Some things in life can be prepared, but many situations arise unexpectedly. A ball through the window, a cup of hot coffee falling over someone, or your dog running over a cyclist. These are typical unforeseen circumstances where the question immediately comes into play: what is liability and who pays for the damage? In this article, we explain how liability works, what risks you face as an individual and why private liability insurance can save you a lot of financial worries.
Liability means that you are responsible for damage that you cause to someone else. This can be material damage, such as broken glasses, but also personal injury. This can quickly amount to thousands of euros. Liability often arises in situations you didn't see coming. That is why unforeseen circumstances play such an important role. You have no bad intention, but you are still the one who has to pay. You can read more about private insurance on our site.
In the Netherlands, you are liable when:
• You accidentally cause damage;
• You are responsible for someone else (for example, your children);
• Your pet causes damage;
• You were careless, even if it was unintentional.
The damage can range from a few tens to substantial amounts. Especially in the case of personal injury or long-term medical care, the costs add up quickly.
Private liability insurance protects you against unexpected costs in the event of damage caused to you, your family or your pets. The premium is low, but coverage is often high. This makes an AVP one of the most popular private insurances. An AVP usually reimburses:
• Material damage that you cause to someone;
• Personal injury, even if the consequences are significant;
• Damage caused by children;
• Pet damage;
• Damage while staying or babysitting.
Not insured:
• Damages that you intentionally cause;
• Damages during work (this requires business insurance);
• Damage to your own belongings
The question “what does liability insurance cover?” is often asked by people who do not know exactly how the policy works. That makes sense, because the rules sometimes seem complicated. Overall, liability insurance covers:
• Unforeseen circumstances that lead to damage;
• Accidental damage;
• Damage that is part of daily life;
• Damage outside the home, such as at friends or in the store.
Please pay extra attention to:
• the sum insured (the maximum amount that insurers pay out);
• pet coverage if you have one;
• coverage in lodging and babysitting situations, if applicable.
This is where confusion often occurs. The term WA insurance for people is often searched for, but it is technically wrong. The difference is that third party insurance (Legal Liability) is part of vehicles. This is mandatory if you have a car or motorcycle. Private liability insurance is for damage that you, as a person, cause to another person without driving on or in a vehicle. So they complement each other but do not replace each other.
To make the rules understandable, let's briefly explain the basics:
You are liable if the damage is caused by your fault or carelessness.
You are liable for others, such as:
• Your children under 14
• Your pets
• Situations in and around your home
You don't have to be at fault yourself to be liable anyway.
The compensation may include:
• Repair costs
• Replacement costs
• Medical costs
• Pain in case of injury
Insurers carefully assess this based on the policy conditions.
1. You accidentally knock over an expensive vase: an accident, but you are liable. An AVP compensates for the damage.
2. Your child crashes into a car: children are playful and unpredictable. The damage falls under your AVP.
3. Your dog jumps into a passerby: you didn't mean it like that, but it's still your responsibility.
4. Someone stumbles over your bag: even without intent, you can be liable for personal injury.
Unforeseen damage can cause a lot of financial pressure unnoticed. With liability insurance, you can be sure you're in the right place. You don't have to pay thousands of euros yourself and the insurer helps with the processing.
1. What does liability insurance cover?
Unintentional damage to others, such as property damage and personal injury, caused by you, your family, or pets.
2. Is liability insurance mandatory?
No, but almost all households have one because of financial protection.
3. How much does liability insurance cost?
The premium is low. On average, an AVP costs a few euros per month, depending on the sum insured.
4. Am I always liable for damage?
No, damage must be caused by your actions or omissions. Some situations are excluded.
5. What does not fall under the AVP?
Damage that you intentionally cause, damage during work or damage to your own belongings.
Liability often occurs in the event of unforeseen circumstances. That's why it's important to know what liability is and how to protect yourself. With good liability insurance for individuals, you avoid having to pay unexpectedly high costs in case of damage to others.
Do you want to make sure that your liability insurance fits your situation or do you not have liability insurance yet, but would you like advice on coverage and the correct amount of insurance?
At Van Loon, we are happy to help you! Contact us and we will map out your situation for you. We are happy to help you at our offices in Breda, Dordrecht, The Hague or at one of our other eight locations. Of course, we can also meet online if it suits you better.
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