Community Care Underwriting Agency Extends To VIC

Community Care Underwriting Agency (CCUA) says it is now extending its public liability cover to Not for Profit organisations in Victoria.

This follows recent legislative reform by the Victorian Parliament (Wrongs and Other Acts (Law of Negligence) 2003) to clarify negligence law and bring greater certainty and stability to insurance markets.

CCUA is a joint venture between QBE Insurance (QBE), Allianz Australia (Allianz) and Insurance Australia Ltd (an Insurance Australia Group company).

Ian Brown, Head of the Joint Venture Management Committee, says that CCUA says the public liability product, Community Liability Insurance, is designed for NFP organisations that have a turnover or funding of under $2 million per annum and have people involved on a volunteer basis.

CCUA has already been providing public liability insurance in New South Wales, ACT, Northern Territory, South Australia, Tasmania and Western Australia.

The NFPOs considered eligible will have the following characteristics:

1. Provide services to the broader community;
2. Is an organisation with a NFPO Tax status or turnover/funding less than $2,000,000;
3. Does not distribute profits to its members;
4. Is located in NSW, ACT, WA, SA, NT & Tasmania; and Victoria
5. Comprises mainly of “volunteer” members.

A Volunteer means a person who carries out community work on a “voluntary basis”.
where:
a) they receive no remuneration for their work; and/or
b) is remunerated for reasonable expenses incurred whist performing community work.

At present it is not intended that the proposed scheme would encompass larger organisations with financial capability to purchase insurance. Examples include:
– Large Religious organisations;
– Semi-Government bodies;
– National and State sporting bodies – e.g. Rugby League, Rugby Union, Australian Football, Hockey etc.

The NFPOs are anticipated to be community groups involved in the areas of:
– Personal Services;
– Cultural and Recreational Services – small sporting groups;
– Services to the Arts – Local Musical and Drama Groups;
– Creative Arts – Artists operating under Government Grants;
– Health and Community Services – Welfare and Community Groups;
– Interest Groups – Pensioner Groups, Ratepayers Associations and the like; and
– Community Radio and Television Operations.

Ian Brown says that in most instances, the Community groups will be incorporated organisations.

Brown says provided that sufficient underwriting information is supplied, every effort will be made to provide organisations with a quote for Public Liability Insurance. Inevitably, there will be exceptions including those presenting:
– Poor loss history ( high claims experience)
– Unduly high risk
– Overseas exposure.

For more information visit the website, www.community-care.com.au, or ring 1800 023 456 to register their interest and request application forms.