IMPORTANT INSURANCE INFORMATION – PLEASE READ

Dear All, 

The season is starting up again and memberships are being taken.  So far it already looks like there is going to be a good following in the clubs so hopefully we can match or better last years figure of 126 members so the clubs can continue to offer the great events of the past season.  

Unfortunately I need to ask that each and every one of you do a little housework so you know what you are covered for in the memberships as far as insurance goes. 

This could be easily discounted but with all of the recent accidents involving speed sailing it is important that you know what you are and are not covered for so you can get external insurance organised if you need it. 

Something you may not all be aware of is that the new insurance, although being a lot more comprehensive does not cover you for any event that happens outside of organised club events.  The AWA is looking into the costs involved in getting general cover back into the policy but so far it appears to be cost prohibitive.  This means we will all need to evaluate how we would cope with a situation in which we hurt ourselves or others or damage other people’s property while sailing or otherwise using our windsurfing gear outside of club events, including if your equipment hits someone or their property while rigging or transporting it.   

Tony Matta has kindly looked into what your household and contents insurance covers and surprisingly there appears that there may be more cover here than you may assume.  I have talked to my household and contents insurer (Suncorp) and they have pointed me to their PDS which appears to offer a level of cover in this scenario.  Again, I must state that I am no expert so you will all have to do your own research and talk to a professional insurance advisor but I have included a link to the PDF so you can take a look and see what is covered on my policy and you can all ask your own insurers where you stand and how best to make sure you comply with their requirements so you are covered. 

http://www.suncorp.com.au/sites/default/files/suncorp/personal/home_contents_insurance/pdf/pds_home_insurance_55up.pdf 

The section to look at starts at page 101 regarding legal liability cover.  You should read, in particular clause 18b, the section on “committee members or officials” and all of section 18, especially the last clause on watercraft. 

I will keep you informed as to the results of the AWA’s findings re general cover but for now this may be a possible alternative for cover while sailing outside of club activities.   

Please also note that this appears to cover third party claims so if you need to cover yourself personally in case of an accident you may need to talk to an insurance specialist re income protection and or life insurance. 

Sorry to be a bore and I sincerely hope that none of us ever needs to use any of this information but it is better that you all know about it so you can make your own minds up about how you cover yourselves. 

Regards, Scot Farley (Secretary Windsurfing Queensland)