Chockstone Forum

      Sponsored By
      ROCK
   HARDWARE

Chockstone Photography

Australian Landscape Prints

Chockstone Forum - General Discussion

General Climbing Discussion

Topic Date User

Vic Ranges - Another Steep Price Increase 20-Feb-2004 At 12:25:00 PM Cliffhanger

Message

Ant,

most of those insurers will not touch "Climbing", i think there is only 1 APRA approved insurer covering climbing.

As for other PLI queries,
For those sceptical about the cost of climbing gym insurance, it is partially based on turnover and partially claims history. A “proper” PLI policy (which includes Participant vs. Participant Cover, Professional Indemnity and full PLI) is most likely around 10% of a gyms turnover, and a lot more if you have had any claims. Which is a very high number, given that 5 years ago it was less than 1%.

Unfortunately claims are exceptionally high in Climbing, particularly in Australia and more so indoor than outdoors. So much so that UK Insurance companies and even US companies will not touch Australia. This is due to several reasons:

1. Lots of small claims, legitimate or not, for things like broken ankles etc.
2. There have been around a dozen serious climbing gym accidents in Australia now, with no deaths at this stage luckily.

Because more participants partake in indoor than outdoor climbing, statistically there is more chance of an accident. Particularly in Australia, where many gyms still do not “tie-in” or enforce a belay standard.

The full cost of PLI has actually not been passed on to climbers in Australia yet, as most gym owners are aware that it would kill their customer base, so most have absorbed the cost out of their pocket.

For those wanting to build a co-op gym, do the legwork and try to buy a Policy. The only insurer out there that is APRA approved will most likely not talk to you unless you have been in operation for some time, have a clear claims history and can demonstrate consistent industry best practice, compliance with construction standards and detailed maintenance logs and schedules.

Or if it’s easier, your co-op could always go out and buy an existing gym. I’m fairly certain I know someone that will sell their gym without much hesitation!!!!!!!