About Insurance

The Core Business of COA in Australia is Property and it also operates the following Insurance Division. The Insurance Division of COA serves as a specialised arm of the cooperative, designed to solve the unique insurance challenges faced by the Australian camping, outdoor and accommodation industries.

The COA Insurance Division Overview

COA is a community-owned organisation that allows its members to bypass high retail insurance rates by utilising the group’s collective buying power. The COA Insurance Division operates through two distinct frameworks: Programs and 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 Clubs: For community-operated outdoors, cycling, or automotive clubs.
- COA Corps: For private commercial event promoters and businesses.
- COA Parks: For commercial adventure parks, caravan parks, and private park operators.
- COA Stays: For accommodation rentals.
- Niche Categories: Includes farm stays, adventure camps, motorcycle tour/event operators, and private camps.

Read more about Programs >>

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.
- Trip Leader Sanction: For organisers of small group activities that include registered recreational vehicles and motor vehicles.
- Auto Business Sanction: For representatives of recreational vehicle and motor vehicles businesses to organise activities for their customers.
- Auto Club Sanction: For representatives of recreational vehicle and motor vehicles clubs to organise activities for their members.

Liability Protection: A key benefit for sanctioning as a Host is that COA provides the necessary insurance to cover landowners' 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.

Read more about Sanctions >>

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.