Marine Insurance Act 1909

Subject to the provisions of this section, where the assured elects to abandon the subject‑matter insured to the insurer, he or she must give notice of abandonment. If he or she fails to do so the loss can only be treated as a partial loss.

Notice of abandonment may be given in writing, or by word of mouth, or partly in writing and partly by word of mouth, and may be given in any terms which indicate the intention of the assured to abandon his or her insured interest in the subject‑matter insured unconditionally to the insurer.

Notice of abandonment must be given with reasonable diligence after the receipt of reliable information of the loss, but where the information is of a doubtful character the assured is entitled to a reasonable time to make inquiry.

Where notice of abandonment is properly given, the rights of the assured are not prejudiced by the fact that the insurer refuses to accept the abandonment.

The acceptance of an abandonment may be either express or implied from the conduct of the insurer. The mere silence of the insurer after notice is not an acceptance.

Where notice of abandonment is accepted the abandonment is irrevocable. The acceptance of the notice conclusively admits liability for the loss and the sufficiency of the notice.

Notice of abandonment is unnecessary where, at the time when the assured receives information of the loss, there would be no possibility of benefit to the insurer if notice were given to him or her.

Notice of abandonment may be waived by the insurer.

Where an insurer has re‑insured his or her risk, no notice of abandonment need be given by him or her.