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Choosing The Correct Insurance Policy When Skiing Off Piste-The Insurance Minefield

Choosing The Correct Insurance Policy When Skiing Off Piste-The Insurance Minefield

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Started by Bandit in Avalanche Safety - 37 Replies

J2Ski

Bandit posted Oct-2010

I have been reading hints over the summer that UK skiers Insurance Policies would be in for a shake up this coming winter. It's quite normal year on year for Insurance Co's to "tweak" their offerings, but this year the driving force seems to be the Underwriters. Many of the most popular UK Insurers seem to share a handful of Underwriters, and they decide which risks are acceptable.

This winter it will be very important to really read the small print and question your Insurer about what the broad statements actually mean, and make no assumptions.

Over on Facebook, Snowcrazy and friends have been working hard to collate the results of questions put to Underwriters and Insurers about Off Piste cover for UK based skiers.

The page does not need a Facebook Login.

http://www.facebook.com/topic.php?uid=134900026541300&topic=150

Here is a brief extract from the information gained from the companies.

Next on the list are Fortis. Here is what they had to say. They are the underwriters for the BMC and Snowcard.

One.
'We would consider off-piste skiing to be skiing in sparsely inhabited rural regions over ungroomed and unmarked slopes or pistes, including skiing in unmarked or unpatrolled areas within the ski resort's boundaries.'

Two'
'Local authority advice or restrictions must be followed, along with all relevant safety recommendations.'

Three.
'Any avalanche warnings must be adhered to at all levels, therefore skiing in any level of avalanche warning could prejudice your claim.'

So they will cover off piste, but look at the wording of No. Two and Three. How much more vague can you get. If you take each of these then, you must carry all safety gear as this is normally recommended and you cannot ski anywhere the resort says is closed or you should not go.

Plus if there is any 'avalanche warning' could prejudice your claim. So how can you ski off piste anyway. There is never a zero level as far as I have ever seen.

They have been asked to clarify what these comments mean, but so far no response although they have said that these conditions apply to both the BMC and Snowcard policy. From what I have read neither of those policies say exactly what they have stated.


Just looking at this example astonishes me. There is never a zero avalanche warning level. I'm sure there is much more to come! I just hope that clarification gets made before I need to renew, because right now, things are looking pretty dismal!

Edited 1 time. Last update at 05-Oct-2010

Broom
reply to 'Choosing The Correct Insurance Policy When Skiing Off Piste-The Insurance Minefield' posted Oct-2010

I stoped buying winter insurance in the UK, I pay for my flights with a credit card which provides free basic travel insurance, and at the Resort the ski insurance, you just pay 2 euros a day.

Edited 1 time. Last update at 05-Oct-2010

Trencher
reply to 'Choosing The Correct Insurance Policy When Skiing Off Piste-The Insurance Minefield' posted Oct-2010

"I know my legs are broken, but for Pete's sake, drag me on to the piste before you call for help"
because I'm so inclined .....

Bandit
reply to 'Choosing The Correct Insurance Policy When Skiing Off Piste-The Insurance Minefield' posted Oct-2010

Trencher, it's likely to be way worse than that. Insurers seem to be perfecting the art of saying one thing and meaning another. What chance do honest skiers (who don't just happen to be Lawyers) have to choose an insurance that will pay out when needed.
The companies that shouldn't be offering ski insurance make dumb statements that reveal their usual bucket and spade market, and those that know the sector are offering very woolly statements that are open to interpretation (in their favour natch). :roll:

Trencher
reply to 'Choosing The Correct Insurance Policy When Skiing Off Piste-The Insurance Minefield' posted Oct-2010

TBH I think we are living on borrowed time over here. The insurance industry here has always been generous in terms of not excluding all kinds of things (one reason Lloyds got into so much trouble maybe), but as the economy tightens further, I'm sure that will change. I originally took up snowboarding because my disability insurance at work didn't exclude it, and for the first time, I could afford to get injured :wink:
because I'm so inclined .....

Dave Mac
reply to 'Choosing The Correct Insurance Policy When Skiing Off Piste-The Insurance Minefield' posted Oct-2010

Bandit & I have for several years, both used Direct Travel. (Assuming you haven't changed away from them, Bandit) Off piste cover description:

Can I ski and snowboard off-piste?

Yes. Our winter sports travel policies allow you complete freedom of the mountains (as long as not against local authority advice) apart from in the USA and Canada where winter sports outside the resort boundaries must be accompanied by a locally qualified guide.

That is clear. Now I have to find out the local authority warning and advice, in advance, for 4 different resorts. -(

Bandit
reply to 'Choosing The Correct Insurance Policy When Skiing Off Piste-The Insurance Minefield' posted Oct-2010

Dave Mac wrote:Bandit & I have for several years, both used Direct Travel. (Assuming you haven't changed away from them, Bandit) Off piste cover description:

Can I ski and snowboard off-piste?

Yes. Our winter sports travel policies allow you complete freedom of the mountains (as long as not against local authority advice) apart from in the USA and Canada where winter sports outside the resort boundaries must be accompanied by a locally qualified guide.

That is clear. Now I have to find out the local authority warning and advice, in advance, for 4 different resorts. -(



Nothing that an Insurance Company says is ever clear, and the current issue is about the policy Underwriters are making. The Insurer buys a package from them AFAIK.
I took part in a long discussion on SH some time ago, Direct Travel was one of the subjects. Try this page, it's one of several - no login required.

http://snowheads.com/ski-forum/viewtopic.php?t=59202&start=40

I also contacted the Insurer this summer over possible height restrictions to my hikes. Their response was firmly aimed at the Tour -Op Package market. I had to email again to clarify if I was indeed covered to hike all by myself, without an Organiser ) The response was positive, in that I am covered, but only on recognised trails, oh and I have to make sure that I leave details of my route with the "hotel reception", again "package tourist" focused.

I recommend that you keep on visiting the link in my 1st post, as more details are emerging by the day.

EmmaEvs
reply to 'Choosing The Correct Insurance Policy When Skiing Off Piste-The Insurance Minefield' posted Oct-2010

I hope nobody minds me butting in here, but I've followed this thread with interest (and read most of the convos on SH and FB links). Through my work I have (unfortunately) gained some experience with vaguely worded policies and bureaucracy, hence the spark of interest. Also, I'm not an off piste skier so am coming at this from an ignorant perspective (like insurance co's) :lol:

Would I be right in thinking that across all of the threads there are three main issues re off piste skiing? The first I noticed was re equipment which needs to be carried i.e. probe, shovel and transceiver. The second, the need to be accompanied by A.N. Other (or a guide in some cases) i.e. not alone. The third being the avi risk level, that there is never a zero rating, and therefore a concern around cover full stop. Is that a fair summary? The first two appear to be pretty straight forward. The third, I have an idea which may enable you to get a straight answer from the insurance companies. It'll just take a little more time on your part. Just want to make sure I understand the picture first. :D
I wish I could meet the person who first decided to strap 2 planks to their feet and throw themselves down a mountain

Topic last updated on 11-October-2010 at 14:41