Me VS INSURER - My Fight for Fairness: A Broken Truck and a f' RIGGED System!!

You Tube @ Life In The Hard Lane

The Purpose of Insurance... Apparently, anyways.

At its core, insurance exists to protect people and businesses from financial loss. You pay a premium to an insurer, and in return, they promise to cover specific risks — like accidents, damage, illness, or theft — so that if the worst happens, you’re not left bearing the full cost. Insurance is meant to provide security, peace of mind, and risk management, allowing individuals and companies to operate without constant fear of catastrophic loss.

Let Me Paint You a Picture

Two years ago, my truck—once proud enough to win Count’s Kustoms’ “Show Us Your Ride”—was damaged in an engine fire. But this wasn’t just any vehicle.

This was my family truck, a 1940 Custom Pickup that I’d helped rebuild since I was 14. It held years of love, effort, and memories. When the fire happened in 2022, I filed an insurance claim, trusting the system would make it right.

But it didn’t.

The repairs were a disaster. The truck broke down repeatedly from the first day of collection, and later assessments uncovered serious faults: fault of work not done or omitted that should have been done, cracked cylinder heads, faulty wiring, and clear signs that the original damage had never been fully repaired. Today, it sits in pieces in my garage—a constant reminder of a fight that’s still unresolved.

I followed the complaint process laid out by my insurer. I turned to the advised dispute resolution service, AFCA hoping for accountability. But after 10+ months of delays, back-and-forth, and shifting explanations and case manager on the time of determination, I was told my only option was to take it to court.

So I did.

With no money for a lawyer and no real help from Legal Aid — just vague advice because I’m employed and self-employed (two jobs) — I’ve been left as an ordinary civilian with no access to legal representation. My basic wages don’t even cover one hour of a standard lawyer’s fee each week.

So, I did the only thing I could. I walked into a Queensland Magistrates Court and represented myself. It’s daunting — facing two seasoned legal teams who know the system like a second language. They play their tactical games, and of course, a novice like me takes the bait every time. But that’s okay. I’m documenting every step of this process.

I went in hoping for fairness. What I got was dismissal — on a technicality. Not because I was wrong. Not because the damage wasn’t real. But because I’d filed “too early.”

A hidden rule no one tells you about — unless you can afford to pay thousands to find out.

The court awarded costs against me. I left that day feeling like the legal system isn’t built for people at all. It’s built for… well, I’m sure you can finish that sentence.

I’m still in it — the story’s still unfolding. Once a united front, the restorer and insurer are now cracking, turning on each other. Repulsively, neither gives two fucks about me or my truck.

The Goliath bully cancelled my insurance, left a black mark on my name, and now I’m paying for it with increased premiums. This was my first-ever insurance claim in Australia — so yeah, thanks for that.

Here’s where it gets darker. Every shred of evidence, every email, every breach of duty of care by the insurer, the underwriter, or anyone in their chain of command — can’t be submitted. Why? Because AFCA operates under a prejudicial framework.

None of this was ever disclosed! It’s not in the FSG, not in the insurer’s advisory guide, not from my broker, and not from a single AFCA agent. I was led to believe this was my only option.

I’ve written a detailed blog breaking down how this loophole works and why the legislation behind it needs to change — because honestly, this setup is pure evil.

The worst part? This happens every day to everyday people—the same people insurers claim to protect with their paid service... Hmmm

This isn’t just about my truck.

It’s about what happens when you try to do the right thing and get punished anyway. It’s about how hard it is to fight for justice when you're priced out of it.

Legal aid barely scratches the surface. Private lawyers quoted me over $3,000 just to start with $250 per hour. The process is full of traps—confusing, exhausting, and stacked against the vulnerable.

So now, I’m sharing my story.

I'm not doing this for pity—I'm doing it for awareness, connection, and change. I know I’m getting annihilated in the process—but I’m bringing it into the public eye, step by step, on my YouTube channel.

You’ll see what it really looks like when you take on insurance companies and courtroom systems without backup. The tactics, the gaps, the sidelining responsibility and the real truths.

If you’ve ever felt silenced, shut down, or dismissed by a system that claims to serve you—

You’re not alone.

Let’s talk about it. Let’s expose it. And maybe—just maybe—a better way actually build for people will come about.

If my perspective resonates with you or you have a story to share, I’d love to hear from you. Visit my YouTube channel @fuellingtomorrow or reach out via the contact page.

Erika B Armstrong