Frequently
Asked Questions

All Categories

What’s the current standard limit of indemnity?

This is shown in the policy wording.

Can I get more than that if I want?

Depending on what limit you want and why you want it, we can provide higher limits at an additional premium.

What about the limit for my liability to domestic staff as their employer?

This is shown in the policy wording.

I don’t own my home, do I still have cover?

Yes, you also have cover under the “Liability as a tenant” sub-section.

What limit do I have for that?

This is shown in the policy wording.

What is the excess?

Pleased to advise that there is none.

I got a super expensive drone for Christmas and so would I be covered if it flies into someone else’s property or hits someone?

Unfortunately, the section excludes any accidents involving aircraft or model aircraft so the policy would not respond there. This is generally a standard exclusion in Property policies.

What about if someone knocks on my door and my normally calm and collected cat gets out and bites them. Am I covered for that?

Hopefully that will not happen but if it does then you would be covered up to the limit of indemnity should the person decide to hold you responsible for any damages or costs and you are held legally liable.

When I was at one of the malls in Florida last month for the very special sales, some lady said that I pushed her and she fell when we were waiting for the store to open and she hurt her back. I have now received a letter from her lawyer in the US. Will my policy cover this?

The standard practice here is that the policy will only respond to any actions brought about in a court of law within the Cayman Islands. However we would suggest that you may wish to consult a lawyer to determine what you should do.

What is the maximum you will pay for a claim?

The sum insured.

How much does the Liability cover cost?

Cost? This is FREE to all our valued customers!

What sum insured should I have on my contents?

Your sum insured should represent the full cost of replacement as new less an allowance for wear, tear and depreciation on clothing. We have a room by room guide that we can give you to help with this process.

If my Contents sum insured does not represent the full cost to replace everything as new will partial losses up to this figure be paid in full?

Only if the sum insured represents at least 85% of the replacement value, which is a special concession offered by Cayman First. The Condition of Average principle will still apply if value is less than 85%. If the value is less than the 85% then you will be considered your own insurer for the difference between the sum insured and the full replacement as new value of the property, and will therefore assume your shared portion of any loss which may occur.

Are the contents also covered outside the home as well as inside it?

Apart from the cover under Contents Temporary Removed, they are only covered inside so do not include any items you wish to be covered outside your home under Contents as they need to be covered under the All Risks (Personal Possessions) section.

What sub-limits are there within the Contents definition?

There are only 3 (for Money, Valuables and Domestic staff and guests clothing and personal items) and these are shown in the policy wording.

Are the specified events exactly the same as under Buildings?

Yes.

What about the excesses for the specified events, are they exactly the same as under Buildings too?

Yes.

I see that you also have some accidental damage here too – what type of items are covered for accidental damage?

Home entertainment equipment and home office equipment.

What limits can I expect for this?

These are shown in the policy wording.

What happens if my Contents are not maintained in good repair and I make a claim?

Oh in that case then unfortunately we make a deduction for wear, tear and depreciation.

I came home one day and found that an iguana had somehow got into my house and it ripped up my brand new sofa that was part of a set so where is this covered?

Really sorry but damage by iguanas (and other vermin) is excluded.

If it got damaged by a fire then it would be covered, right?

Yes, this would be covered but we only pay for the cost to replace the damaged sofa only not the whole set as there is a Pairs and Sets condition which stipulates this.

What are the four (4) new features in this section?

• Emergency services forced entry
• Contents in the open
• Door Locks/Keys
• Travel

What are the limits for each feature?

These are shown in the policy wording.

What is the excess for event a fire, lightning, explosion, smoke?

Nil.

How often should I get my home revalued and why?

We recommend that it should be done every three years to ensure it is fairly accurate.

What sum insured should I have on my Building(s)?

Your sum insured should represent the cost to rebuild as new, but excluding land. Then, add to this up to 10% for Architects and Surveyors Fees and Cost for Removal of Debris.

Is the price I paid for the home or the amount of my mortgage ok to be used as my sum insured?

The purchase price of your home does not normally equate to the rebuilding/replacement value… although, it can be. The same for the amount of your mortgage. It is better to get professional advice.

What if I am not sure of the cost to rebuild/replace, can you help?

Unfortunately, we are not qualified to give valuations. So, we suggest you contact a Real Estate Appraiser or Quantity Surveyor who is qualified.

If my Building(s) sum insured does not represent the full cost to rebuild as new, will partial losses up to this figure be paid in full?

Only if the sum insured represents at least 85% of the replacement value, which is a special concession offered by Cayman First. The Condition of Average principle will still apply if value is less than 85%. If the value is less than the 85%, then you will be considered your own insurer for the difference between the sum insured and the full replacement as new value of the property, and will therefore assume your shared portion of any loss which may occur.

Can you provide a calculation/example of how the Condition of Average principal would operate?

Example:
Rebuilding Cost of the Home
Policy Sum Insured
Amount Claimed
Amount Paid
$200,000
$100,000
$ 75,000
$ 37,500
In the above example, the policy sum insured is only 50% of the rebuilding cost (i.e. $100,000 / $200,000). Since this is outside the 85% concession allowed by the policy, the amount paid is reduced by the degree of under-insurance. The degree of under-insurance is 50%. So the amount claimed ($75,000) is reduced by 50% to $37,500.
If your sum insured was $170,000, this equates to 85% of the rebuilding sum insured – the amount claimed of $75,000 would be paid in full.

Does the policy include outbuildings and, if so, what limit is there?

Yes. There is no limit – the limit of the overall Buildings sum insured applies.

What parts of my Building(s) are not automatically covered and need to be advised to you?

Sea walls, docks, piers, jetties or similar waterside structures.

Is my Buildings cover on an All Risks basis?

No. It is on a specified events basis. However, we do also include Accidental Damage cover FREE of charge.

Sorry, what do you mean by specified events? Can you list them please?

These are:
a. Fire, explosion, lightning, smoke.
b. Earthquake or volcanic eruption including flood or overflow of the sea caused by these events.
c. Tsunami, hurricane, cyclone, tornado or windstorm including tidal wave, flood or overflow of the sea caused by these events.
d. Flood or overflow of the sea not caused by b or c above.
e. Collision involving any vehicle or craft, other flying devices or anything dropped from them, or by an animal.
f. Riot, civil commotion, labor and political disturbances.
g. Malicious acts or vandalism.
h. Sudden and unexpected escape of water or oil from any fixed water or heating installation, water tank, pipe, washing machine, dishwasher, fridge or freezer, air conditioning unit, aquarium or water bed.
i. Falling trees or branches.
j. Breakage or collapse of any external aerial/antennae or satellite dish, utility pole or overhead cable.
k. Theft or attempted theft.
l. Subsidence or ground heave of the site on which your buildings stand, or landslip.

I believe you now have Accidental Damage cover to Buildings – are there any limits?

Yes, we have a limit – this is shown in the policy wording.

What are the limits for Alternative Accommodation and Loss of Rent and when would you stop paying for it?

These are also shown in the policy wording and we stop paying for this as soon as your home is in a habitable condition.

I hear about Trace and Access cover. Can you explain that and is there a limit?

Yes. We provide that cover up to the limit shown in the policy wording if the buildings are damaged due to water or oil escaping from water tanks, pipes, equipment or fixed heating systems in the buildings. This will cover the reasonable cost of removing and replacing any other part of the buildings necessary to locate the source of the leak and including any repair work necessary as a result of the location work.

What other new features do you have that might help me in deciding to buy a policy with Cayman FIRST?

Well, we also have added:
• Door locks/keys – for the cost of replacing keys, locks or locking mechanisms to external doors and windows of your home, a safe within your home or an alarm protecting your home if your keys for them are lost or stolen.
• Emergency services forced entry – for damage to the buildings of your home caused by ambulance, fire or police services who have to force an entry to the buildings due to an emergency, or perceived emergency, involving you or your household.

I am going to be overseas quite a bit, so will you pay my claim if my home is unoccupied?

Our policy excludes any loss or damage occurring after the 40th day of any period during which your home is unoccupied.

Which events does this apply to?

This only applies to events:
a. Malicious acts or vandalism.
b. Sudden and unexpected escape of water or oil from any fixed water or heating installation, water tank, pipe, washing machine, dishwasher, fridge or freezer, air conditioning unit, aquarium or water bed.
c. Theft or attempted theft.

Does it apply to anything else?

Accidental damage too.

Talking about exclusions, I understand “felling” but what do you mean by “lopping or topping”?

Ah yes… “Lopping” refers to the removal of large side branches (the making of vertical cuts). “Topping” refers to the removal of large portions of the crown of the tree (the making of horizontal cuts, generally through the main stems).

I hear people mention “CAT excess”. Do you cover pets under Buildings?

Ah… sorry about that. CAT is short for Catastrophe; and so, this means that for what we call Catastrophe events, there is a special excess which is normally 3% of total Building sum insured, minimum $500.

Lastly, what are the Catastrophe events?

These are:
a) Earthquake or volcanic eruption including flood or overflow of the sea caused by these events.
b) Tsunami, hurricane, cyclone, tornado or windstorm including tidal wave, flood or overflow of the sea caused by these events.

You used to have a section specifically for Personal Computers; what happened to it?

We combined the cover for this into the All Risks (Personal Possessions), section now.

I see you still have the unspecified section. What are the limits?

These are shown in the policy wording.

The weather sometimes gets a bit nasty during hurricane season; so, I usually go somewhere a bit safer for 3 months. Will the items I take with me be covered wherever I go during these 3 months?

No, unfortunately, they are only covered for up to 30 consecutive days at any one time, anywhere in the world.

What happens if one of my insured items is not maintained in good repair and I make a claim?

Oh, in that case, unfortunately, we make a deduction for wear, tear and depreciation.

What is the maximum you will pay for a claim?

The sum insured.

What items need to be specified before they can be covered?

Only individual items valued at over $500, musical instruments and sports equipment.

If I insure an item under All Risks (Personal Possessions) and Contents and I lose it when I am at the beach, then I get paid twice right?

No. Firstly you should not insure anything under Contents, if you wish to have it covered under All Risks (Personal Possessions). We would only settle the claim under the terms of the All Risks (Personal Possessions) section.

Which of the following are excluded; cell phones, hand held radios, or satellite navigation equipment?

All three.

How about laptops or tablets… can they be covered?

Yes, but if over $500, they have to be specified.

Prior to covering a specified item, what is the required proof before the item can be covered?

The items value and ownership of it.

I have a $10,000 Rolex watch that I want to insure. Are there any special requirements or conditions that would apply?

Ah, yes. We have a condition which states that for any single item of jewellery with a sum insured of $10,000 or more, the settings and/or fastenings need to be examined by a competent jeweller at least once every 2 years.

But what if I don’t follow the special conditions?

Well if you have a claim, the onus of proving that this was complied with is upon the policyholder. If you cannot, then we would not be able to pay the claim.

Are there any excesses?

Yes, but it is only $100 for each and every claim, unless otherwise stated in the policy schedule or any endorsements.

But what if I don’t follow the special conditions?

Well if you have a claim, the onus of proving that this was complied with is upon the policyholder. If you cannot, then we would not be able to pay the claim.

I have a $10,000 Rolex watch that I want to insure. Are there any special requirements or conditions that would apply?

Ah, yes. We have a condition which states that for any single item of jewellery with a sum insured of $10,000 or more, the settings and/or fastenings need to be examined by a competent jeweler at least once every 2 years.

What sum insured should I have on my contents?

Your sum insured should represent the full cost of replacement as new less an allowance for wear, tear and depreciation on clothing. We have a room by room guide that we can give you to help with this process.

Prior to covering a specified item, what is the required proof before the item can be covered?

The items value and ownership of it.

How about laptops or tablets… can they be covered?

Yes, but if over $500, they have to be specified.

Which of the following are excluded; cell phones, handheld radios, or satellite navigation equipment?

All three.

If I insure an item under All Risks (Personal Possessions) and Contents and I lose it when I am at the beach, then I get paid twice right?

No. Firstly you should not insure anything under Contents, if you wish to have it covered under All Risks (Personal Possessions). We would only settle the claim under the terms of the All Risks (Personal Possessions) section.

What items need to be specified before they can be covered?

Only individual items valued at over $500, musical instruments and sports equipment.

What is the maximum you will pay for a claim?

The sum insured.

What happens if one of my insured items is not maintained in good repair and I make a claim?

Oh, in that case, unfortunately, we make a deduction for wear, tear and depreciation.

The weather sometimes gets a bit nasty during hurricane season; so, I usually go somewhere a bit safer for 3 months. Will the items I take with me be covered wherever I go during these 3 months?

No, unfortunately, they are only covered for up to 30 consecutive days at any one time, anywhere in the world.

I see you still have the unspecified section. What are the limits?

These are shown in the policy wording.

You used to have a section specifically for Personal Computers; what happened to it?

We combined the cover for this into the All Risks (Personal Possessions), section now.

What are the common driving options available?

  • You or you and the joint proposer only driving – a discounted premium will apply
  • Any authorised and licenced driver aged 22 and over (max age 75), with valid full driving licence for at least 1 year
  • Any authorised and licenced driver aged 25 and over (max age 75), with valid full driving licence for at least 1 year
  • Named authorised, licenced drivers (max age 75)

What is the difference between Compulsory Third Party Only and Comprehensive cover?

If you look at the MOTOR INSURANCE COVERAGES above then you can see the difference in cover. Comprehensive provides much wider cover!

If my vehicle is on fire and I am able to contain and extinguish it, do I still need to notify the fire department?

Yes. All vehicle car fires must be reported to the police. They will inspect the vehicle and determine the cause so that any potential hazard can be fixed to ensure your vehicle is safe to drive.

Can I claim for personal possessions that were in my vehicle when it was stolen or destroyed by fire?

Yes, your Cayman FIRST Key Protector Private Motor policy provides this cover.

If my vehicle has been stolen or damaged by fire, should I get the police report before coming to you?

Firstly, you should immediately report it to us – do not wait until you get a police report as this delay could negatively affect your claim. We will then formally ask you to obtain a police report. The police will not usually release any reports for vehicle thefts or fires without a request letter from us.

Can I cancel my insurance policy at any time during the policy period?

Yes you can, but you must return the current Certificate of Motor Insurance (or any current Cover Note if you have one) to us first. Without this, we will not be able to cancel the policy. Depending on the circumstances surrounding the cancellation, you may be entitled to a refund of any premium you have paid.

How soon should I notify you in the event of an accident or other loss?

You should notify us as soon as possible – the longer you delay this, then the more your claim may be negatively affected!

If I sell my vehicle, can I also transfer my insurance to the buyer?

No. You no longer have an insurable interest in the vehicle, so you would need to cancel your insurance. The new buyer would need to arrange their own insurance.

Am I entitled to a No-Claim Discount every year at renewal?

You are only entitled to any No-Claim Discount if you meet the eligibility criteria for it. The policy wording shows how this operates clearly.

We also offer a very special No-Claim Discount Protection option, which also has eligibility criteria, where your No-Claim Discount is NOT reduced if you have an at-fault claim. A small additional premium is required for this very desirable feature.

Aren’t all losses covered by my “Comprehensive” motor policy?

Unfortunately not. All motor insurance policies have limitations, exclusions, etc and so the policy wording will show these clearly.

If I have a Comprehensive insurance policy, what happens (in the event of a total loss) if the loan on my vehicle is more than the market value determined by you?

This scenario can, and does, happen. We are only required to pay you the market value of the vehicle or the sum insured as shown in the policy schedule, whichever is the less, at the time of loss and not the loan balance payable to your lender. Your lender will look to you to pay the shortfall to them in such scenario.

Is anyone who drives my car with my permission covered by my Cayman FIRST Key Protector Private Motor policy?

No. Your current Certificate of Motor Insurance (or current Cover Note if you have one) shows who is entitled to drive and would be one of the following categories:

  • You or you and the joint proposer only driving
  • Any authorised and licenced driver aged 22 and over (max age 75), with valid full driving licence for at least 1 yearAny authorised
  • and licenced driver aged 25 and over (max age 75), with valid full driving licence for at least 1 year
  • Named authorised, licenced drivers (max age 75)

You should not allow an uninsured driver to drive your vehicle under any circumstance. Otherwise your policy will not respond in the event of loss or damage. All drivers must hold valid licences to drive.

If I have a Comprehensive policy with you, does it provide coverage for a rental vehicle if my own vehicle is not roadworthy following an accident or fire?

Yes it does. This is a standard benefit with our Comprehensive policy. We have limits per day and a maximum number of days a rental vehicle can be used. There are also some restrictions that apply.

If my car is “totaled” (considered beyond economic repair) will you pay the sum insured shown on my current policy schedule?

Not necessarily. We are only required to pay you no more than the market value of the vehicle or the sum insured as shown in the policy schedule, whichever is the less, at the time of loss. However, the market value is the price your vehicle would be expected to fetch on the open market in Cayman in its current condition. Remember that most vehicles depreciate in value as they get older, with some vehicles depreciating faster than others. This depreciation is also taken into consideration.

How does my previous driving record affect my motor premium?

The premium that you pay is a reflection of your driving record amongst other factors. So policyholders/drivers who have a good driving record are entitled to No-Claim Discounts. These are shown in our policy wording.

What is Repatriation of Human Remains?

The amount paid for preparation and transportation of the human remains of an Insured to another country, billed by a licensed facility and is paid in lieu of, not in addition to, the Final Expense Benefit.

What is Final Expense Benefit?

The amount paid with respect to funeral expenses for an Insured and is paid in lieu of, not in addition to, the Repatriation of Human Remains benefit.

What is a grace period?

The thirty (30) day period following the premium due date during which the insurance remains in force and the Policyowner may pay the premium without penalty.

What is a Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) code?

A listing of descriptive terms and identifying codes for reporting medical services and procedures performed by Physicians, which terms and codes are published by the American Medical Association.

What does emergency mean?

An Accident or Illness of unexpected occurrence or event causing a threat to life or limb and requiring urgent and immediate treatment (within twenty-four (24) hours of occurrence), deemed to be Medically Necessary.

What is assignment of benefits?

The choice exercised by the Insured to have the Company pay benefits directly to a medical Provider by signing the appropriate section of the claim form or by any other means acceptable to the Company.

How easy is it to make a claim with Cayman First?

Claims can be submitted on your behalf by:

  • Medical providers (Online submission available).
  • Submitting your claim forms and original receipts for reimbursement.

Will my policy cover me for the current conditions I have?

Yes. Once they are declared on your enrollment form.

How exactly does my overall health affect my premium?

Premiums are affected by utilization of your health benefits.

What kind of exclusions should I expect in my policy?

  • Non-disclosure of medical conditions
  • Existing exclusions from previous coverage/insurer

Can you explain deductibles, co-payments, and coinsurance?

  • Deductible – The amount of eligible expenses that must be borne by each Insured during each Calendar Year, before the application of the Policy benefits.
  • Co-payment – A flat amount that the insured is responsible for at the time of service.
  • Coinsurance – The percentage of eligible benefits paid by the Company to or on behalf of the Insured.

How do I add other family members to my policy?

By completing an Insured Change Request form.

Can I add other family members to my policy?

Yes. You may add eligible family members, as follows:

  • The Spouse of the Enrollee, as defined below, who is living permanently with the Insured; or
  • Each Child of the Enrollee, from birth through age eighteen (18), inclusive but less than nineteen (19); or
  • Each Child of the Enrollee who is over age 18, provided he is a full-time student or financially dependent, but who is less than thirty (30) years old. The Enrollee may be required by the Company at any time to present proof of any such Child’s current enrollment in school or evidence of financial dependency; and is
  • Legally and Ordinarily resident in the Cayman Islands.

Do I have to insure my boat?

You are not legally required to insure your boat. However, if you are financing the purchase of your boat, the lender will most often require insurance coverage listing them as a loss payee to cover their interest in your boat. Some marinas may ask you to provide some proof that your boat is insured when mooring it at their marina.

What amount of insurance should I buy?

There are two important covers to consider when insuring your boat. They are, Hull & Machinery (your boat and attached equipment) and Liability.

You should insure your boat (hull & machinery) to the current market value. This will ensure that in the event of a total loss to your boat, you will recover what the boat is worth.

Liability coverage protects you if you are at fault for property damage and bodily injury claims to third parties or passengers in your boat . The coverage has three key components. It will investigate your loss, defend you if you are not at fault and pay up to the policy limit if you are at fault.

How much will my insurance premium be?

This will generally depend on the answers to the questions asked in the proposal form but it will be especially related to the following:

  • Type of vessel and value, maximum designed speed and age of the vessel
  • Loss/claims history of the owner/vessel
  • Sailing experience of the owner
  • Extensions required
  • Limits of indemnity for Liability required.

What is a boat survey and do I need one?

Boat surveys provide details on the condition and valuation of a boat. A survey may uncover hidden defects, mechanical and structural problems that are not always visible or detectable by the boat owner/operator. Before purchasing an older boat, you should always get a boat survey. We do not actually require a survey for a brand new vessel, although it would be very useful. We require a survey for other vessels.

Can I buy just liability insurance coverage?

No, for liability cover to apply we must insure the vessel also.

Can I cover my trailer or dinghy?

Yes, but with an additional premium.

Are there any excesses (the amount I must pay for each and every claim)?

Yes, for loss of, or damage to, the vessel there is an excess but it depends on the age of the vessel’s hull. There is no excess under the Liability sections.

Do you provide any more discounts?

We also can allow a discount if you hold a Yacht Master’s certificate.

Is it possible to earn a “No-Claim Discount”?

Yes, we have a No-Claim Discount scale that can apply.

What if I hire or charter a vessel, can I insure it with you?

Unless we specifically agree, the policy does not cover this

What ‘Extra’s’ are automatically covered?

  • The expense of sighting the bottom after stranding even if no damage is found
  • Salvage charges
  • Emergency medical expenses following sinking or collision
  • Death benefit following death within the year as a result of an injury sustained on the vessel during the in commission period.

Does the policy automatically cover damage to the vessel while in transit by land?

Damage to the vessel while in transit by land, other than incidental to launching or hauling up, can be covered with an additional premium.

Can you include personal effects and/or fishing tackle?

Yes, but with an additional premium.

Can you cover vessels having a designed speed over 17 knots and/or are older than 20 years and/or are over 30 feet in length?

Possibly. If so, then we will require an additional premium and possibly additional terms/excesses.

What do I do if my home has suffered some damage?

You need to inform the designated body corporate, owners corporation or executive committee that is responsible for arranging the Strata insurance straight away, so that they can inform the insurance company.

What if I want to have my own contents or personal possessions covered?

In that case, the Cayman First Key Protector Home Insurance policy would provide cover. You should contact us accordingly to get advice or a quote and can even get a quote online here on our website.

Do I need Strata insurance?

This product is for the body corporate, owners association, strata corporation or strata company and is purchased on its behalf either by the executive committee formed to manage specific affairs of the strata or by a separate strata company to do the same. The Strata Titles Registration Law sets out of the relevant requirements, one of which is to have certain insurance in place. Usually, a strata would want to protect the property belonging to the strata and may also protect the strata by having Machinery Breakdown, Employers Liability / Workmen’s Compensation, Public Liability and Executive Committee Liability.

If you are a proprietor within a strata then you would need to arrange your own insurance to protect any property you own or are responsible for and your liability to the public – we can also assist you with this so see the answer to the next question.