What is Hirers Liability?
One of the key benefits of a specialised Village Hall insurance policy is the inclusion of Hirers’ Liability cover. This valuable addition extends your existing Public Liability insurance to protect non-commercial groups who use your premises. This is an extra layer of security for those informal, one-off events that wouldn’t be expected to hold their own insurance coverage.
Your Public Liability insurance covers claims made by visitors to your premises if they’re injured or their property is damaged as a result of your activities.
Hirers’ Liability steps in to protect those non-commercial groups who might not be expected to have their own insurance. Imagine a family hosting a birthday party at your hall. It’s unlikely they’d have specific insurance for such an informal event. If, during the party, a guest is injured then Hirers’ Liability would likely cover the claim, protecting both the family and the hall.
Who is covered by Hirers Liability?
This cover is primarily designed for those casual, non-commercial hirers. Think birthday parties, family gatherings and small community groups. It provides peace of mind for both the hirers and the hall management.
Important Exclusions: Who Needs Their Own Insurance?
While Hirers’ Liability offers broad protection, it’s essential to understand its limitations. Specifically, it does not cover:
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Commercial Organisations: Any business using your hall, such as a keep-fit instructor who charges for their classes, must have their own Public Liability insurance. Their activities are considered commercial and often carry a higher risk.
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Formal Groups and Clubs: Organisations with a formal membership or a written constitution are also required to have their own insurance policy. This is because Hirers’ Liability doesn’t extend to Employers’ Liability or Trustees’ & Directors’ Indemnity risks. These groups need comprehensive coverage tailored to their specific structure and activities.
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Activities at Other Locations: Hirers’ Liability only covers activities taking place at your premises. If a group uses your hall as a base but conducts activities elsewhere, they will need separate insurance to cover those off-site events.
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Sports Clubs: This would extend to sporting activities such as an informal badminton group. However, if such clubs are involved in a league and play fixtures away from the Hall, they would need to arrange separate Public Liability insurance to cover these activities.
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Stored Property: The policy does not cover any property stored at your premises by hirers unless you have specifically accepted responsibility for it. Hirers are responsible for insuring their own equipment and belongings.
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Excluded Activities: Finally, Hirers’ Liability does not cover any activities that are specifically excluded by the policy itself. It’s crucial to review the policy wording carefully to understand these exclusions. Examples might include certain high-risk activities or the use of specific equipment.
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In Summary:
Hirers’ Liability insurance within a specialised Village Hall policy is a vital safeguard. It protects your community building and those who use it for non-commercial, one-off events. However, it’s crucial to communicate clearly with all hirers about insurance requirements, especially commercial organisations and formal groups, ensuring they understand their responsibility to have their own appropriate coverage. By understanding these distinctions, you can ensure your community building remains a safe and welcoming space for everyone.
If you have any queries on this cover then please get in touch.
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