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Motor Vehicle Insurance

Introduction

Fully comprehensive cover, including compulsory third party insurance, is provided on all vehicles owned and operated by the University.

Any person authorised to drive a University-owned vehicle must be the holder of a current drivers licence acceptable in the State of New South Wales. The NSW Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA) provide licensing information for overseas drivers.

The Comprehensive policy covers damage arising out of an accident anywhere in Australia. Where the accident involves another vehicle, a combination of the comprehensive and compulsory third Party policies covers any contingency.

There is a standard excess of $1,000 for each and every claim against the comprehensive policy. The excess in respect to trailers is nil.

In the Event of an Accident

All employees authorised to drive Company vehicles must adhere to all traffic regulations, drive safely and courteously and familiarise themselves with this procedure:

In the event of an accident:

  • Stop and exchange name and address with the other party involved (if possible sight third parties driver's licence)
  • Record registration number and make of other vehicle
  • Ensure that the exact location of the accident is noted, together with times and conditions of road (eg slippery - following heavy rain or any visible road marks, scrapes etc)
  • Record names and addresses of as many witnesses as possible at the scene of the accident
  • Report accident to Police if required to do so by State Motor Traffic Law or By-Law
  • Ensure that assistance is given to any person who may be injured or is in need of help
  • At first available opportunity contact the Insurance Team of the Risk Management Unit - Insurers have to be informed and a Motor Vehicle claim form will need to be completed.

Please note: DO NOT ADMIT ANY LIABILITY. Discussions concerning negligence of either party involved in the accident must not be entered into.

A motorist is under no legal obligation to make a written statement to the Police nor is the motorist obliged to sign a statement which the Police may take down.

Preferred Repairer

The University, Callaghan Campus, has a preferred repairer who has had a long association of work on University vehicles. You may choose another repairer if you wish.

Semits Smash Repairs Pty Ltd
Cnr Swan & Hudson Street
Hamilton 2303
24 Hour Towing Service - Phone: 4969 3300

The University has made arrangements with Zurich for Semits Smash Repairs Pty Ltd to be the approved/preferred local repairer. If you are not in the Newcastle region you should exercise your own judgment.

A quote must be obtained for repairs as soon as possible. You will require a Motor Vehicle Accident Claim form to complete this process.

Accident Reporting and Repair

Accident where the University's Vehicle is not Driveable

If it is necessary to have the vehicle towed from the scene, because of the damage or a suspicion that the vehicle is unsafe or defective, it will usually be towed to a holding yard or smash repairer.

Details of where the vehicle is to be taken together with a contact name should be obtained.

Accident where the University's Vehicles is still Driveable after the Incident

It is not recommended that the vehicle be driven after the accident unless the driver is confident it is safe and roadworthy with no obvious defects.

Organising the Repair

  • Obtain quotation for repairs
  • Leave a copy of the completed claim form with the repairer
  • Notify the Risk Management Unit and forward a copy of the completed claim form for University records
  • Repairs on the vehicle will commence as soon as it has been inspected by Zurich and authorisation given

Damage to Third Party Property

  • Obtain details of third party's name, address and description of property damaged
  • Notify the Risk Management Unit and complete obtain a Motor Vehicle Insurance Claim form
  • Attach any Letter of Demand to Claim Form

DO NOT ADMIT LIABILITY or make promises of immediate repairs/approvals. You must allow the University's Insurer all opportunity to investigate responsibility, assess the damage (if necessary) prior to any Insurer admission of responsibility.

Completion of Repairs

Prior to the driver taking delivery of the vehicle, the driver should inspect the vehicle and sign a discharge acknowledging that the repairs have been completed satisfactorily.

Note: The material furnished in this web site is for information purposes only and does not constitute an insurance contract upon which claims can be made. In the event of loss, damage or liability of any kind, the wording, terms, conditions and exclusions of the original policy shall have precedent over any other document.

IRUA