‘‘Bl**dy insurance companies, take your money and don’t pay out.’’
You may have heard similar comments and, while it’s important to note that no insurance company covers everything, we have dealt with RFDs and Shooting Grounds for well over ten years and have some insight into areas you need to watch out for.
Should I tell my broker?
If you have just shot a customer by mistake, then you will possibly be torn between giving first aid to the bloke or calling your broker! But what if you have heard indirectly about a problem with a gun you have sold causing injury or damage? Then read on.
- Lawyers (you’re sort of gonna like this) tend to take a ‘shotgun’ approach – they may sue anybody, however remotely involved, be it manufacturer, supplier, servicing agent, etc.
- Charge for and record your work. We have seen a sizeable court settlement where it was alleged one of our clients adjusted a trigger wrongly (supposedly too light). We know this RFD, and are pretty sure that this was, to parody computer speak, not a hardware (supplier) issue but rather a wetware (user) one. We recommend that if you do work on a weapon, charge for it – and make sure that your charges allow for your time in keeping a record. See also: Keep written records.
- It will probably be ok, although … If something happens, or comes to your attention, and you are not comfortable, make a note of the full circumstances straight away rather than leaving it for six months (at which time your recollection may be hazy and you’ll probably be a bit distracted because you are reading a Court Summons). See also: Talk to your broker.
- Don’t, in any case, admit guilt – even if you think that you are in the wrong. If you admit guilt, you may well void your insurance cover. It’s ok to say you are sorry that the incident occurred (since you certainly will be sorry that the incident involved you).
- Keep written records. No apologies for repeating this – the main thing here is: Write stuff down! Most official bodies (including Law Courts) take the view that if it ain’t written down, it don’t exist. Do make what is called a “contemporaneous record” (immediate note), then call your broker and talk to them.
- Talk to your broker. Another repetition, but please do talk to your broker or insurer if you have ANY worries. If you leave it and it turns into a problem later, you might well not be covered – insurers typically require prompt notification of circumstances that could lead to a loss.
Some insurance claims are bounced because clients ignore stuff and don’t take advice when something has happened. We insurance brokers are almost human – please talk to us.
