TRIPOLI LAUNCH INSURANCE,
LIABILITY COVERAGE FOR ROCKETRY RELATED ACTIVITIES BY MEMBERS OF THE TRIPOLI
ROCKETRY ASSOCIATION
REVISED FEBRUARY, 2002
The information provided below outlines some of the provisions of the insurance coverage provided as part of the membership dues paid by the members of the Tripoli Rocketry Association. The information listed below is for reference only, and is not a legal representation in any sense. The insurance carrier can only make final coverage determination.
The Tripoli Rocketry Association carries General Liability Insurance covering launch events, meetings, classes, seminars and other Tripoli Sanctioned Events. This policy covers events hosted by a Tripoli Prefecture and the rocketry activities of a member. The policy limit is $1,000,000 per occurrence and the deductible is $2,500. The policy also provides coverage for $25,000 Fire Damage Legal Liability for damage to the property of others used by, rented by, or in the care, custody, or control of the Insured caused by fire or explosion. The coverage provided by this endorsement is included within, and not in addition to, the Limits of Liability applicable to Property Damage Coverage. There is no coverage for medical expenses incurred at the time of accident "regardless of fault." Liability must clearly be established.
The policy runs for each calendar year, (Jan 1 through Dec 31). The policy covers injury and property damage to spectators, innocent bystanders, and Tripoli Members. There is no coverage for Tripoli Members who cause bodily injury or property damage to themselves as a result of their rocketry activities.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. Just exactly who is covered?
The insurance coverage provides coverage to the paid and lifetime members of the Tripoli Rocketry Association for their rocketry related activities. It is worldwide primary coverage. To extend coverage to the landowner where the rocketry related activities are located, a Certificate of Insurance must be applied for. This will add coverage to the landowner as their interests may appear. Our insurance carrier requires this.
A Certificate of Insurance can be obtained by printing the following Landowner Authorization form and either faxing it or emailing it to :Jeffrey Barnes
3260 Southgate Pl SW
Cedar Rapids, IA 52404Home: 319-862-0159
Work: 319-377-3379
FAX: 319-365-3385Sample Landowner Authorization form
Liability Waiver Form (While not mandatory, members are strongly encouraged to have non-members and spectators sign this)
2. Are there any distance limitations?
The exact wording as it appears in the policy: "It is hereby understood and agreed that coverage under this Policy excludes all consequential losses arising out of the rocket launches away from the launch sites. The launch site is determined to be a 1 mile radius around the launch site."
3. What are my responsibilities as a member?
You must adhere to the Tripoli Rocketry Association’s Safety Code, (most recent edition) and it’s Bylaws for liability coverage.
Violations to the Tripoli Rocketry Association’s Safety Code, or its Bylaws can result in denial of coverage for an incident.
FAA requirements must be met. Violations to the FAA regulations can result in denial of coverage for an incident.
4. Who may fly rockets at a Tripoli Sanctioned launch?
National Rocketry Association (NAR) members who have current membership cards WILL BE ALLOWED ACCESS TO LAUNCHING HIGH POWER ROCKETS AT TRIPOLI LAUNCHES, to the level they are certified. THIS WILL NOT EXTEND TRIPOLI INSURANCE COVERAGE TO THE NAR MEMBER.
Youths who are non-members of ANY organization shall be allowed to fly
model rockets powered by model rocket motors A-G. This applies to anyone under 18 and their leaders (Scout leaders, school teachers, etc.) THIS WILL NOT EXTEND COVERAGE TO ANY NON-MEMBER. IF AN ACCIDENT OCCURS, THE ONLY PEOPLE PROVIDED COVERAGE ARE TRIPOLI MEMBERS AND LANDOWNER’S IF THEY ARE LISTED AS AN ADDITIONAL INSURED BY A CERTIFICATE.Any person, with or without any association affiliation, may launch A to G motors at a TRIPOLI launch - provided they follow our Safety Codes. THIS DOES NOT PROVIDE INSURANCE COVERAGE TO THAT PERSON. ONLY TRIPOLI MEMBERS, PREFECTURES, AND LANDOWNERS IF THE LANDOWNER HAS BEEN ISSUED A CERTIFICATE.
5. Are my immediate family members provided insurance coverage (spouses, children, dependants, etc) for their rocketry activities?
Only if they are paid or lifetime members of the Tripoli Rocketry Association. Coverage is provided to a family member that was injured by a rocketry related activity that a paid or lifetime Tripoli member is responsible for.
6. If I rent a vehicle and I damage it in a rocketry related activity, will Tripoli’s insurance policy cover it?
No. Since you rented the vehicle, you are the responsible party for it. Tripoli’s insurance coverage does not provide insurance coverage for a member’s property, and would consider a vehicle rented by a member as such.
7. Has there ever been a claim against Tripoli‘s insurance?
Yes. One of our members, along with a landowner, was named in a lawsuit involving a minor launching a model rocket at a launch event the member was sponsoring. The member in question had not obtained an insurance certificate for the landowner. The claim is currently pending. This is a good example of using extreme caution when assisting in launches involving non Tripoli members. Depending on the outcome of the claim, our member is out at least $2,500.
8. Why is Tripoli’s insurance coverage so expensive?
The insurance coverage is worldwide for all Tripoli members and is primary coverage. Recent changes in the insurance market has made this type of coverage very expensive and hard to obtain. It would be unfair to exclude our international members from coverage.
9. Who can I or a landowner contact for more information?
This is still being addressed
10. What do I do in the event of a potential loss?
IF AN ACCIDENT OCCURS INVOLVING ANY PERSONAL INJURY OR PROPERTY DAMAGE THAT WILL POSSIBLY EXCEED THE $2,500 DEDUCTIBLE, COMPLETE THE ACCIDENT REPORT FORM AND SEND IT TO THE TRIPOLI INSURANCE OFFICE IMMEDIATELY!
CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW FOR THE DOCUMENT.
ACCIDENT REPORT FORM - should be available in a few days
REMEMBER THIS VERY IMPORTANT THING: YOU ARE ULTIMATELY RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY ACCIDENTS THAT OCCUR WHEN FLYING YOUR ROCKETS, AND YOU SHOULD PREPARE TO ASSUME THAT RESPONSIBILITY. TRIPOLI INSURANCE, LIKE ANY INSURANCE, DOES NOT COVER EVERYTHING THAT COULD HAPPEN. THE INSURANCE POLICY HAS SPECIFIC LIMITS THAT COULD BE EXHAUSTED IN THE EVENT OF A SEVERE PERSONAL INJURY OR A LARGE PROPERTY LOSS. YOU SHOULD SEEK THE ADVICE OF YOUR OWN INSURANCE PROFESSIONAL TO SEE IF ANY ADDITIONAL PERSONAL LIABILITY INSURANCE IS AVAILABLE TO PROTECT YOURSELF.