25/10/2026
🚗 Just because your insurer says a repair should cost less, doesn’t necessarily mean they’re right.
An interesting decision from the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) highlights why consumers should feel confident questioning their insurer.
A customer’s chosen repairer estimated repairs at $25,374.
The insurer offered just $9,000.
The difference? The customer’s repairer had physically inspected the vehicle. The insurer’s alternative repair estimates were based on photographs.
⚖️ AFCA ultimately ordered the insurer to pay $27,911 after finding it had not adequately justified the lower repair costs.
💡 Our message to vehicle owners is simple: You have options when you’re unhappy with how your insurance claim is being handled.
You don’t have to accept every decision without question, and you can raise a complaint with your insurer or AFCA if you’re unable to reach a resolution.
At Kate Presnell Bodyworks, we believe every vehicle owner deserves a fair, transparent repair process.
Insurer’s car repair quotes a low blow, ombudsman says 23 October 2026 An insurer has been told to pay almost $28,000 to a car owner after failing to prove her repairer’s quote was excessive. The Allianz policy included a choice-of-repairer benefit, allowing the woman to nominate her own mechani...
