cover her cancellation costs?

What happens when travel plans change

Should your travel insurer cover your loss when you feel you have no option but to cancel your travel?

In the line of fire

A building suffers damage in an earthquake. The local council requires an upgraded fire protection system to be installed before it will give consent to the building repairs. Is the building’s insurer liable for the cost of the upgraded fire protection system?

Can I accompany you?

Otto travels to the Netherlands when his father falls gravely ill and dies. Can the family claim back Otto’s travel costs on the basis he was an ‘accompanying person’?

Tummy troubles

Samantha’s kitten was unwell, but insurance policy excluded cover for gastro-intestinal disorders. Would the kitten be covered?

A hard lump to swallow

After Lionel’s trauma insurance claim is declined and then accepted, he complains to FSCL about his insurance adviser

Expect the unexpected

Unexpected change of plans impact the decision to travel, but did the unexpected events cause the journey to be cancelled?

“Inflated claim bursts cover”

Dilip’s liquor store was robbed by gunmen who made off with alcohol, tobacco and cash. Dilip claimed under his general business insurance policy for the losses he suffered. The insurance company declined Dilip’s claim and cancelled his policy because they believed he had fraudulently inflated his claim. Does Dilip have any recourse for his genuine claim?

(lack of) Iron-man?

Monty sought to be reimbursed for the costs of a trip to Rarotonga. A few days before Monty was due to go, he felt unwell and went to see his doctor. He had low iron levels. The day before he was meant to leave Monty returned to the doctor and it was agreed he was too sick to go. Monty’s claim was declined because the insurer determined that his low iron levels were a pre-existing medical condition.