Do I have to pay public liability insurance?

KAL74

I own a flat purchased through a housing association and pay a monthly service charge to the factors for things such as painting, landscaping, etc. On checking my most recent invoice from them I can see that they have now invoiced me for public liability insurance. My question is, should I be paying this? Surely as I insure my own property if the housing association wants to pay public liability insurance that is up to them to pay and this should not be passed to the rest of us? I would be grateful for any advice.

MovingForwards

If someone has an accident in communal areas does your insurance cover it?

You now understand why the factors have public liability insurance and the cost is split between everyone.

Zorillo

Depending on the terms of your lease, the answer is either:

Yes, you do have to pay the insurance premium.

No you don't, but then you will have to pay your share of any claim that occurs for which you are legally liable, which could be many thousands of pounds.

KAL74

Thanks both. I just find it strange as I have lived in this same flat for 20 years and suddenly I am being asked to pay for this when I never have before and was also never advised I would have to, it just suddenly appeared on my quarterly invoice.

Zorillo

You should probably question that with the factor.

Owain_Moneysaver

Possibly it has not been identified separately before.

The housing association has to have insurance in case anyone claims against them (separately from, or as well as, claiming against you) and that would not be covered by your own home insurance. It might even be you or your insurer claiming against them and their insurer if you were the injured party.