In partnership with Marshall Wooldridge, who run the ExtraCover Insurance scheme, The Cricketer take a look at various stories from the club game that highlight the importance of taking out the right insurance
In February 2017, Alex Tait was bowling at indoor winter nets with Lightcliffe CC when he was struck on the head during his follow-through. He broke 15 bones and nearly lost his vision in one eye.
Tait had just started a new job when he suffered the injury so was still on probation. Because of this he was only entitled to statutory sick pay, which did not stretch nearly far enough for him and his young family to live off. The reality that Alex was going to be unable to work for many months was a very concerning one.
Had it not been for the generosity of the cricket community, who donated nearly £20,000 via a JustGiving page, Tait would have been in serious trouble.
If Lightcliffe CC were protected by ExtraCover Insurance and had taken the option to buy the Personal Accident Gold Cover, Tait’s injury would have been covered, even though it occurred outside the cricket season and not at the club’s home ground.
The benefits of having the Personal Accident Gold Cover are clear. Those covered can claim £250 a week, with no excess, for 104 weeks.
No fault should be attached to Lightcliffe CC though, there is simply not enough awareness surrounding the importance of cricket clubs having the right insurance cover.
“The liability insurance and personal accident insurance is essential, and it’s crucial clubs get this right” said Mark Dearden, from ExtraCover Insurance.
"Failing to do so could leave them in a bit of a mess. If they don't have the correct liability cover, they're leaving themselves open as a club to prosecution."
Cricketers need to be looked after, as do cricket clubs. The nature of the sport is a dangerous one.
Mark warns that the danger is not exclusive to those on the pitch. "If a ball goes out of the ground and hits a pedestrian there is an argument that the club is liable. And a lot of clubs don't have the right liability insurance."
Many firms who provide cricket clubs with insurance do not actually cover the playing of cricket and the risks that accompany it.
ExtraCover Insurance, however, can react to any incident that might lead to a claim against your cricket club.
As well as the aforementioned cover of events that happen away from the ground and out of season, the Liability Cover also protects accidental injury to members of the public or damage to third party property.
By taking out a policy from ExtraCover Insurance, clubs can continue to play the game we love with no fear of financial repercussion should accidents happen. And accidents can always happen, even at casual indoor nets.
“You think you’re ok because you’re playing indoors, but cricket still has just the same risks indoors as when playing on the square.”
Contact the dedicated ExtraCover Insurance team if you would like to get a quote or would like a review of your cricket club insurance
Call free on 0800 289 301 to speak with Mark, Helen, or David or email extracover@marswool.com
Click here to visit the ExtraCover Insurance website
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