It has been revealed that hundreds of holiday homeowners across the South West could be unknowingly disregarding the law by not taking out compulsory public liability insurance cover on their properties this summer.
A Cornish insurance firm, which has members across Cornwall, Devon, Somerset and Dorset, stated that many people may be unaware of the legal requirements for public liability cover or employers liability insurance.
As a result, the company warned that many holiday homeowners could face a costly claim or even a prison sentence if members of staff receive personal injuries, while working on or in their let properties.
The latest figures from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) displayed that there were 28 fatal work accidents in the south West in 2007/08 and 2,337 reported major personal injuries in the region. Just under two thirds (60%) of these figures accounted for workers in the service industry.
Chris Ridgers, Business Development Manager for the Cornish insurance firm said: “Your employees may be injured at work and they might try to claim compensation from you if they believe you are responsible. It could be a cleaner who goes into the property on changeover day or a gardener you employ to maintain the property - anyone who’s working under your guidance and using your tools and equipment.”
Public liability skimping could cost a life
Whilst public liability insurance is not a legal requirement, the cost of not having such cover, could amount to hefty claims from guests injured whilst staying in the property.
Twenty per cent of all visitors travelling around the South West choose to stay in Self Catering accommodation, therefore, insurers have advised holiday let owners to make sure they have sufficient protection to guard against these risks.
Recent examples of claims include a guest tripping over a step and falling into a wood burner, sustaining severe burns. Another guests claim included falling over a concrete mushroom in the garden and suffering from broken bones as a result. Other liability claims include damage to property or its contents.
Property owners encouraged to purchase insurance cover
Iain and Gill Butterworth run a specialist holiday homes letting agency ‘Holiday Homes & Cottages South West’, which is based in Torquay, Devon.
Their Agency Agreement (legal contract between owner and the company) incorporates a statement which the owner verifies that they have “adequate commercial public liability insurance”.
Gill added: “We recognise the importance of having insurance that is appropriate and offers the right level of cover. We, therefore, do not take on a new property before ensuring the owner has the right cover in place.”
Malcolm Bell, Chief Executive of South West Tourism said: “We want all visitors to the South West to come to the region and have a safe and enjoyable time when they are here. There is so much to see and do in the South West and we are lucky to have some of the best self catering properties in the UK. Property owners need to make sure they do all they can to ensure their visitors enjoy their stay and this includes having adequate cover for their business.
He noted the importance of liability cover: “We would encourage property owners to take out public liability insurance to ensure they are covered should an accident happen.”
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If you have been injured in an accident that was’t your fault, find out if you could make an accident claim by speaking to one of our injury lawyers.