Children are covered under the liability insurance policy
Children can sometimes be boisterous, and it’s possible that something valuable might get broken accidentally. Liability insurance helps you avoid unnecessary expenses. When you purchase liability insurance with family coverage, your children are covered up to a certain age. Exactly how long depends on your insurer’s terms and conditions.
What is liability insurance?
Third-party liability insurance and general liability insurance are often used interchangeably, but they are not the same. “WA” stands for “Wettelijke Aansprakelijkheid” (third-party liability) and refers to insurance for motor vehicles, which is mandatory if you own a vehicle. General liability insurance (AVP) provides coverage if you cause damage to someone else. Unlike third-party liability insurance, liability insurance is not required by law. However, it is advisable to purchase this insurance to protect your financial situation. Premiums for liability insurance are usually relatively low.
Liability Insurance Coverage for Children
Liability insurance covers almost all damage caused to third parties, the policyholder, and family members who are covered under the policy. This also applies to children and even your pets. For example: your child accidentally knocks over Grandma’s expensive vase, and it shatters into a thousand pieces. Or, while playing soccer, your child accidentally kicks a ball through the neighbor’s window. In both cases, you’re covered by liability insurance if you have family coverage.
In addition to property damage, you’re also covered for personal injury—for example, if your child breaks a teammate’s arm while playing sports. In many cases, borrowed items are covered under the custody clause, except in cases of inherent defect.
When is liability insurance for children not covered?
There are situations in which damage caused by children is not covered:
Damage Caused by Intent
Liability insurance does not cover damage caused intentionally. Examples include vandalism, arson, or joyriding. If the children are under 14 years of age, the parents are liable, and the insurance will usually pay out.
Damage to property within the family
Damage to property belonging to parents or other individuals listed on the same policy is not covered.
Damage Caused by Motor Vehicles
Damage caused by a car or other motor vehicle is not covered by liability insurance. Third-party liability insurance is required for this.
Damage to rented or borrowed items
Damage to rented items is excluded. For borrowed items, coverage may sometimes apply under the so-called “custody clause,” but this varies by insurer. Furthermore, there is no coverage if the item breaks due to normal use or an inherent defect.
Parents Are Liable Until Their Child Turns 14
Children under the age of 14 are not held liable, even if it is clear that they are at fault for the damage. The reason for this is that it is assumed that children under 14 are not yet able to fully understand the consequences of their actions. Starting at age 14, this liability decreases and your child is held more accountable. Your child will still be covered under your policy, but compensation for intentional damage will be less readily granted.
Up to what age are my children covered under my policy?
As a parent, do you have liability insurance with family coverage? In most cases, your children are covered under your policy until they turn 27. However, they must either live at home or be living away from home while attending school.
Some insurers set the age limit at 23 instead of 27. Therefore, always check your policy terms and conditions. When your child gets married, stops studying, or moves out of the house for any other reason, they must take out their own liability insurance. Even if your child stops studying but continues to live in student housing, they will need their own policy.
Premium and Family Composition
The premium amount depends on family composition. A single person without children pays a lower premium than a family with children, because families are more likely to file claims.
Changes in Your Family
When there are changes in your family situation (such as the birth of a child, divorce, moving in with a partner, or when children leave home), it’s a good idea to review your liability insurance and adjust it if necessary.
Want to get liability insurance?
You can easily compare and purchase liability insurance. You can do this directly online at Alpina.nl. Combining it with other insurance policies, such ashome contentsandbuilding insuranceorlegal expense insurance, can also result in a package discount. Are you having trouble figuring it out, or do you have any questions? Please contact us by phone at 088-6883700 (available Mon–Fri 8:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m.) or via chat.
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