A Berwick young mother expecting her second child in October says she has been left “distressed, dismissed, and unsupported” after insurance giant Suncorp refused to write off her stolen car, despite it testing more than ten times over the legal limit for methamphetamine contamination.
On May 28, three intruders broke into Kassy Anderson’s Bonbeach home while she and her two-year-old daughter were inside, stealing keys and taking the family vehicle.
Police have charged a 17-year-old boy from the Kingston area following an alleged aggravated burglary and theft of a motor vehicle in Bonbeach on 28 May.
He has been charged with aggravated burglary, theft of motor vehicle, theft, and committing an indictable offence whilst on bail and is due to appear at Melbourne Children’s Court on 19 September.
While the car was recovered a week later, contamination tests revealed methamphetamine residue “more than ten times the legal threshold”.
The Gazette obtained an exclusive methamphetamine residue sampling discrete testing laboratory report conducted by Sharp Australia, which concluded:
“In accordance with the Australian Voluntary Code of Practice for Methamphetamine Testing and Decontamination, and the Australian Clandestine Drug Laboratory Remediation Guidelines, methamphetamine contamination at levels of 0.50ug/100cm2 and above represents a potential health risk.”
Anderson said the car reeked of drugs and alcohol, with spilled liquor soaking into the leather seats, while her child’s car seat, pram, and other belongings were stolen from inside.
“Just stepping into the garage where it was stored, the smell of weed and cigarettes was overwhelming. The car was filthy and unsafe.”
After obtaining CCTV footage from neighbours and exposing it online, the ordeal forced the family to relocate to Berwick.
“The police didn’t tell me who the offenders were, but they did say they were known to them,” Anderson said.
“We didn’t feel safe staying there. Knowing these people might have lived just houses away terrified me.”
Kassy, who bought the car brand new less than six months before it was stolen in an aggravated burglary, said she has been pressured to take the vehicle back after what the insurer describes as “safe-level cleaning.”
“When we saw the car had been used for aggravated robberies and meth contamination, we immediately assumed the vehicle was write-off worthy,” Anderson said.
“Just having my personal space invaded, my property stolen, and then knowing I would have to put my kids back into that car was disgusting.”
Since the theft, the family has made multiple calls and formal complaints to Suncorp, raising serious concerns about the health risks of returning a meth-contaminated vehicle, especially with a young child and a newborn on the way.
“There’s also a high possibility that this baby is going to have some health problems, which is why I’m adamant that I’m not taking this car back at all,” Anderson said.
“Instead of resolving the matter responsibly, Suncorp is pressuring me to accept this unsafe, unhealthy, devalued car back into my possession as if nothing has happened.”
Monash Women’s Maternity Clinic provided a letter of support, warning that the ordeal could affect her and her unborn baby.
“Cassandra (known as Kassy) is experiencing some additional challenges within her current pregnancy that places her baby at an increased chance of ongoing care needs,” her professor wrote.
“Given this, minimising additional stress is important with the recognised impact chronic stress can have both on Cassandra’s wellbeing but also that of her baby. your support in minimising any stress at this time would be appreciated.“
Suncorp has refused to declare the vehicle a total loss, instead commissioning decontamination and repairs. Anderson was initially only provided a 21-day hire car under her stolen vehicle policy and had no spare vehicle until two weeks ago, when Suncorp supplied a rental to attend crucial midwife and hospital appointments. The hire has now been extended until October.
A Suncorp spokesperson said the company had taken all appropriate steps to ensure the vehicle was safe.
“Suncorp understands the customer’s concerns and is taking all appropriate measures to ensure the car is returned in a safe condition,” spokesperson said.
“The decontamination process involved the use of a specially formulated cleaning agent for the removal of microscopic residues and an ozone generator to eliminate airborne contaminants. The vehicle has been thoroughly cleaned, including the seats and carpets.
“To guarantee the safety of vehicles returned to customers following theft, Suncorp engages reputable and expert third-party suppliers to conduct laboratory testing and decontamination to ensure the vehicle is safe before being handed back to the customer.“
Frustrated, she escalated the matter to the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA). The case is now in the final stage of review, with an Ombudsman set to deliver a binding decision.
Anderson fears the ruling will still force her to accept the car back.
“They’re basically saying I have to take back a vehicle used in crime and still contaminated with meth. It’s unacceptable.”
Anderson believes her case highlights serious flaws in how insurers deal with stolen and contaminated vehicles.
“There is no safe level of meth for my family. No family should be forced to take back a vehicle contaminated with a Class A drug,” she said.
“If you were found in possession of it, you would be arrested so why are families being forced to drive them, regardless of the level of contamination?”
“I find it unacceptable that a major insurer can disregard customer health and safety, financial loss, and consumer rights so blatantly.”
With car thefts on the rise across Melbourne, Anderson urges other families to fight for their rights and she hopes no family faces this “injustice”.
“The fact that this is even something that we need to fight for is stupid. The law needs to be resurfaced and re-evaluated.
“This matter should be fairly reviewed and that my family is not forced to accept a compromised vehicle that no longer provides the safe environment I paid for.”
