Public Liability & Professional Indemnity Insurance
This was the first group insurance program established by the ATA more than 20 years ago. The program was developed in response to an industry need at that time, the result of the many trainers that were contacting the ATA. Not being expert on the vagaries of insurance, trainers were not aware of the weaknesses in their policies purchased from the general insurance market when applied to their business. This in turn, resulted in many having their claims rejected by insurers. For some, the problem was even more far reaching, where despite their best efforts, a number of trainers were unable to obtain any satisfactory insurance protection at all.
Because of this identified industry need, the ATA made its Public Liability and Professional Indemnity insurance program available to both ATA Member and non member trainers. The ATA also introduced a simplified participation procedure, by eliminating individual application forms and arranging for premium collection by the various State regulators in conjunction with license applications.
Today, the ATA continues to offer its program nationally, at last count, protecting the interests of some 3,500 trainers around Australia, under a cover purpose designed to meet the unique needs of the professional thoroughbred training industry.
Personal Accident Insurance
In 2006, again in response to calls from trainers, the ATA introduced it’s group Personal Accident insurance program.
Prior to the introduction of the ATA program, various State based Personal Accident insurance programs existed for a number of years, however, all eventually collapsed for a variety of reasons.
Initially introduced solely for ATA Members, the Part A policy provided a lump sum payment for accidental Death & Capital Benefit events (eg: permanent loss of use of limbs), whilst the Part B policy offered members the ability to buy an Optional Benefits cover (mainly weekly benefits/expenses) at a small extra cost.
In 2007, the benefits and coverage were upgraded. For 2008, once again, the cover has been improved.
Additionally, like its ‘sister policy’, the Public Liability & Professional Indemnity program, the Part B Optional Benefits policy is available to non member trainers.
It is important to note however, that the Part A Death & Capital Benefits cover, and the Advanced and Superior benefit options associated with the Part B Optional Benefits cover, remain exclusive offerings to full members of the ATA only.
Worker’s Compensation Insurance
Worker’s Compensation is not addressed within the ATA’s program, because it is individual to and different in each State; with further anomalies due to variations in the treatment of contractors and casual employees.
In addition, many trainers are self employed, and do not employ staff. It is one of the most complex areas of insurance for trainers for many reasons, which include: –
- the ‘deeming provision’ applied in some States to certain classes of persons in the industry i.e.: what constitutes an employee?,
- lack of any clear, definitive, guidance material,
- movement of trainers and employees between the different States,
- different requirements of the regulatory authorities in each State.
Member trainers with specific concerns should call the ATA.
Other Insurances
Motor Vehicle, Property, and other insurances are widely available from many sources. Member trainers are encouraged to contact the ATA’s insurance broker, JLT, for advice or assistance in this regard.