This year’s winner was nominated for an investigation conducted into the theft of two motor vehicles, a Ford F250 and a Mitsubishi Magna.  The Insured in this instance lodged three claims.  A household break in resulting in a burglary and the theft of the two motor vehicles. The investigator separated each claim and treated each claim on its own merit.  This assisted the investigator to confirm whether the theft was related to the property or the motor vehicles.

As a result the following was established;

• There was minimal disturbance to the house and minimal property taken.  A view was formed that the disturbance to the house was to assume the appearance of a theft incident.  Therefore it was concluded that the incident was about the cars not the house.
• The F250 was purchased damaged for $11,000.00 from wreckers and the Insured was unable to prove it had been repaired.  Further the Insured informed the insurer that he paid $65,000.00 for the vehicle.
• The Magna had significant mechanical issues and had previously been advertised for sale.
• The Magna was recovered burnt out and the investigator was able to locate vehicle parts in the boot of the magna.  These parts were later identified as belonging to the F250.
• The recovery location of the Magna was in a rural property which had a fenced yard and padlocked gate.  No damage was evident to the fence or padlock; therefore an opinion was formed that a key was used to access the property.
• The Insured flat mate’s movements on the day of the theft were inconsistent and telephone records reinforced the inconsistencies

As a result of this investigation the insurer, IAG, was able to deny the claim which was valued at $78,000.00.  The Insured has not disputed this decision through the Financial Ombudsman or the courts.

L - R:  Insurance Investigator Karen Suljic receives her award from Suncorp Insurance’s Executive Manager, Mr Jason McCracken, during the awards dinner