Introducing the new Apia Boat Insurance Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) for policies renewing on or after 23 March 2021. The PDS contains important information you need to know about your Apia insurance product. Please ensure you read it carefully.
We’ve changed the layout of the PDS to help make it easier to understand. And we have also made other changes to the policy – we have added and changed covers and we have added and changed exclusions and conditions.
Below are some examples of things we have changed:
- Amount covered
- Extra support (new section in your PDS)
- Your responsibilities
- When you replace your boat (Comprehensive only)
- Excess (when and how to pay)
- New boat after a total loss for boats less than 2 years old
- Things we don’t cover
- How we settle your claim
- Unavailable parts
- Contribution to repairs
- Joint policyholders
- Conduct of others (new section in your PDS)
For full details, please refer to your PDS.
Details of some of the changes to the PDS
Amount covered
The amount covered for your boat is now the amount shown on your certificate. This is a positive change from the previous PDS, where the cover was for the amount shown on your certificate or the market value, whichever is less.
Conduct of others
When we consider a claim, we will have regard to any prejudice you have suffered due to the conduct of others and we may meet the claim when we are not legally required to do so.
New boat after a total loss for boats less than 2 years old
The section 'New boat after a total loss for boats less than 2 years old' details eligibility only if you are the first registered owner of your boat or boat trailer, or you purchased your boat or boat trailer as an ‘ex-demonstration’ model from a licensed dealer who was the first owner. The loss or damage to your boat hull, motor(s) or trailer must occur less than 2 years from the date of original registration or date of purchase. Anyone who financed your boat hull, motor(s) or trailer must also provide their written consent for replacement.
Apia will pay the registration costs for the first 12 months and delivery charges applicable when replacing your boat.
Changes when there are joint policyholders
During the period of insurance, we might ask all joint policyholders first before we action a request or direction in relation to your policy (e.g. before we cancel your policy, reduce your cover or remove another policyholder). This way we can help protect the interests of all policyholders.
Excess
We have clarified that there is no requirement to pay the excess upfront when you first lodge your claim.
Summary of cover table
New ‘Summary of cover’ table including additional covers and optional covers to assist you navigating the new format.
Details of some of the changes to the Claims Section
Contribution to repairs
We have clarified when we may ask you to contribute towards the cost of buying new parts used for repairing your boat if the damaged parts are affected by age or wear and tear. We may also require you to contribute to the cost of repairing your boat to modern standards where new electrical components/wiring are required to effect repairs.
If you do not want to pay these amounts, we will pay you the amount determined to be the cost of repairs directly related to the accepted claim.
Our right to recover from those who are responsible
We have added examples of the assistance that may be required from you if we take action against a party for the recovery of your loss.
How we settle your claim
Apia has updated the list of settlement options including the use of assessed quotes. If you choose not to accept the repair/replacement method and request a cash settlement we will pay you the amount of the assessed quote.