Düsseldorf (dpa / tmn) – Whether a thrown down vase, a red wine stain on the expensive carpet or a serious accident – anyone who harms others has to stand up for it. In the case of severe damage, this can be expensive – sometimes even threatening the existence of the company.
Liability insurance protects against this risk. This insurance pays for all damage caused negligently or even grossly negligently up to the amount agreed in the contract. If in doubt, it also fends off unjustified claims.
Consumer advocates classify this policy as existential: The conclusion of a private liability insurance is essential, explains the consumer advice center NRW. Personal liability insurance is the most important insurance of all, says Stiftung Warentest.
Pay attention to sufficient coverage
As a rule, the dangers of daily life are insured. Among other things, there is insurance coverage in the event of neglect of the duty to supervise minors. This also applies when you take care of strange children. The breach of road safety obligations, for example clearing snow on sidewalks, is also insured. Some tariffs even cover damage caused by young children.
The sum insured – i.e. the sum that is paid in the event of damage – should, according to the recommendation of the Federal Association of Insured Persons (BdV), amount to at least 15 million euros flat-rate for property, personal and financial damage. Rental property damage to immovable property (e.g. living space) should be insured for at least 1 million euros.
Co-insure family members – check tariffs
Not everyone has to sign their own contract. There are tariffs for families that co-insure partners and minor children in the same household. Children of legal age are often also insured as long as they are still in school or vocational training.
The good news: Liability insurance is usually not expensive. According to Stiftung Warentest, insurers offer good protection from an annual premium of 65 euros. However, the comparison is worthwhile: because other insurers charge four times as much for similar protection. Anyone with an old contract can check whether a new one is worthwhile. The conditions have improved again and again over time.
© dpa-infocom, dpa: 201218-99-742342 / 2
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