Sports injuries fuel surge in Personal Liability claims

As the professional sporting calendar is now in full flow and budding amateurs flock to the football pitches and golf courses of Britain, according to recent trends analysed by esure home insurance these types of sporting venues are becoming spawning grounds for Personal Liability insurance claims.

Personal Liability is one of the least frequent types of claim on home contents insurance policies but the claims that do occur are often large and very serious.

Now, with growing public awareness of the potential for litigation, sports injuries which are caused by reckless and negligent actions have become a key source of Personal Liability actions in the last three years, according to esure's poll of four of the leading law firms handling this type of claim.

Golf courses have been a source of Personal Liability claims for many years - usually from facial injuries caused by players striking balls without checking if fellow golfers or bystanders are ‘in the line of fire' of their ball or club. However, esure's research suggests that injuries sustained on the golf courses and football and rugby pitches of Britain are leading to an increasing volume of claims against opponents.

esure's home insurance includes £2million of cover for Personal Liability claims in every contents policy and this can provide essential cover for anyone who causes bodily injury or illness to a person, or loss or damage to another person's property. Without this cover, a valid claim could be pursued against the assets of any individual and result in the loss of earnings, property or other possessions.

Mike Pickard, Head of Risk and Underwriting at esure home insurance, said: "Fire, flood, theft and accidental damage are the perils that most people see themselves using their home contents insurance for - but Personal Liability cover can be a life saver for anyone claimed against.

"Although it is one of the rarest, it is also the most serious types of claim. In the case of sports injuries, home contents cover may be the only safety net between an individual and a six or seven figure claim against their assets.

"That's why it's so crucial to have ample contents insurance to avoid a reckless moment on the golf course potentially turning your life upside down. And with a better understanding of when and how to make a claim nowadays, the risk of being claimed against is steadily growing."

esure offers tips on how to avoid being subject to some of the most common Personal Liability claims:

1. Maintain your home: whether it's fixing a loose patio slab or changing a threadbare stairs carpet - maintaining your home is crucial. A friend, relative or visitor could be injured and claim against you for negligence if they tripped and fell as a result of a poorly maintained surface.

2. Control your pets: many Personal Liability claims relate to dogs bites. If you can be accused of not properly controlling your pet, then the victim of a dog attack could claim against you - whether the incident occurred within or away from your property. Postmen and other delivery personnel are often the claimants.

3. Understand the risks of holding your own Bonfire night: Guy Fawkes' night sees a surge in Personal Liability claims as private bonfires get out of control and damage neighbouring properties. Hosting your own fireworks display and not taking note of the safety advice given could also be a serious mistake, especially if a guest became injured by a rogue rocket or Catherine Wheel as a consequence of your actions.

4. Always play by the rules: Undertaking a competitive sport, such as golf and football, is now a common leisure pursuit but you could face a claim if you caused an injury - to either an opponent or spectator - or else failed to take the necessary precautions before teeing-off and taking your first swing.

5. Remain vigilant when horse-riding: Make sure you are comfortable and confident before riding a horse along public roads and bridleways. Being unable to control your animal or disregarding the safety of passers-by could result in a claim against you.