Strict liability
Strict liability after a fire or explosion
Visitors who are harmed at your business premises is the last thing you want to think about, particularly when it comes to major harm caused by a fire or explosion, as compensation amounts for this type of damage can be significant. Of course you want such a claim to be handled quickly and correctly, particularly with the victims in mind.
If your business is open to the public, you are probably required to take out a strict liability policy. This protects you from compensation claimed by victims of a fire or explosion.
Since the Royal Decree of 1991, the ordinary liability rules have ceased to apply and victims of a fire or explosion in a public place no longer have to prove the other party is guilty. The strict liability policy will apply to the physical injuries and material damage suffered by the victims.
Who should take out this insurance?
Anyone running a business that is accessible by the public is required to take out this insurance by law.
This includes:
- Pubs and restaurants with a public space exceeding 50 m²
- Office buildings with a total surface area that is accessible to the public of at least 500 m²
- Hotels and motels
- Youth hostels
- Cinemas
- Theatres
- Night clubs and discos
- Casinos
- Cultural centres
- Car dealers
- Franchise holders
- Sports complexes
- Retail businesses whose sales area and adjoining storage area are 1,000 m² or more
- Shopping arcades
- Amusement parks
- Houses of worship with a surface area that is accessible to the public of 1,000 m² or more
- Hospitals and nursing homes
- Schools
- Stations
- Underground transport networks and airports
- ...
If you are not sure whether you should take out this insurance, do not hesitate to contact us. Please note: if you don't have a certificate of coverage, your local council may close down your business.
What are the insured amounts?
The mandatory insured capital is €15,000,000 per claim for third-party physical injury and €750,000 per claim for third-party material injury.