How business liability claims go wrong, what the law says when they do, how to complain to AFCA, and where to check the facts.
Most liability claim disputes start with something small at the time of buying or renewing: an activity left off the proposal, a hold harmless clause signed without reading, a complaint letter that sat in a drawer for months, or a subcontractor who turned out to be uninsured. When a claim arrives, the insurer checks those details, and the result can be a reduced payment or a declined claim.
The guide to liability claim mistakes is the starting point and links to every guide here. You will find guides on the duty of disclosure under section 21 of the Insurance Contracts Act 1984, notifying circumstances under claims-made policies, contractual liability and indemnity clauses, common liability exclusions, taking a dispute to the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA), and a directory of official sources.
These guides are general information, not legal or financial advice. If a claim has been declined, a large claim is threatened against your business, or you are being asked to sign a contract with wide indemnities, speak to a lawyer or a licensed insurance broker about your situation.
Claim Failures, Disputes and Official Sources
Step by step: internal dispute resolution, the 30-day response rule, AFCA eligibility for small businesses, time limits, what to send, outcomes and when to see a lawyer.
Claim Failures, Disputes and Official Sources
How claims-made professional indemnity, management liability and cyber policies work in Australia, section 40(3) notifications, retroactive dates, switching insurers and run-off.
Claim Failures, Disputes and Official Sources
The public and products liability exclusions that most often decide Australian claims, from faulty workmanship and professional advice to asbestos, pollution and vehicles.
Claim Failures, Disputes and Official Sources
Why Australian liability policies exclude liability assumed under contract, how to read indemnity clauses in leases and subcontracts, proportionate liability and safer wording.
Claim Failures, Disputes and Official Sources
The common mistakes that cause Australian business liability claims to be reduced or declined, from non-disclosure and late notification to admitting liability, and how to avoid them.
Claim Failures, Disputes and Official Sources
What Australian businesses must disclose to insurers under section 21 of the Insurance Contracts Act, how section 28 remedies reduce claims, worked examples and how to fix a gap.
Claim Failures, Disputes and Official Sources
Where to check the facts on business insurance in Australia: ASIC, APRA, AFCA, the ATO, state revenue offices, workers compensation regulators, WHS bodies and legislation.
