Negligence
Negligence or neglect can be described as the failure to carry out the degree (amount) of care for others or their possessions as can be legally required. The law refers to carrying out a “reasonable” amount of care – as any “reasonable” person would have done under similar circumstances. Every person has this legal duty of care for others. The care refers to protecting others against unreasonable risk or harm. A duty of reasonable care is a general duty imposed by law and can give rise to civil action claims against other parties.
Negligence forms the basis for liability insurance. Short-term insurance, including car insurance, provides cover against the loss of the insured person’s personal assets and also insures against possible liability. If you take out comprehensive car insurance you receive cover against natural disasters such as fires, theft and your own negligence. Where the term gross negligence is used it refers to the strongest form of negligence that can take place.
You can personally be held liable to compensate another party who has suffered a loss due to your negligence and personal liability insurance protects you against these claims. Car insurance policies include an amount of personal liability cover but it is limited to the amount as indicated in your policy document. It is your own responsibility to take out additional liability insurance if you are not sufficiently covered. Liability claims can cripple a person financially for life.