Meet our cheeky star
That's right - our special guest, Finn, is a friendly but very cheeky elephant seal. He's a great example of When Tasmania happens, highlighting the unique ways our beautiful island can bring us unexpected surprises.
Finn might look realistic, but rest assured, he’s entirely computer-generated (CGI). We worked with a talented team to bring this lovable guy to life, capturing the essence of Tasmania’s stunning wildlife, all without disturbing the real thing. The goal? To remind you that just like Finn, life can throw surprises at you. But with the right insurance, you'll be ready.
Protect Tasmania’s seals
Southern elephant seals are massive creatures, with adult males growing up to five metres long and weighing up to 3500 kilograms. With that size comes the potential for significant damage to property - homes, vehicles, fences, and even outdoor furniture can be at risk when a large seal comes ashore.
If you’re lucky enough to spot a real seal, remember these key tips:
Keep a distance: Give seals plenty of space to relax. Approaching too closely can cause stress and disrupt their natural behaviour.
Call the Marine Mammal Hotline: Don't attempt to move or shoo it away. Instead, call the Marine Mammal Hotline on 0427 942 537 (0427 WHALES). The experts at the Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania’s (NRE Tas) Marine Conservation Program are trained to safely manage wildlife encounters and can help ensure the seal is relocated if necessary.
Don't share their location: Crowds can stress the animal and increase the risk of injury or damage to property.
Look, but don't touch: They might be cute, but seals are wild animals and can be dangerous if they feel threatened.
Respect their habitat: Seals love Tasmania’s beaches and rocky shores, so let’s keep those areas clean and peaceful for them.
When Tasmania happens to you
You might be wondering, does insurance really cover damage from a seal? Our insurance products provide cover for some of your animal encounters. So if you ever find a seal flattening your fence, crushing your garage door, or lounging on the bonnet of your car, and it's insured with us, don’t worry. Just follow our tips above, then give us a call on 13 27 22. Our claims team will be ready to guide you through the next steps.
Frequently asked questions
Did you use a real seal for this campaign?
Our seal might look realistic, but rest assured, Finn is entirely computer generated (CGI). We worked with a talented team to bring this lovable guy to life, capturing the essence of Tasmania’s stunning wildlife, all without disturbing the real thing.
What should I do if I come across a real seal?
Keep a distance: Give seals plenty of space to relax. Approaching too closely can cause stress and disrupt their natural behaviour.
Call the Marine Mammal Hotline: Don't attempt to move or shoo it away. Instead, call the Marine Mammal Hotline on 0427 942 537 (0427 WHALES). The experts at the Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania’s (NRE Tas) Marine Conservation Program are trained to safely manage wildlife encounters and can help ensure the seal is relocated if necessary.
Don't share their location: Crowds can stress the animal and increase the risk of injury or damage to property.
Look, but don't touch: They might be cute, but seals are wild animals and can be dangerous if they feel threatened.
Am I covered if a seal damages my car?
With our comprehensive car insurance, you're covered for accidental or malicious damage. So if you come across an elephant seal lounging on your bonnet, give him his space, and call the Marine Mammal Hotline 0427 942 537 (0427 WHALES). The experts at the Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania’s (NRE Tas) Marine Conservation Program are trained to safely manage wildlife encounters and can help ensure the seal is relocated if necessary. If the seal has left an imprint on your bonnet, call us 13 27 22 or lodge your claim online.
Am I covered if a seal damages my home?
With our home insurance, you're covered for impact from a wild animal. So if you come across an elephant seal damaging your property, give him his space, and call the Marine Mammal Hotline 0427 942 537 (0427 WHALES). The experts at the Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania’s (NRE Tas) Marine Conservation Program are trained to safely manage wildlife encounters and can help ensure the seal is relocated if necessary. If the seal has left path of destruction, call us 13 27 22 or lodge your claim online.
Am I covered if a seal damages my boat?
With our boat insurance, you're covered for accidental or malicious damage. So if you come across an elephant seal trying to take your boat for a spin, give him his space, and call the Marine Mammal Hotline 0427 942 537 (0427 WHALES). The experts at the Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania’s (NRE Tas) Marine Conservation Program are trained to safely manage wildlife encounters and can help ensure the seal is relocated if necessary. If the seal has left path of destruction, call us on 13 27 22.
How are RACT protecting other Tasmanian wildlife?
RACT has a relationship with Bonorong Park and Animal Rescue Collective to highlight the roadkill crisis, and equip people with the knowledge on what to do if they see an injured animal. If you come across an injured animal, you can contact Bonorong 24 hour Wildlife Rescue Hotline on 0447 264 625. We also have a pouch check guide available to download here, to equip you with everything you need to know should you need to check an injured marsupial.
Before buying insurance issued by RACT Insurance Pty Ltd (ABN 96 068 167 804, AFS licence 229 076) you should read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) which you can find along with the Target Market Determination (TMD) on our Insurance Documents page.