Public Liability & Professional Indemnity Insurance

This was the first group insurance programme established by the ATA more than 20 years ago. The programme 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 programme 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 programme 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 programme.

Prior to the introduction of the ATA programme, various State based Personal Accident insurance programmes 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.

Additionally, like its “sister policy”, the Public Liability & Professional Indemnity programme, 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 programme, 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
• Also conflicting views is sometimes received from Fair Work Act, Tax Act, Workers Compensation and Common Law
• 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.