As Tasmanians gear up to get out and about and enjoy all that the state has to offer this
Australia Day long weekend, RACT Insurance is urging people to ensure their boats and
caravans are secured against theft and protected against unexpected storms.
RACT Insurance CEO Trent Sayers said boating insurance claims data revealed the top
three reasons for claims were theft (accounting for 16 per cent of all claims for the period
December 2012 – December 2014), followed by storms (18 per cent) and accidental
damage (56 per cent).
“In 2014, we saw a spike in theft claims data for boating equipment, revealing outboard
motors as the number one item most likely to be stolen,” Mr Sayers said.
“Outboard motors are arguably one of the most expensive pieces of marine equipment
besides the boat itself, so it is important that people have them properly secured or stored.
“Other popular theft items include lifejackets, flares, UHF radios, anchors, chains, spare fuel
tanks as well as trailers and boats.”
Mr Sayers said for caravans in Tasmania, storm damage accounted for 39 per cent of all
caravan insurance claims and accidental damage accounted for 52 per cent.
“In 2014, storm damage claims to caravans were recorded at a higher rate than storm
damage to building and contents, with only 33 per cent of home and contents claims
attributed to storms, compared to 39 per cent for caravans,” he said.
“One of the first things to consider for caravan safety and security is location.
“Whether you are locking away your caravan after a trip away or just for the day on the way
to your Australia Day camp site, make sure you park it in a secure location behind lock and
key.
“And when you are out and about on the road, do your best to park where you can keep an
eye on it or put it in a busy location out in the open.
“During these warmer months, with a range of public holidays, people use their caravans
and boats on a more regular basis and it is important for people to ensure that their property
is stored in a safe place should an unexpected storm or weather change occur as well as
protecting against thieves.”
Mr Sayers said this was also an opportune time for boat owners to review the safety
equipment on their boats and ensure all their licenses were up-to-date.
“Boat owners should see this as the perfect time of year to ensure their boat licenses are
valid, as well as any fishing licenses,” he said.
“It is also important to check maritime safety equipment, such as life jackets, flares and
EPIRB emergency beacons ahead of what will hopefully be another great end to summer.”
Claims data at a glance: December 2012 to December 2014
Type Number Percentage Type Number Percentage
Boat claims 216 total Caravan claims 387 total
Malicious 3 1% Malicious 9 2%
Storm 38 18% Storm 149 39%
Accidental
damage
121 56% Accidental
damage
201 52%
Fire 18 8% Fire 15 4%
Liability 1 0.5% Liability 0 0%
Theft 35 16% Theft 12 3%
RACT Insurance CEO Trent Sayers
