Residents association public liability insurance

boda55

I am chairman of an association with 12 properties. We have some lawns and paved areas that are owned jointly and severally.

Our constitution states that we must have public liability cover for these areas, we do have a policy which costs roughly £500. Some residents do not think we need the insurance. I disagree, but this is where I would like some advice.......

What if we voted to change the constitution and make it the responsibility of each owner to ensure that their home insurance provided cover? I know that my own insurance covers me anyway so I guess other policies will be the same?

Am I opening a can of worms with this? Are we better off shopping around for a better quote on the existing policy?

Thanks in advance -Sean

jonesMUFCforever

For now never mind the cost what does it cover??

Ask the residents if somebody should slip, injure themselves and sue whether they would have funds to contribute to the costs incurred.

If the local council won't take them over then IMO keep the cover!

Yorkie1

I can't see how you'd enforce it in reality. I also think it's a practical nightmare if someone did seek to claim - the responsibility for the area remains that of the RA, so the RA would still be sued - and would then have to reclaim off the residents.

Get quotes elsewhere but don't devolve.

InsideInsurance

Your home insurance will include public liability cover but only within the defined boundaries of your property. If you have additional shared ownership of public land it is unlikely to be covered by your home insurance but you'd need to read the exact terms of the policy.

spacey2012

Providing a typed risk assessment from a HSE surveyor will greatly reduce premiums and help you avoid claims by dealing with hotspots outlined in the report.
You can then use the risk assessment plan to obtain a more favourable quote.
Money well spent IMO, at present the insurer has to insure blind and that involves covering many risks that may not be present.

It can be simple things like painting step edges with a white band in communal areas, but it lowers risk and lowers premiums.

rs65

boda55 wrote: »

What if we voted to change the constitution and make it the responsibility of each owner to ensure that their home insurance provided cover? I know that my own insurance covers me anyway so I guess other policies will be the same?

I assume that a broker places this cover for you. If not, have a word with a local one.

PL cover pays damages and legal costs defending claims against the residents association. Just dropping the obligation to maintain insurance doesn't stop claims being made against the association.