Liability insurance crucial ahead of holiday season

As the year-end school holiday and festive season approaches, many homeowners start entertaining children or guests at their homes, placing themselves at an increased risk of personal liability claims. As a result, it is vital to ensure adequate liability

This is according to Nazeer Hoosen, Executive Director: PPS Short-Term Insurance Division, who says it is imperative for consumers to take the necessary precautions ahead of the holiday season by checking that their homeowners insurance policy provides a certain amount of personal liability cover. “Personal liability claims can run into the millions when one takes into account the high cost of legal fees, hospitalisation, medical bills and other necessary measures to rectify the situation.”

“A recent personal liability claim at PPS amounted to approximately R2 million after a guest’s foot was stuck in a swimming pool weir, resulting in the guest falling and injuring himself badly. If the homeowner had no liability cover in place they would have had to pay the entire expense out of their own pocket, resulting in a significant dent to their financial stability.”

When it comes to liability cover it is important for consumers to review their lifestyle to ensure their liability cover is sufficient. For example, those consumers who entertain guests or their children’s friends on a frequent basis should consider increasing any standard liability insurance to ensure adequate cover is in place in the event of a claim, says Hoosen.

“Homeowners who have large properties, swimming pools or dangerous equipment - such as trampolines, lawnmowers, quad bikes or jungle gyms - are most at risk of personal liability claims as the environment is more susceptible to someone becoming injured.”

“Liability insurance is a necessary preventative measure all consumers should have in place and could mean the difference between a relaxed holiday season or a financially and emotionally strained one. For those who are uncertain about whether they have the appropriate cover, or if their cover is sufficient, it is always best to speak to an experienced broker who can review their insurance policy and provide the best advice for their individual situation,” concludes Hoosen.