Third Party Insurance for Individual Beekeepers (Effective July 2024)

Here is some information about the VAA's insurance program for individual beekeepers. Please note that this insurance is only available for VAA members. 

Background

Past VAA Boards took the decision to purchase bulk insurance cover for both affiliate clubs and individual members. These policies were paid for by the VAA up front. As individual beekeepers and affiliated associations opted to purchase insurance for themselves through the VAA, their payments allowed the VAA to recoup the premiums the Association had already paid. The VAA has never earned a profit from the insurance program. It has been a net expense for the Association. The VAA has chosen to view the expenses related to offering insurance as a mechanism to support our affiliate clubs and help individual members manage risk related to beekeeping.

April 2024

When the VAA received the renewal notice for 2024-2025, we saw a significant increase in the premiums, specifically in the cost of providing insurance cover for affiliate clubs. This cost has increased almost 120% and the cost for affiliated clubs increased by approximately 400%. In addition, the insurance companies now require increased documentation regarding membership levels of the affiliate clubs and documentation regarding individual members. Because of the increase in overall cost of offering the insurance program this year the VAA Board had to make a decision as to whether the Association could continue to incur this expense.

In order to minimize the disruption on our members and affiliate clubs, the VAA decided to renew the policy for 2024-2025 but paused new insurance sales and renewal temporarily as we assessed the situation.

Updated VAA Insurance Program July 2024 - 10 April 2025

The VAA will cover the increased insurance costs for the current year. This will end on 10 April 2025, the renewal date for the VAA insurance policy. We will resume insurance sales and renewals for individuals on our website. The policies purchased will be valid until 10 April 2025. Each month we will prorate down the annual premiums due so members will only pay premiums for the months that they are covered.

August – December 2024

The VAA will undertake a research initiative to identify quality, affordable insurance cover. The goal of this research will be to have an alternate insurance program available for purchase via our website for April 10 2025.

Autumn 2025

Prior to April 2025, the VAA will have an insurance program available for individual members for sale on our website. Via the Australian Bee Journal and periodic email updates, we will keep our members informed about this important initiative. 

Third-party insurance cover for 12 months for an individual beekeeper, including personal and public liability. See the VAA Shop for price.

• Click here to view policy details (pdf file).
• Click here to view the insurance underwriter's Policy document.

Notes:

1. You are covered by the insurance policy from the time of payment.
2. If you require a certificate of currency, contact the VAA Secretary and it will be emailed out to you. 
3. To make a claim, contact the VAA Secretary at vaa@vicbeekeepers.com.au​​ for further instructions.