What about liability insurance ?

Jim Ruch on The Daily Planet (11d), Squamish. © Larry Kemp

The coverage is in place only when these individuals are engaged in an official Club activity or are acting on behalf of the Club. An official activity could, for example, be a Section sponsored outing, the GMC, a volunteer work party at a hut, or any other Club activity that is part of a section’s or ACC National’s published program. The maximum coverage is five million dollars per incident (including any legal costs awarded), subject to a $5000 deductible. There are of course certain exclusions listed in the policy e.g. acts of war, acts of terrorism, nuclear accidents etc. Complete details are available upon request.

The following examples illustrate when the insurance coverage would or would not come into effect.

• Example 1: While at a National or Section camp or activity is underway, it is alleged that the negligence of an ACC member in the group causes bodily injury to someone else, either in or outside the group. If the injured person pursued a claim for compensation for his or her injuries, the ACC’s liability insurance policy would come into play and the insurer would defend the Club and the individual against the claim. In the event the claim was unsuccessful, the insurer (or the other party) would pay the legal costs. If the claim was successful, the insurer would pay the legal costs and the claim awarded (up to $5 million, less the $5000 deductible).

It should be noted that the ACC policy is not meant to pay any of the injured party’s medical expenses directly. Similarly, if the members causing bodily injury was also injured in the process, any related medical expenses would be his or her own responsibility.

• Example 2: Club members are on a personal back country outing (i.e. are not engaged in an official Club activity) and, through negligence, cause someone bodily injury or cause property damage, the Club’s insurance policy would not apply.

Liability insurance is something we all hope we never have to use. However, it’s always a good idea to know in advance what you’re covered for and what you are not.