Insurance

[annominous]

I have a private road leading to my home. Will my house insurance cover me for any claims arising from anyone using this road.

[Buenchico]

Not all house insurance policies include an element of third party cover. Those that do would normally only cover incidents connected with the house or garden (e.g. damage from falling slates or trees). I would be extremely surprised if a policy also covered the road. (However I'd be equally surprised if anyone could come up with a valid claim against you, in relation to that road, anyway!).

Chris

[boxtops]

If the claims arise from someone causing damage to your property? It would depend what it is - if your insurers do cover you, they would seek to reclaim the costs from the person causing the damage. What sort of claims do you have in mind? If for example it's vehicle damage, I wouldn't see that it makes any difference whether the road is private, or maintained by the council.

[boxtops]

Ah - I think I have read the question differently to Chris - I'd assumed that the other person caused damage, not was claiming for damage to their own property/vehicle.

[annominous]

Sorry, Chris and Boxtops, I realise my question was ambiguous. I was thinking of anyone having either a car accident or broken leg due to potholes which arise now and then as it is not hard surfaced.

[twix123]

BernieKurt's link is to an American site. I can't see any liability on you resulting from a car accident, although a claim in respect of damage or injury caused by potholes could be a different matter and I would suggest that you contact your insurers for clarification and, if necessary, arrange for an extension to your policy.

[annominous]

Many thanks, Chris and Boxtops for your replies
twix 123 - I would phone my insurance company for clarification but the last time I did that, it was logged as a claim.
Thanks anyway.
Ann

[twix123]

Ann, tell them that it is nothing to do with a claim, but that you want to speak to their Underwriting Department to clarify matters!

[annominous]

twix 123 - I have done as you say and apparently I am covered for the private road but only if it is kept in a good state of repair (which I presume means no potholes). Well, as least that has clarified the matter and I will know how to ask questions of my insurance company in future. Thanks for the good advice.
Ann