What is Property Owners Liability Insurance and why do I need it for my property?
Property Owners Liability insurance is a variation of Public liability insurance that covers your responsibility to third parties who may be injured as a result of your ownership of a property or area of land. This may seem like an uncommon occurrence but you would be surprised as to how many people fall victim to the assumption that nothing can happen.
Claims can be as simple as a tile falling off the roof and damaging a vehicle or another property, or complex (and expensive) such as pollution and environmental contamination or flooding from an unchecked brook or stream. It is also very important to recognise that even if you aren’t held liable, that legal defence costs can be expensive in defending your rights.
It is also a common assumption that if someone is trespassing on your land without your permission then any injury they may suffer is not your responsibility, however that is not always the case. In UK Law you have an implied duty of care and should make any property or land you own safe for anyone accessing it whether legally or illegally and for any purpose.
Public Liability cover is normally included within a standard household policy, or a commercial property owners policy, but if you own a separate body of land then you may need a standalone policy and this can be called a number of things such as Property Owners liability, Land Owners liability etc.
If you would like further information about this class of insurance or advice about your insurance requirements, please contact one of our advisors on 01732 252 898.
