What personal liability insurance is
Personal civil liability insurance protects you from costs if you accidentally cause harm to someone else's property, health or life. The insurer compensates the injured party for the damage within the contract limit and, if the contract so provides, also pays for legal defence and court costs. Without a policy you would have to pay compensation out of your own funds, and the amounts claimed can be significant — for example, after flooding several apartments with expensive renovations or injuring a stranger.
Voluntary liability insurance does not replace the compulsory types required by law in Kazakhstan, such as MTPL for vehicle owners. Those policies are taken out separately.
What liability can be insured
- Homeowner's liability — damage to neighbours from flooding, fire or another incident that began in your apartment or house.
- Pet owner's liability — harm caused by the animal to people or to someone else's property.
- Liability in everyday life and leisure — accidental harm while playing sports, cycling, riding a scooter or skiing.
- Tenant's liability — damage to the rented home or to the owner's property.
- Liability in private activity — for self-employed specialists and tutors, if the program provides for it.
What is usually not covered
- intentional harm;
- harm caused to members of your own family and people living with you;
- liability connected with driving vehicles, where separate insurance is provided for it;
- business and professional activity not stated in the contract;
- fines, penalties and non-pecuniary damage, unless expressly included;
- events occurring under the influence of alcohol and claims made after the end of the period set by the contract.
What determines the price
The price of the policy depends on the type of liability, the limit per claim and for the whole term, the territory of cover, the presence of a deductible and the nature of the risk. For example, the cost of homeowner's liability insurance is affected by the type and area of the property, the condition of utility systems and the number of neighbouring premises that may be affected. For pet owners the species and breed are taken into account, and for sports and leisure the type of activity.
How to choose a program and what to look for in the contract
- Subject of insurance — exactly which liability is covered and on what grounds it arises.
- Limit — the overall limit and the limits per claim, per injured person, and separately for bodily injury and property damage.
- Territory — a specific address, Kazakhstan or worldwide.
- Deductible — what part of the damage you pay yourself.
- Period of cover and basis — whether events occurring during the insurance period are covered, or claims made during that period.
- Defence costs — whether the services of a lawyer and expert examination are paid for.
What to do if an insured event occurs
- Take steps to reduce the damage and, if necessary, call the emergency services.
- Record the circumstances: photos, videos, contacts of the injured parties and witnesses.
- Obtain documents: a report from the management company or the homeowners' association, a certificate from the authorised bodies, the injured party's written claim.
- Notify the insurer within the period stated in the contract and pass on any claims received.
- Do not admit claims or promise payment without the insurer's approval — this may affect the compensation.
How Polis Re can help
Polis Re helps you understand which situations genuinely threaten your budget, select a suitable type of cover and an adequate limit, compare insurers' terms and prepare documents when reporting an event. Liability cover is conveniently combined with apartment and house insurance; business liability insurance is intended for companies and professionals, and the meaning of terms can be checked in the glossary. To receive offers, send a request to the broker.
