TCD issues advisory to Bentley Mutual Insurance Company policy holders

The Director of the Transport Control Department has advised holders of insurance coverage through Bentley Mutual Insurance Company that they are not insured under the Motor Car Insurance (Third Party Risks) Act 1943. 

TCD, a Department within the Ministry of Tourism Development and Transport, is responsible for the licensing of motor vehicles and cycles. 

The Department has been advised that the Bentley Friendly Society, carrying on business as Bentley Mutual Insurance Company (Bentley), has not been authorized under the act to insure third party risks. 

Bentley has been issuing Certificates of Motor Insurance with the following wording: “It is hereby certified that a Policy of Insurance covering liabilities to be covered by the Motor Car Insurance (Third Party Risks) Act 1943 is in force…” 

The Department had relied on this
statement to issue licenses but has been advised that Bentley does not have the authority to insure the risk of loss to third parties, and therefore this notice is being issued to holders of the Certificates from Bentley.

Individuals with a Bentley Mutual Insurance Company certificate who are operating a motor car or livery cycle should know that they are uninsured. 

As such if they are found to be responsible for any damage or injury to other users of Bermuda’s roads, they may have inadequate insurance coverage to make good a claim against them. They should not operate their vehicle until they have adequate insurance.

Individuals who have been issued a certificate of Motor Insurance by Bentley Mutual Insurance Company should contact one of Bermuda’s insurers with authority to insure third party risks and procure a policy.