Insurance Questions

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 31985, 12 May 1969, Page 9

Insurance Questions

Queries from readers, arising from the new laws regarding thickness of tyre treads and drivers returning positive breath and blood alcohol tests, were referred by “The Press” to the Insurance Association of Christchurch. The questions were:— Will persons who make a claim for insurance after an accident when their vehicle hw.a tyre or tyres with a tread or treads of less than one-sixteenth of an inch have it met? If the accident was shown to be caused by skidding on a tyre or tyres, with tread or treads of less than one-six-teenth would a claim not be met? It a car, with a tyre, or tyres, with tread, or treads, of less than one-sixteenth of an inch was legally parked and hit by another car, would the owner of the parked car have his insurance claim met? If a driver is charged after an accident with driving having more than 100 milligrams of alcohol in 100 minifies of blood, but not charged with driving while under the influence of drink or drugs to such an extent as to be incepable of having a proper

control of the vehicle, will his claim for insurance be invalid?

The manager of the association (Mr H. W. Simpson) replied:— The standard policy form used by member companies of the Insurance Council of New Zealand contains, among others, the following general exceptions: The company shall not be liable in respect of any accident injury loss damage or liability caused, sustained, or incurred whilst any vehicle in respect of which indemnity is provided under this policy is: Being driven in an unsafe condition and for purposes of this exception the term “unsafe condition” shall include such condition as may result in damage to

the vehicle or any part or component thereof. Being driven by any person, including the insured, while such person is under the influence of intoxicating liquor or a drug, provided that this exception shall not apply in respect of any claim by the insured arising out of any occurrence or happening consequent upon theft or conversion of the vehicle named herein.

It is a matter for individual insurance companies to in-

terpret these general exceptions. Readers are advised to refer their inquiries to their respective insurers.