Sunday, 25 March 2012

Understanding How Public Liability Insurance Is a Necessity For You And Your Business

By Elijah Gutierrez


Liability insurance is a form of general insurance that protects the insured individual from risk of liabilities as a result of lawsuits and other claims. It is used as protection in case the insured is sued over claims that are included in their policy contract. Product, employer and public liability insurance are three of the main types of this coverage.

Public policies offer protection against claims made by third parties. Furthermore, payment is not issued to the insured person, but rather, and individual who may not be a party in the contract but suffered the loss or injury. Most contractual responsibility or intentional damage is not protected under these contracts. Providers have the right and obligation to defend the insured party for all claims that have been filed.

Providers have two, and in some cases three, duties to their clients: to defend, to indemnify and to settle a clear claim. As soon as a suit has been filed, the responsibility to defend it activated. To indemnify refers to making payment for all sums that the insured is liable for within the limits of their policy. In some jurisdictions, it is the responsibility of the insurer to settle a reasonable claim. This task is crucial in events where the settlement demand exceeds or is equal to policy limits.

Some jurisdictions make it compulsory for those who are are at high risk of claims by third parties to have this type of protection. These requirements are often applied to drivers, manufacturers, constructors, employers and persons who offer services to the public. This mandate ensures that compensation is awarded to those who suffer from loss or injury caused by persons who are intentionally involved in behaviors that they know could warrant harm.

Commerce and industry include a range of activities and processes that can potentially affect third parties. This could be visitors, sub-contractors and even trespassers who may have their property damaged, be physically injured or both. Laws vary by state in regards to whether public or employer liability coverage is mandatory by law.

Even if it is not compulsory, many companies choose to include these types of policies in their coverage plans. This being true despite the exclusions, conditions and warranties that are burdensome. For instance, a business that owns an industrial facility might purchase coverage in the form of a pollution policy to protect against suits issued after an environmental accident.

Small businesses are hesitant to sign up for these policies because of their expensive premiums. However, the reality is that the price of these premiums pale in comparison to the out-of-pocket costs that would come of legal defense or settlement. In fact, some claims are so expensive that they would force the small company to shut down. For this reason, businesses should consider all risks associated with liability coverage and whether or not it is necessary, cost effective and appropriate for their company.

Liability risks are increased at places where large groups of third parties collect, such as hotels, pubs, shopping centers, clubs, sporting venues, markets and resorts. This risk is doubled with sporting events and the involvement of alcohol. Public liability insurance has benefits for large and small businesses and is thought to be a worthy investment.




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