SLSC Insurance

SLSCs must protect their interests/assets with adequate insurance. There are many types of insurance to consider. SLSNSW organises some insurance types, and some need to be organised by SLSCs themselves.

Insurance Policies Organised by SLSNSW for Affiliated SLSCs

SLSNSW organises several insurance policies on behalf of affiliated SLSCs, with the premiums related to these policies invoiced as part of the SLSC’s capitation fees. Each claim is assessed by the insurer and they reserve the right to not extend coverage or limit that coverage. The three main types of insurance which are covered under the SLS Group Policy include:

Public Liability Insurance (PLI)

This type of insurance acts to protect the SLSC from financial loss caused by an injury to a member of the public or damage to their belongings while they are on your property. Loss is usually due to some form of negligence and brought about by a legal claim against the SLSC or an SLSC member acting in their volunteer member capacity. Criminal wilfulness and negligence are not covered.

Copies of the current ‘Certificate of Currency’ can be obtained from Marsh Advantage Insurance Pty Ltd on request and are normally required when an SLSC is applying for a grant or seeking permits to hold a special event. Clubs will need to provide their Surfguard club ID which can be found in organisational details in surfguard.

Association Liability Insurance and Directors and Officers Legal Expenses Insurance (D&O)

This type of insurance covers damages or defence costs in the event of a lawsuit for alleged wrongful acts arising from an SLSC member who is acting in their capacity as a Director or Officer of the SLSC. Criminal wilfulness and negligence are not covered.

Personal Accident (PA)

When a claim is not accepted by icare, it can be considered under the Surf Life Saving Australia Personal Accident Program. It is important to note that the limits of cover available under the Personal Accident scheme are not as comprehensive as those afforded under icare.

Cover under Personal Accident applies whilst the insured person is engaged in official, sanctioned activities involving:

• Participating in club, representative, state or national events;
• Training arranged by the club
• In an administrative capacity as an official or trainer or fund-raiser;
• Engaging in unpaid voluntary work performed on behalf of the club and officially organised by and under the control of the club
• Travelling directly to and from the above sanctioned activities and insured person’s place of residence or place of employment; and
• Staying away from home whilst engaged in the above sanctioned activities.

• Non Medicare Medical Expenses – 100% reimbursement up to $5,000 per claim
• Ambulance Expenses – $1,500 per claim
• Loss of Income – 80% of income up to $1,000 per week subject to a 14 day waiting period and a maximum term of 104 weeks
• Accidental death or disablement – up to $250,000

!It is crucial to note that under Commonwealth legislation the personal accident policy is not able to pay any costs related to a service where a Medicare benefit applies, even if Medicare does not cover the full cost of the service. This means that any “Medicare Gap” that results in an out of pocket cost will not be covered under this policy.

SLSC declaration is an annual requirement of the SLSA National Insurance Program. This process confirms the SLSC’s participation in the national program and, when completed, allows Marsh Advantage Insurance Pty Ltd to process personal injury claims for your members. All NSW SLSCs will receive an annual renewal declaration via email that must be completed and sent back to Marsh Advantage Insurance Pty Ltd.

SLSCs are also strongly encouraged always to check that SLSC insurance policies cover all the requirements of the SLSC and its members. On the SLS and Marsh Advantage joint website, there is also an overview of the other insurance policies available that SLSCs can unitise in addition to tools and resources that will help you understand and explain the coverage and requirements for the SLSA National Insurance Programme.

It is important to note that all claims are subject to assessment and review by the insurer and are subject to their approval. In most cases, excess also applies.

Insurance Policies Organised by an SLSC

All SLSC’s have automatic Public Liability, Association Liability and Personal Accident insurance coverage under the SLSA National Insurance Programme. SLSNSW does not provide any insurance for your SLSC buildings, equipment, vehicles or any other SLSC assets. SLSCs must acquire adequate protection for such assets and note that premium prices are negotiated on an SLSC by SLSC basis. Before acquiring insurance, it is important to know the value of the assets you wish to protect.

There is a range of other insurance policies that SLSCs need to consider taking out, including:

• Cyber Liability
• Equipment and Machinery Breakdown – material damage, power surge, electronic breakdown
• Industrial Special Risks – material loss or damage, fire, theft of property, business interruption, etc
• Marine Hull Commercial – covers boat motors, inflatable rescue craft and powercraft and transit cover
• Motor Vehicle – trailers, side-by-side vehicles, vehicles.

*While the national and SLSNSW insurance broker can provide a quote on these insurances, SLSCs are under no obligation to use them and are free to seek their own insurance provider. As a starting point for further information regarding these policies, please contact Marsh Advantage Insurance Pty Ltd.