About COA Association

The COA Association Ltd trading as Campground Operators Association(COA) operates as the Insurance Division of the COA Australia Group. It is both a member club for the activities of the entire group and a supplier of insurance services, which are designed to solve the unique insurance challenges faced by the Australian camping and campground, outdoor sport and recreation, accommodation and automotive industries. It operates through two distinct frameworks: Programs and Sanctions. Please note: The COA Association Ltd (COA) is currently undergoing restructure from a Qld Fair Trading not for profit incorporated association to an ASIC not for profit limited company. The change is driven by the need for national operation, improved governance, protection and scaling capabilities. The COA Association is proudly represented by the striking Green and Gold logo.

Below is a summary of the Insurance Division’s structure and its core operations.

The COA Overview

The COA is a not for profit community organisation that allows its members to bypass high retail insurance rates by utilising the COA Australia Group’s collective buying power. Membership in COA is a prerequisite for accessing these services, as it entitles members to utilise the specialised resources of the Insurance Programs and the Insurance Sanctions.

COA Programs: Group Insurance Programs (GIPs)

The "Programs" framework is built around Group Insurance Programs (GIPs). These are designed for established organisations, businesses, and clubs that require high-quality, tailored insurance at reduced rates.

How it Works: COA acts as a "qualifying gatekeeper." Once an organisation affiliates with a COA Program, it "unlocks" access to specialised, low-cost rates negotiated by COA.
Individual Policies: Unlike a single blanket policy, program members purchase their own individual, full-spectrum insurance policy through COA’s partner broker. This ensures the resulting policy is a direct contract between the member and the insurer.
Targeted Sectors: Programs are specifically tailored for:
- COA Parks: For commercial adventure parks, caravan parks, and private park operators.
- COA Clubs: For community-operated outdoors, cycling, or automotive clubs.
- COA Corps: For private commercial event promoters and businesses.
- Niche Categories: Includes farm stays, adventure camps, motorcycle tour/event operators, and private camps.

COA Sanctions: Activity & Host Coverage

While Programs provide external policies for businesses, Sanctions involve COA extending its own internal insurance coverage to individuals or property owners acting on its behalf.

Host Sanctions: COA "sanctions" private property owners to act as Hosts. This provides them with official permission and approval to receive guests for camping or related activities.
- Camp Host Sanction: For landowners permitting camping, driving, and outdoor activities.
- Home Host Sanction: For urban or rural property owners who offer space (such as a driveway) specifically for short-stay, self-contained RV parking.
- Sport Controller Sanction: A Sport Controller organises motorcycle sport events which are described as either competitive/ timed racing events or noncompetitive/ untimed testing events.
- Trip Leader Sanction: A Trip Leader organises small group activities—usually 3 to 10 vehicles—the Trip Leader holds the ultimate responsibility for the safety of the participants and the protection of the environment.
- Auto Business Sanction: An Auto Business sanction with COA means the business is permitted to nominate an activity Organiser and has has official permission or approval by COA to receive or entertain customers, and or is a venue providing facilities for COA automobile and related activities.
- Auto Club Sanction: An Auto Club sanction means the club is permitted to nominate an activity Organiser and has has official permission or approval by COA to receive or entertain members, and or is a venue providing facilities for COA automobile and related activities.
Liability Protection: A key benefit for sanctioned Hosts is that COA provides the necessary insurance to cover the landowner's liability for permitting guests on their land.
Activity Officials: Sanctions also apply to individuals acting as Officials for COA activities. Being "sanctioned" ensures they are covered by COA’s insurance while organising or leading approved cooperative activities.

Summary Table

Feature	COA Programs	COA Sanctions
Primary Goal	Group buying power for cheaper retail insurance.	Official approval and liability coverage.
Policy Type	Individual policies issued in the member's own name.	Covered by COA’s own corporate insurance.
Typical User	Caravan parks, clubs, and commercial operators.	Private property owners (Hosts) and activity leaders.
Mechanism	Unlocks specialized rates via affiliation.	Grants permission to act as an official COA entity.