LEFT HIGH AND DRY

MP accuses bank of collusion after damage to retaining wall Insurance deal faces scrutiny after couple’s flood claim denied

A MAJOR bank has been accused of colluding with an insurer, after a Cairns couple’s straightforward claim to fix their flood-damaged property was knocked back.

Noriaki and Jodie Hogan purchased all their financial products through ANZ Bank when they bought their house in Redlynch Valley about 10 years ago, including the home loan and insurance underwritten by QBE.

During the one-in-100 year flooding event that devastated the suburb in late-March, the couple’s backyard retaining wall half-collapsed.

The Hogans believed they would have a straightforward insurance claim when they contacted ANZ, as they were not the only flood victims, with Redlynch residents suffering millions of dollars in damage.

Their home insurance policy clearly states that retaining walls, trees, plants or shrubs growing outdoors in the ground, are all covered as part of their protection.

However two months later, they were informed their claim had been rejected, because the wall was too old, and had not been built to high standard.

This was despite the wooden and concreted structure being certified by a builder.

Mrs Hogan said they were shocked to find they were not covered.

“They’re trying to triple dip,” she said.

“They’ve pushed us on to a faulty policy.

“We’ve paid out our insurance for nine years, put in a genuine claim … they’re not paying out, and they’re more than happy to offer us a loan to fix our wall.”

An ANZ spokesman said the bank was aware of the issue and they would look into it.

A QBE spokeswoman said when the Hogan’s claim was lodged, the company paid for emergency works to ensure the safety of the property.

“We’ve reviewed the Hogan’s claim in detail, including consulting independent engineers who have assessed the retaining wall and the damage caused,” she said.

“They found that the wall was not built to the standards of the code that was in place at the time of construction and that if it had complied, the damage caused would have been unlikely to occur.

“As such, the damage is not covered by the Hogan’s policy.”

Picture: BRENDAN RADKE OUT OF POCKET: Nori and Jodie Hogan are left with a hefty repair bill.

Picture: BRENDAN RADKE SHOCKED: Redlynch Valley residents Noriaki and Jodie Hogan experienced severe damage to their backyard retaining wall during flooding in March. Despite having documents stating flooding and retaining walls are covered, their insurance claim has been rejected.