Privacy Policy
MTRS Club Vehicle Cover Policy
1. Important Notices
- About MTRS Club: MTRS Club Inc. is an Australian association that provides cover for Taxi, Rideshare (ride-hail), and Private vehicles in all major cities in Australia. MTRS Club is not a licensed insurance company; it offers membership-based vehicle cover to its members. All cover is subject to the terms and conditions in this policy document and the Certificate of Cover.
- Legal Agreement: This policy document, together with your Certificate of Cover, forms a legally binding agreement between MTRS Club (“we”, “us”, “our”) and the member (“you”, “your”). In exchange for your payment of the required membership fee (premium) and subject to these terms, we agree to provide you with cover during the period of cover shown on your Certificate of Cover.
- Coverage Types: Your Certificate of Cover will specify the type of cover you have chosen – Comprehensive Cover or Third Party Property Damage (TPPD) Cover (Third Party Only). Comprehensive Cover includes cover for loss or damage to your vehicle and cover for your legal liability to third-party property, whereas TPPD Cover provides only the third-party liability cover (no cover for damage to your own vehicle). Both cover options are governed by the terms below.
- Membership Conditions: You must be a member of MTRS Club and all membership (policy) fees must be paid and up to date for cover to apply. If your membership fee (premium) is unpaid or overdue, you will not be covered in any circumstances. All memberships/policies are annual and will auto-renew each year unless you provide written notice of cancellation before the renewal date. We reserve the right to refuse renewal or to change terms upon renewal with proper notice.
- Duty of Disclosure: When you apply for or renew this cover, you have a legal duty to tell us anything you know, or could reasonably be expected to know, that is relevant to our decision to offer cover and on what terms. This duty continues until we agree to cover you, and applies whenever you renew, extend, vary, or reinstate your membership. If you fail to comply with this duty, we may cancel your membership or reduce the amount we pay on a claim, or both. If your nondisclosure is fraudulent, we may refuse to pay a claim and treat your cover as if it never existed.
- Dispute Resolution: MTRS Club is committed to fair service. If you have a complaint or dispute about this policy or a claim, you should contact our office or our Complaints Officer. We will attempt to resolve your complaint promptly. (Note: As MTRS Club is a membership-based cover provider, external dispute resolution through AFCA or similar may not apply; however, we will do our best to resolve any issues in good faith.)
- Governing Law: This policy is governed by the laws of Australia. Any reference to currency is in Australian dollars. Any legal proceedings relating to this policy must be brought in an Australian jurisdiction.
2. Certificate of Cover (Sample Summary)
Below is a sample Certificate of Cover which summarizes the key details of your MTRS Club cover. The actual certificate issued to you will contain your specific information:
- Member’s Name: JOHN DOE (Member/Registered Owner)
- Address: 123 Example Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
- Cover Type: Comprehensive Cover (Comprehensive + Third Party Property Damage) – (TPPD Only cover is also available and will be stated if applicable)
- Policy (Membership) No.: MTRS-PL-012345
- Period of Cover: From 01-07-2025 to 01-07-2026 at 4:00pm
- State of Cover: VIC (State where the vehicle is mainly used)
- Vehicle Details: Rego ABC-123 — 2018 Toyota Camry Hybrid Sedan — VIN: 1HGBH41JXJN109186
- Insured Driver(s): John Doe (Cover extends to any driver approved by you, over 21 years old, as per policy conditions)
- Interested Party: None (e.g., finance company, if applicable)
- Sum Insured/Vehicle Value: As Per Market Value
- Legal Liability Limit: $20 million for third-party property damage
- Standard Excess: $1,000.00 (basic excess for any at-fault claim or where no third party is identified)
- Age Excess: +$500.00 for any driver aged 21–25 years. (No cover for any driver under 21 years of age.)
- Additional Excesses: e.g., Unidentified Third-Party Excess: An excess applies if you cannot supply the name, address, and registration of the at-fault third party for a not-at-fault claim. (This effectively means you pay your excess if the at-fault party cannot be identified).
- Hire Car Benefit: Eligible for up to 21 days replacement vehicle only if not at fault (available to vehicle owner only, not to other drivers).
- Excluded Drivers: No cover for drivers under 21 years of age.
- Start Date: 01-07-2025
- End Date: 01-07-2026
Note: The Certificate of Cover is a summary of your policy. It is issued for your convenience and information only; it does not amend or override the full policy terms and conditions contained in this document. In case of any discrepancy, the policy wording prevails. This certificate confers no separate rights; all coverage is subject to the policy document. Ensure all information on your Certificate is correct and notify us of any errors or changes.
3. Definitions
For the purposes of this policy, the following definitions apply:
3.1 “Member”, “Insured”, or “You” – The person or entity named as the member in the Certificate of Cover who has paid (or agreed to pay) the membership fee and is entitled to cover under this policy. “You” also includes any authorized driver driving the insured vehicle with your permission, provided they meet all the conditions of this policy (e.g. age over 21 and holding a valid license).
3.2 “MTRS Club”, “We”, “Us”, or “Our” – MTRS Club Inc., the cover provider/insurer under this policy.
3.3 “Your Vehicle” – The motor vehicle (including its standard tools, accessories, and equipment) described in the Vehicle Details section of the Certificate of Cover. This includes any vehicle we have agreed to temporarily substitute while your vehicle is out of use (e.g. undergoing repairs), provided you have notified us and we agreed in writing.
3.4 “Cover” or “Policy” – The benefits and protection provided by MTRS Club as set out in this document. Cover is subject to the terms, limits, exclusions, and conditions herein and as summarized in the Certificate of Cover.
3.5 “Comprehensive Cover” – Coverage option which includes loss or damage to your vehicle due to insured events (Section 4.1) and liability cover for damage caused by your vehicle to third-party property (Section 4.2).
3.6 “Third Party Property Damage Cover” (or “Third Party Only” Cover, “TPPD”) – Coverage option which only includes liability cover for damage caused by your vehicle to third-party property (Section 4.2). Note: If you have TPPD Only, Section 4.1 (damage to your own vehicle) does not apply.
3.7 “Insured Events” – Events for which Comprehensive Cover provides cover for your vehicle. These include accidental collision or crash, attempted or actual theft, fire, vandalism, or other sudden and unforeseen accidental events, but subject to exclusions (see Section 5). (For example, theft is covered, but theft when you leave your keys in the car is excluded – see Section 5).
3.8 “Excess” – The amount you must pay towards the cost of each claim incident. The Certificate of Cover shows the Standard Excess (basic excess) applicable. Additional excesses may apply depending on circumstances (see Section 6 for Excess details). For example, an age excess applies for young drivers, and an excess applies if an at-fault third party cannot be identified.
3.9 “Market Value” – The value of your vehicle determined by us at the time of loss or damage, based on an independent industry valuation or guide, taking into account the vehicle’s make, model, age, condition, mileage and local market prices. This is the maximum amount we will pay for your vehicle under this policy unless otherwise agreed in writing. (We do not offer agreed value cover under this policy unless explicitly stated on your Certificate of Cover.)
3.10 “Period of Cover” – The time period between the Start Date and End Date listed on your Certificate of Cover (usually 12 months). All cover only applies to events occurring during this period.
3.11 “Third Party” – Any person or entity other than you (the insured), and other than us. In context of “third-party property damage,” it means another person’s property (e.g. their vehicle or building) that is damaged in an incident for which you are legally liable.
3.12 “Approved Repairer” – A motor vehicle repairer that has been authorized or recommended by us to repair your vehicle. We maintain a network of approved repairers to ensure quality and safety standards.
(Note: Other capitalized terms in this document may be defined in context. If a word is not defined in this section, it should be given its ordinary meaning.)
4. Cover Provided
This section describes what is covered under your MTRS Club policy. Coverage may differ depending on whether you have Comprehensive Cover or Third Party Property Damage Only. All cover is subject to the exclusions in Section 5 and conditions in this document.
4.1 Loss or Damage to Your Vehicle (Comprehensive Cover only)
If your Certificate of Cover shows “Comprehensive Cover,” we cover you for accidental loss of or damage to your vehicle caused by an insured event during the period of cover, subject to the terms. We will, at our option, either:
- Repair your vehicle; or
- Pay you the cost of repairs (if you have already arranged repairs with our consent); or
- Settle as a Total Loss – If your vehicle is determined by us to be a total loss (e.g. written off or stolen and not recovered), we will pay you the market value of your vehicle (less any applicable excess and any unpaid premium). In a total loss, the cover for that vehicle ends and the vehicle becomes our property (salvage).
What events are covered for your vehicle: Under Comprehensive Cover, we cover loss or damage caused by events such as:
- Collision, crash or impact (including single-vehicle accidents, or collisions with other vehicles or objects).
- Fire (but excluding fire caused by mechanical or electrical failure; see Section 5).
- Theft or attempted theft (but excluding theft if you have left the keys inside or with the vehicle; see Section 5).
- Vandalism or malicious damage by a third party (except as excluded in Section 5, e.g. damage resulting from your own deliberate act or road rage incident).
- Towing and storage costs following a covered incident – we will cover the reasonable cost of towing your undriveable vehicle from the scene of an accident to the nearest approved repairer or safe storage location. (Towing for breakdowns or non-accident incidents is not covered under this policy.)
Limit of cover for your vehicle: The maximum we will pay for loss or damage to your vehicle for any one incident is its market value at the time of the loss (unless a different sum insured or agreed value is stated on your Certificate of Cover). We will not pay more than this amount even if the cost of repair or replacement exceeds market value.
4.2 Liability for Damage to Third-Party Property (TPPD Cover)
We cover your legal liability to pay compensation for damage to third-party property caused by the use of your vehicle, up to the policy’s Legal Liability Limit (as stated on the Certificate of Cover, e.g. $20,000,000) for any one event. This cover applies if your vehicle causes accidental damage to someone else’s property (such as their vehicle or building) during the period of cover. It includes legal liability caused by:
- You or anyone driving your vehicle with your permission (provided they are not an excluded driver under this policy, e.g. under 21 or unlicensed).
- A passenger in your vehicle, or someone loading/unloading your vehicle, in connection with the use of your vehicle.
- Your vehicle while it is towing a single trailer or caravan.
In addition, we will pay for all reasonable legal costs and expenses incurred with our written consent in defending or settling a covered third-party claim made against you (this is covered on top of the liability limit). For example, if a third party sues you for property damage, we will cover the cost of lawyers (“all solicitors”) to defend you, subject to our liability limit.
Important: This third-party liability cover does not cover any personal injuries or death claims. (Compulsory Third Party (CTP) insurance through your vehicle registration covers injury to others in motor accidents – this is separate and not provided by MTRS Club.) We also do not cover damage to your own property, or property that is in your custody or control, under this section (see Section 5 exclusions).
This Section 4.2 applies to all policies (both Comprehensive and Third Party Only). If you have a Third Party Property Damage Only policy, this Section 4.2 is the primary cover provided (Section 4.1 would not apply to you).
4.3 Additional Benefits and Services
The following additional benefits apply under this policy, some only when certain conditions are met:
4.3.1 Hire Car After Not-at-fault Accident: If your vehicle is damaged in an accident that was entirely the fault of a third party, and your vehicle cannot be safely driven or is in for repairs, we will arrange and pay for a hire car (rental car) for you to use while your vehicle is being repaired or until we settle your claim, for a maximum of up to 21 days (3 weeks). This benefit is only provided if: (a) you were not at fault, and you can provide us with the at-fault driver’s name, address, and vehicle registration; and (b) you are the owner of the vehicle on the policy. Additional drivers or listed drivers who are not the vehicle’s owner are not eligible for this hire car benefit. We will pay for a standard sedan or similar class vehicle (or a suitable replacement vehicle if you were driving a taxi or rideshare vehicle – for example, a rental taxi or rideshare-approved vehicle) up to the 21-day limit. If your claim is settled as a total loss before 21 days, the hire car benefit will cease on the date we make a settlement offer. This benefit is not available for at-fault claims or single-vehicle incidents where no identifiable third party is at fault.
4.3.2 Repair Guarantee: If we authorize repairs to your vehicle with one of our Approved Repairers, we will guarantee the quality of those repairs. Specifically, we guarantee that the workmanship of all repairs authorized by us and completed by an approved repairer will be carried out to a proper standard. If any defect in the repair arises due to poor workmanship or faulty parts, we will rectify the problem without cost to you, as long as you remain the owner of the vehicle. (This guarantee will continue to apply for as long as you maintain continuous cover with MTRS or until you sell the vehicle). This guarantee does not apply to unauthorized repairs or if you choose to use a repairer that is not approved by us.
4.3.3 Emergency Towing & Accommodation: If you are involved in an accident covered by this policy and you are more than 100 km from your home, we will cover reasonable costs for emergency accommodation and/or transport for you and your passengers up to $500 in total. (This benefit is to assist if you are stranded due to an accident. It does not apply to mechanical breakdowns or incidents not covered by the policy.) Towing of your vehicle from the accident scene to the nearest repairer or safe place is covered as part of the loss or damage claim (see Section 4.1) – note that for certain areas or specific use vehicles, limitations may apply (e.g., special arrangements for towing rideshare vehicles in some regions). Always contact us to arrange towing if possible.
(Additional benefits above are provided as part of your cover and do not require an extra premium. They are subject to the general policy conditions and exclusions. Limits and conditions are as stated. If you are entitled to similar benefits from a third party (for example, the at-fault party’s insurer), our obligation to pay may be limited to any amount in excess of what you recover from the third party.)
5. Exclusions – When You Are Not Covered
Not all events and circumstances are covered. The following exclusions apply to your MTRS Club cover. If any of these situations apply to the event leading to a claim, we may refuse the claim or reduce our liability. In some cases, your cover might be voided entirely. These exclusions apply regardless of the type of cover (Comprehensive or TPPD) you have, unless stated otherwise:
5.1 Unauthorised or Underage Driver: There is no cover for any driver under the age of 21 years. We also do not cover any driver who is not noted on your Certificate of Cover as an insured driver unless they meet all policy requirements (they must be at least 21 and hold a valid license). If a person under 21 or otherwise not in compliance with policy terms was driving, any loss or liability will not be covered.
5.2 Intoxication or Impairment: We will not cover any loss, damage, or liability if the driver of your vehicle was under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or exceeded the legal blood-alcohol limit, or refused to take a legal breath/blood test, at the time of the accident. Any accident where the driver is intoxicated or impaired is excluded from cover.
5.3 Unlicensed or Illegal Driving: There is no cover if the driver of your vehicle (a) was not properly licensed to drive that class of vehicle, (b) was driving with a cancelled, suspended, or expired license, or (c) was using the vehicle for an illegal purpose or in a criminal act (for example, as a getaway vehicle in a crime). There is also no cover if the vehicle was being used in an unroadworthy or unsafe condition and that contributed to the accident.
5.4 Deliberate, Reckless, or Dangerous Acts: We will not cover loss or damage caused by any intentional act or omission by you, or by someone acting with your express or implied consent. This includes damage resulting from road rage incidents or deliberate acts of aggression. Similarly, no cover if you deliberately caused or exacerbated the loss. There is also no cover for any loss arising out of your involvement in any criminal or wilful misconduct.
5.5 Unauthorized Use: We do not cover any incident if, at the time, your vehicle was being used by a person without your permission, or was stolen or taken without your consent (however, subsequent damage to the vehicle from theft may be covered under Section 4.1 if no other exclusion applies). Also, no cover if you lend or rent your vehicle to someone in exchange for money (unless that is your insured business, e.g. rideshare/taxi, and declared to us) or if your vehicle was being used for purposes not agreed to in your policy (for example, being used as a rideshare/taxi when you only have private use cover, or vice versa).
5.6 Mechanical or Electrical Breakdown: We do not cover mechanical failure, electrical failure, or other inherent breakdown of your vehicle on its own (this is not an insured event; it is considered wear-and-tear or maintenance issue). For example, engine seizure or battery failure is not covered. Additionally, any fire or explosion caused by a mechanical or electrical fault or defect in your vehicle is not covered. (However, if a fire results from a covered accident or external causes, it remains covered – e.g., if your car catches fire due to a collision.)
5.7 Tyre Damage: Damage to your tyres caused by braking, punctures, cuts or bursting is not covered unless it occurs as a result of a covered accident that also causes other damage to the vehicle.
5.8 Wear and Tear: We will not cover damage or loss caused by wear and tear, rust, corrosion, gradual deterioration, or depreciation. Similarly, any failure due to poor maintenance (e.g. not servicing the car, resulting in damage) is not covered. The policy only covers sudden and unforeseen events, not predictable gradual damage.
5.9 Flood, Storm and Weather Events: Loss or damage caused by flood, inundation, storm, rainwater, hail or other weather-related events is NOT covered under this policy. This means we do not cover flood damage, hail damage, or water damage to your vehicle. (These events are typically excluded in this membership cover.) You should take precautions to avoid using or leaving your vehicle in flood-prone or hail-prone conditions, as no compensation will be available for such damage.
5.10 Theft with Keys Left In Vehicle: We will not cover theft of your vehicle if, at the time of the theft, you left the keys inside the vehicle or left the vehicle unattended with the keys in or on it. You must take reasonable steps to safeguard your vehicle. (This exclusion applies similarly if you left the vehicle unlocked and unattended in a public place, or left it running while unattended.)
5.11 Use of Incorrect Fuel or Improper Use: We do not cover any damage to your vehicle caused by the use of the wrong type of fuel, or by putting contaminants in the fuel or oil systems. We also do not cover damage caused by driving your vehicle after an accident or mechanical breakdown if this worsens the damage.
5.12 Seizure or Confiscation: There is no cover for loss or damage as a result of lawful seizure, impounding, or confiscation of your vehicle by police, government or other authorities (for example, if your car is confiscated or towed by authorities due to illegal parking or other offenses).
5.13 Financial Loss or Consequential Loss: We do not cover any indirect or consequential loss or costs beyond the immediate damage to your vehicle or liability to third parties – for example, lost revenue or income (except any specifically covered Loss of Income benefit if applicable; note that Loss of Income is not standard in this policy unless explicitly provided and recovered from a third party), loss of market value of your vehicle after repairs, depreciation, or any other purely financial harm. (The only exception is the additional benefits expressly listed in Section 4.3, such as emergency travel expenses, which we will pay as stated.)
5.14 Racing or Testing: We do not cover any incident occurring while your vehicle is being used in a race, rally, motorsport event, speed trial, or on a racetrack or course (unless specifically agreed and endorsed, such as if you have a specific coverage extension for that purpose). Use of the vehicle for driver instruction/training for reward is also not covered unless agreed by us.
5.15 Hire or Reward (unauthorized): If your vehicle is being used to carry passengers for hire or reward (e.g. as a taxi or rideshare) or to carry goods for reward (courier/delivery), and you have not declared this use to us and it is not stated on your Certificate of Cover, then there is no cover. (If your vehicle is used for rideshare/taxi and your policy is specifically for that purpose, it will be noted on the Certificate – e.g., “Business Covered: Rideshare/Taxi”. Private use policies do not cover commercial use.)
5.16 War and Nuclear: We do not cover any loss or damage caused by war, invasion, acts of foreign enemies, hostilities, civil war, rebellion, insurrection, or nuclear/radioactive contamination.
5.17 Terrorism: We do not cover any loss, damage, or liability directly or indirectly caused by an act of terrorism involving biological, chemical, or nuclear materials.
The above exclusions are some of the main exclusions and are not an exhaustive list of every circumstance in which a claim might be denied. Other terms of this policy may also exclude or limit coverage for specific situations. If you are unsure whether a particular scenario is covered, please contact MTRS Club for clarification. All coverage is provided in accordance with the policy wording and subject to Australian law.
6. Excesses
An Excess is the amount you agree to pay towards each claim. The following excesses may apply, and they are cumulative if more than one applies to a given claim:
6.1 Basic Excess (Standard Excess): This is the primary excess payable on any claim where you are at fault or where no responsible third party can be identified. The amount of the basic excess is shown on your Certificate of Cover (e.g. $1,000). For any claim we pay under this policy, we will deduct the basic excess from the claim payment, or you must pay it to the repairer or us before we settle the claim. If more than one vehicle in your household is insured with MTRS and they collide with each other, only one basic excess applies (the higher one).
6.2 Age Excess: If at the time of an incident the driver of your vehicle was aged 21 to 25 (inclusive), an additional age excess of $500 applies on top of the basic excess. This age excess also applies if the driver is over 25 but held their driver’s license for less than 2 years. No cover is provided at all if the driver was under 21, so an age excess cannot make an under-21 driver claim payable – such claims are excluded entirely (see exclusion 5.1).
6.3 Unlisted Driver Excess: If a person driving your vehicle at the time of an incident was not listed or named on your Certificate of Cover as an insured driver, an additional excess of $[…] (e.g. $500) may apply if we cover the claim. (If the driver was under 21 or otherwise excluded, the claim will not be covered at all; if they are over 21 and licensed, we may still cover the claim but impose this excess.) Check your Certificate – some policies require all drivers to be listed.
6.4 Inexperienced Driver Excess: If the driver is over 25 but has not held a full driving license for at least 2 years (or is on a probationary license), an additional excess of $[…] may apply. (This is typically the same as or similar to the age excess, if not already counted.)
6.5 Special Excess: In some cases, we may impose an additional excess due to the risk profile (for example, a high-performance vehicle or a driver with past claims). If applicable, any such special excess will be noted on your Certificate of Cover. That excess must be paid in addition to any other excesses.
6.6 Unidentified Third Party Excess: If you make a claim for an accident in which you believe you were not at fault, and you cannot provide the name, address, and registration details of the at-fault third party, you will be required to pay your excess (as we will treat the claim as if you were at fault or unable to recover from another party). In other words, to have your excess potentially waived for a not-at-fault claim, you must assist us by providing the identity of the party at fault. If you cannot, your basic excess will apply to the claim. (If you do provide the necessary details and we agree you were not at fault, you will not be required to pay the excess for that claim – we will refund it if paid, or not deduct it.)
6.7 Total Excess Payable: When you make a claim, we will advise you of the total excess that applies. For example, if an unlisted 22-year-old driver has an at-fault accident in your car, the basic excess + age excess + unlisted driver excess would all apply. Excesses are cumulative. We may require payment of the total applicable excess before we authorize repairs or pay out a total loss. If you fail to pay the excess when required, your claim may be refused or delayed.
Note: Excesses do not apply to claims where you are not at fault and a liable third party is identified (except as noted in 6.6) or to certain claims such as windscreen-only claims if we offer an excess waiver (not standard in this policy unless noted on your Certificate). Additionally, liability-only claims (Section 4.2) might not require you to pay an excess, unless your vehicle was being driven by an at-risk driver (in which case we may deduct the excess from any payments we make to third parties on your behalf).
7. Claims: Your Obligations and Our Process
If an incident occurs that may give rise to a claim, you must follow these requirements to ensure your claim can be handled smoothly and to avoid any reduction or denial of your claim.
7.1 Reporting Incidents: You must report any accident or loss to MTRS Club within 48 hours of the incident (or as soon as practicably possible). This includes providing details of what happened and any information we request. If you fail to report a claim or incident within 48 hours, we may refuse the claim entirely. Prompt notification allows us to investigate and manage claims effectively. Additionally, if your vehicle is stolen or maliciously damaged, you must report it to the police as soon as possible and provide us the police report or event number.
7.2 At the Scene of an Accident: If you are involved in a motor vehicle accident, you (or your driver) must:
- Stop and give assistance where safe and required by law.
- Exchange names, addresses, vehicle registration numbers with the other party/parties involved. Also obtain contact details of any independent witnesses if possible.
- Not admit fault, liability, or agree to pay for any damage to other parties. (Simply tell them your insurer/cover provider – MTRS Club – will handle the claim.) Do not negotiate or settle any claim with a third party yourself without our consent.
- Take photographs of the scene and damages if it is safe to do so, as this can assist in the claims process.
- If applicable, notify police (for example, if anyone is injured, or for hit and run incidents, theft, or if required by law because of significant property damage).
7.3 Claim Notification and Forms: Contact us via our Claims Hotline or email (as listed on your Certificate of Cover, e.g. claims@MTRSclub.com.au) to notify us of the incident. We will provide you with a claim form or guide you to our online claims portal. You must provide honest, correct and complete information about the incident and cooperate fully with us. Include all relevant details and documents (e.g., a police report, third party details, witness statements, photos, receipts for any expenses).
7.4 Assisting with Claim Assessment: You must cooperate with us in the investigation and handling of the claim. This includes:
- Providing any additional information or documentation we may reasonably request.
- Allowing us or our representatives (investigators, assessors) to inspect the vehicle damage.
- Attending an interview or giving a written statement about the circumstances if we require.
- Not disposing of or authorizing repair of your vehicle without our approval (except for emergency repairs necessary to prevent further damage, up to a reasonable limit or $500, which you should still inform us of).
We may require you to complete a statutory declaration if the circumstances of the claim are unusual or if we need confirmation of details.
7.5 Fraudulent or False Claims: If you (or anyone acting on your behalf) make a false or fraudulent claim in any way, or deliberately exaggerate or inflate a claim, we may deny the claim and cancel your membership effective immediately. We may also take legal action to recover any costs paid and report the matter to the authorities. Fraudulent claims are a serious offense and will void your cover.
7.6 Payment of Excess: When you make a claim, any applicable excesses must be paid. We may ask you to pay the excess to us before we authorize repairs or settle the claim. Alternatively, in some cases the excess can be paid directly to the repairer when you pick up your vehicle after repairs. If the claim is a total loss, we will deduct the excess from the settlement amount. If you do not pay the required excess, your claim will not proceed (and may be treated as withdrawn or refused). In an at-fault accident, the excess is always payable at claim lodgment.
7.7 Claims Settlement and Repairs:
- Repairs: If your vehicle is repairable, we will nominate an Approved Repairer to provide a quote and carry out repairs. You may request a particular repairer, but we reserve the right to choose or to require an alternative estimate for comparison. We handle payment directly with the repairer (minus your excess). We will ensure repairs are carried out to a high standard and covered by our Repair Guarantee (see section 4.3.2). If parts or materials are not available immediately, we may use appropriate equivalent alternatives or pay you the cost of those parts.
- Total Loss: If we decide your vehicle is a total loss (typically when repair cost exceeds its market value or it is stolen and not recovered), we will pay you the market value of the vehicle (or agreed value if that was specified) as of the date of loss, less any deductions (excess, any unpaid premium, registration/refund adjustments, salvage value if you retain the wreck, etc.). Once we pay for a total loss, the policy for that vehicle ends and we keep the right to the salvage of the vehicle. You must provide us with all necessary documents (e.g. proof of ownership, keys, registration papers) and cooperate in transferring ownership of the vehicle (including any financial interest) to us. We will pay any outstanding finance on the vehicle directly to the financier (up to the market value or sum insured) and pay you the balance.
- Third-Party Claims: If a third party is claiming against you, you must not admit liability or settle with them. Refer them to us. We will handle communications with the third party or their insurer on your behalf. If you receive any letters, demands, court documents or similar from any third party, forward them to us immediately. We will pay for legal representation if necessary to defend you, as part of the liability cover (within the policy limits).
7.8 Timeframe for Claim Processing: We strive to handle all claims promptly and fairly. Repair claims will be managed as quickly as possible, subject to parts availability and workshop scheduling. For total loss claims, we will make the payout within 4 weeks (28 days) of you providing all required documents and our acceptance of the claim, provided all conditions are met. (In many cases it will be sooner, but this 4-week guideline is a maximum target for settlement once we have everything in order.) Delays may occur if external factors prevent investigation or if there are unusual complications, but we will keep you informed. You must do your part in promptly providing information and following our instructions.
7.9 Recovery from Third Parties: If we pay your claim (especially for not-at-fault accidents), you agree that we have the right to recover our costs from any responsible third party. We may pursue recovery of our payout and your excess. You must not do anything to prejudice our rights of recovery – for example, do not sign any release or agreement with the at-fault party without our consent. If we recover more than our payout (e.g. including your excess), we will refund you the excess amount paid (or not require you to pay it). You must assist us by providing any evidence or testimony we might need to recover from the third party (this may include attending court if necessary). This process will not cost you anything, and any legal action is at our expense.
7.10 Subrogation and Conduct of Proceedings: We have the right to take over and conduct, in your name, the defense or settlement of any claim and to prosecute or settle any rights of recovery against others. We will act reasonably and in good faith, but we have full discretion in the handling of proceedings. We may settle any claim against you at any time if we believe it is reasonable to do so. If we require, you must authorize us to act as your attorney for this purpose.
7.11 Claims for Uninsured Losses: If you have a loss that is not covered by this policy (for example, your vehicle is damaged by hail which is excluded), we will not be involved in that claim. It will be your responsibility to recover those losses from any third party (if applicable). We can only assist or act for claims that fall under your coverage.
7.12 False or Inflated Claims: We repeat that providing any false information or inflating the amount of a claim is considered fraud. MTRS Club investigates suspected fraud vigorously. If fraud is detected, the claim will be denied and your policy cancelled from inception with no refund. Legal action and referral to police may occur.
8. General Conditions
The following general conditions apply to your cover. You must comply with these conditions to have full protection under this policy. If you do not, we may refuse to pay your claim or cancel your cover.
8.1 Premium Payment: You must pay the membership fee (premium) by the due date. Cover under this policy does not commence until we have received the premium (or the first installment, if we have agreed to a payment plan). If any installment remains unpaid after a grace period we allow, we may cancel the policy for non-payment. As noted in Important Notices, if a premium installment is overdue, claims occurring after that time may not be covered. Always ensure your payments are up to date to maintain cover.
8.2 Renewal: This cover is an annual membership policy. We may automatically renew your cover at the end of the period of cover, provided you continue to meet our eligibility criteria and have paid the renewal premium. We will send you a renewal notice detailing the terms for the next period. If you do not wish to renew, you must inform us in writing before the renewal date. All policies are on auto-renewal until a written cancellation request is received. We also reserve the right not to offer renewal by providing notice to you (for example, if our program is ending or if you have multiple claims that change your risk profile).
8.3 Cancellation (by You): You may cancel this policy at any time by giving us notice (in writing or by calling us, with appropriate identity verification). If you cancel, we will refund the unused portion of your membership fee, calculated on a pro-rata basis from the date of cancellation, minus any reasonable administrative fee. However, if you have made a claim during the current period, no refund will be given (we are entitled to keep the full premium for that period). If you cancel within the first 14 days of the initial policy (cooling-off period) and have not made a claim, we will give you a full refund of the premium paid.
8.4 Cancellation (by Us): We may cancel your policy as permitted by Australian law. Valid reasons for cancellation include: non-payment of premium, fraud or misrepresentation by you, a material change in risk which you did not disclose, or if you violate policy terms and fail to remedy it. If we cancel, we will give you written notice (e.g. via email or post) in accordance with the Insurance Contracts Act requirements (usually at least 7 days’ notice, or 3 days for non-payment). We will refund any unused portion of premium paid, unless cancellation is due to fraud (in which case no refund is given and cancellation may be effective immediately).
8.5 Changes to Your Details or Circumstances: You must notify us as soon as possible if any of the following happen during the period of cover: you change your address, you change the use of your vehicle (e.g. you start using it for rideshare or taxi when it was insured for private use or vice versa), you modify your vehicle in a way that affects its performance or value, you plan to regularly have additional drivers, or any insured driver incurs license suspension or criminal charges. These changes could affect your risk and premium. We will advise if we can continue cover and on what terms. If you fail to notify us of material changes, your cover may not respond in the event of a claim (non-disclosure).
8.6 Reasonable Care: You must take all reasonable precautions to prevent or minimize loss, damage, or liability. This includes observing all road laws, maintaining your vehicle in a safe and roadworthy condition (e.g., regular servicing, correct tire pressures), and taking steps to avoid known hazards (e.g., not driving into flooded areas, not leaving your keys in the ignition unattended). If you do not take reasonable care and a loss occurs, we may refuse your claim if the loss was caused or exacerbated by your lack of care.
8.7 Vehicle Security and Keys: You must ensure your vehicle is locked and secured when unattended. All keys or remote locking devices for your vehicle must be kept secure. If you lose your keys or they are stolen, you should notify us and have the vehicle’s security systems re-coded if possible. Remember, if your vehicle is stolen and you cannot produce its keys or you left it unattended with keys inside, the theft will not be covered (see exclusion 5.10).
8.8 Approved Repairs and Salvage: If we approve repairs, you must not authorize further repair work or incur costs beyond the original repair scope without our consent. If we pay you for a total loss, the damaged vehicle becomes our property. You agree to arrange transfer of ownership and any relevant documents to us (or to our nominee) upon request. If a stolen vehicle is recovered after we have paid out a total loss, it becomes our property. You have first option to purchase the salvage (wreck) from us, but you must arrange this with us and pay the fair salvage value.
8.9 Other Insurance: If any loss or liability covered by this policy is also covered by another insurance policy (whether with us or another insurer), to the extent permitted by law we will only pay our share of the claim. You must not seek double recovery. Please inform us if you have any other insurance covering the same vehicle or risk.
8.10 Joint Insurance: If more than one person is named as the insured on the Certificate of Cover, each is considered a co-insured. A claim made by any one of the named insureds is considered a claim by all for the purpose of this policy. Our obligations to pay are discharged by paying any one of the named parties. Any one insured may cancel or alter the policy with the consent of the others.
8.11 Compliance with Policy Terms: You must comply with all terms, conditions, and endorsements of this policy. If you do not, we may refuse to pay a claim either in whole or in part, and in some cases we may cancel the policy. No party covered by this policy has authority to waive or modify any terms of this policy; any change must be agreed by MTRS Club in writing.
8.12 Assignment: You cannot transfer or assign this policy or any rights under it to another person without our prior written consent. If you sell your vehicle, the cover does not automatically transfer to the new owner. The new owner would need to apply for their own cover. You should cancel your policy upon sale or notify us to remove that vehicle.
8.13 Sanctions: This policy will not provide cover, nor will we pay any claim or provide any benefit, to the extent that doing so would breach any applicable trade or economic sanctions, law or regulation.
8.14 Jurisdiction: This policy is governed by the laws of the State or Territory of Australia in which it was issued. Any disputes relating to this policy shall be submitted to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of that State/Territory or as otherwise agreed by the parties.
8.15 Entire Agreement: This policy document, together with your Certificate of Cover and any endorsements or written changes, constitutes the entire agreement between you and MTRS Club in relation to the cover provided. No verbal statements or promises shall be binding unless reflected in these written terms. In the event of any inconsistency between the Certificate and the policy wording, the policy wording prevails except where a Certificate expressly notes a variation.
Certificate of Cover Confirmation: By accepting this policy, you confirm that all information you have given us (including on your application and the Certificate of Cover details) is true and correct. Please review your Certificate and notify us immediately of any errors or changes. Your obligations regarding disclosure and honest representation of facts are critical to this agreement (see Duty of Disclosure in Section 1.5).
