A driver has lost his bid to have mechanical issues covered in a damage settlement after his car hit a dead kangaroo, but he will receive compensation for claim delays.  

The insured lodged a claim for repairs to his 2004 Ford Falcon last December, a few months after the smash.  

Suncorp offered a $4353 cash settlement for impact damage, but the policyholder declined this and asked the insurer to address other issues highlighted in a mechanic’s report.  

These included problems with the transmission and suspension, tail shaft, paint and body, and additional rim damage.

The reported cost of these repairs was $19,029, and Suncorp refused to cover them.

The claimant said the mechanic warned him to address the issues within six months; he did not do so and his vehicle no longer worked.  

In a dispute ruling, the Australian Financial Complaints Authority says it is “not satisfied there is any compelling evidence linking the disputed items to the kangaroo impact”.  

The complainant’s “quotes and invoices ... do not explain why the repairs are needed or establish a causal link between the damage and the incident”.  

The authority says Suncorp should settle the claim for $6060, which includes a 25% uplift.

Suncorp must also increase its non-financial loss compensation offer from $1000 to $3000, because its claims handling “did not meet what is expected of a professional organisation and caused the complainant undue stress and inconvenience”.

AFCA says the complainant endured excessive wait times and other claim difficulties.  

See the ruling here.