Insurance Policy Issue Natural Disaster Assistance

 ​Our client came to us after losing her home and personal belongings in a fire. She held a building and contents insurance policy that was paid up to date at the time of the fire. Our client claimed fire damage to the property. The claim was referred to the insurer's investigation department for assessment. After the evaluation of the property, the insurer decided our client had not disclosed the condition of the property when taking out her policy. 
The insurer declined the claim based on our client's nondisclosure. The insurer also cancelled the policy stating if our client had disclosed the relevant information would not be a risk.
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Actions Taken to Assist & Result Achieved
Our team firstly evaluated the case and found the insurer did not provide a detailed and thorough process when our client applied for insurance initially. We put forth a comprehensive submission to AFCA. We argued the unsubstantiated refusal of the claim and our clients' loss. The insurer was directed to settle our client's claim for the contents and the house to be rebuilt. The insurer's cancellation of the policy based on nondisclosure was deemed incorrect and the policy reinstated.