The personal liability insurance: Basic coverage of your family insurance

Liability and accidental damage in private life

In your private life, there is always a risk of accidentally causing damage to others. For example, you drop a friend's new smartphone, cracking the screen, your child scratches a car with their bicycle, or your dog bites the postman. Sometimes, you may cause damage without direct involvement, such as when a flower pot falls from your balcony and damages a vehicle.

Why take out personal liability insurance?

To avoid bearing the financial burden yourself, it is best to take out insurance that covers your liability towards third parties.

The importance of insurance due to changes in the civil code

With the introduction of Book 6 in the Civil Code, the importance of this insurance has increased. These changes affect the liability regulations for minors, legal guardians, and animal caretakers.

Minors

Minors under 12 years old are never liable for damages caused by their actions. On the other hand, minors 12 years and older can be held liable, but a judge may limit or exclude compensation. If you have family insurance, your insurer will cover damages up to the policy limit. Without insurance, the minor will have to compensate for damages themselves, based on any restrictions imposed by the court.

Legal guardians of minors

Legal guardians (parents, guardians, etc.) of minors under 16 years old are strictly liable for damages caused by the child. This means that even proof of good upbringing or supervision will not reduce or eliminate liability.

For minors 16 years and older, guardians can challenge liability based on such considerations.

Animals

The caretaker of an animal is strictly liable for damages caused by the animal, even if the animal does not act directly. For example, if your dog is sleeping in your driveway and the postman trips over it, you will be held liable as the owner.

Generally, the owner is considered responsible. If you look after a friend's dog, the owner must prove that you had custody of the dog for liability to apply.

Conclusion

The legal changes and examples above illustrate how liability can arise in various situations, often without direct fault. A family insurance policy protects against the financial consequences of such liabilities.

Taking out this insurance is therefore essential to protect yourself and your family from unexpected costs and legal claims.