Business insurance. Personal attention.

Insurance, explained

Misrepresentation

Misrepresentation means communicating an inaccurate or misleading statement. In insurance, it can concern information supplied when seeking cover or an allegation about statements made by the insured business.

Business owner discussing insurance documents with an adviser
BAU Risk Services — insurance brokerage

01 / The meaning

What it means.

These situations should be separated. An incorrect description of business activities can affect the insurer’s underwriting decision. A customer’s allegation that a consultant overstated a service may instead become a liability issue. Whether an error was deliberate, careless or understandable can matter, but the applicable legal duties and available remedies depend on the circumstances and type of contract.

When answering insurance questions, read the question as written, check uncertain details and explain qualifications rather than guessing. If an answer later proves wrong, contact the broker or insurer promptly and retain the correction. For customer-facing claims, keep evidence supporting factual statements and make material limitations clear. A disclaimer does not automatically cure a misleading impression.

02 / Put it in context

A practical example.

Hypothetical example

Hypothetical example: A business states that all work is office based, overlooking regular installation visits. The owner discovers the omission while checking a proposal and supplies the correct activities for assessment. The insurer’s response depends on the information, timing and applicable requirements.

This example illustrates the term. It does not predict a claim outcome.

03 / Read the detail

What to check.

04 / Start a useful conversation

A question for your broker.

Does this statement accurately describe the facts without leaving a misleading impression?

Further reading

Read the source guidance alongside the relevant policy wording.

General information only. This does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting, consider whether the information is appropriate for you. Cover is subject to insurer acceptance and the policy terms, conditions, limits and exclusions. Read the Financial Services Guide and the relevant PDS (where applicable) and/or policy wording before deciding.

Let’s start with your business

A clearer conversation
about your insurance.

Tell us what you do, what has changed and what you need to understand.