February 2021
Sector Insurance Update

Insurance issues (cost and difficulty in securing) continue to cause problems for our sector. It is important to note that we are not alone in experiencing difficulties (tourism has the same concerns), and that the problems are not confined to Australia. The American Camps Association records similar strains for their US camp members for example.

None of that helps in a practical sense, however, the attached article will help provide some context and some tips to help make your future insurance renewals easier. Our number one tip is to dig out any and all documentation that relates to flying foxes and high ropes / giant swings - original engineering drawings, logged inspections and reports, SOPs, records of training (including rescue training and updates), staff qualifications, rope and harness logs, etc.

Unfortunately recent fatalities involving zip lines overseas and domestically (none associated with camps) have caused underwriters to view these activities with much concern. Everything you can do to address that concern will be valuable come renewal time. Finally, allow plenty of time for the documentation to be received, questioned and updated - this is not the work of a week or two.

Read the ACA article 'Insurance Contex for Camps & Outdoor Activity Providers here.

Kind regards,

Pete

Member Area Resources - Business
Insurance

It’s important you find an insurance broker who is familiar with the outdoor field. Even then you may need to educate them about your activities, your customer group, your training and staffing. The more they know about you, the more they can tailor the various types of insurance to suit your business.

Types of liability insurance you need to consider:

Public Liability – protects you against the financial risk of being found liable for death, injury or loss from your negligence.

Professional Indemnity – protects you from legal action taken for losses incurred as a result of your advice.

Product Liability – if you sell, supply or deliver goods, even in the form of repair or service, you may need cover against claims of goods causing injury or damage.

Workers Compensation – you must provide accident and sickness insurance for your employees – workers compensation – through an approved insurer.

Personal accident and illness – If you are self employed you won’t be covered by workers compensation, so you may need to cover yourself for accident and sickness insurance through a private insurer. Income protection or disability insurance – covers part of your normal income if you are prevented from working through sickness or accident.

Building and contents – covers the building, contents and stock of your business against fire and other perils such as earthquake, lightning, storms, impact, malicious damage and explosion.

Burglary – insures your business assets against burglary, and is most important for retailers or a business which maintains an unattended premises.

Business interruption or loss of profits – covers you if your business is interrupted through damage to property by fire or other insured perils.

Fidelity guarantee – covers losses resulting from misappropriation by employees who embezzle or steal.

Machinery breakdown – protects your business when mechanical and electrical plant and machinery at the work site break down.

Motor vehicle – it is compulsory to insure all company or business vehicles for third party injury liability.

If you are after further information on insurance the Australian Camps Association recommends that you contact our Insurance Partner, AB Phillips.

Contact: Joel Treadwell
p: 03 8586 9333
e: joelt@abphillips.com.au
w: www.abphillips.com.au