Public Liability Insurance vs Indemnity Form

[ReaderScars]

I'm very seriously considering operating a business which is based around hiring out a particular type of powered watercraft to the public at beaches.

I'm having trouble finding a broker who can offer cover against damage or theft in transit and public liability.

Maybe I'm looking in the wrong places and cover exists but if not, would asking customers to sign an indemity form be a waste of time - ie, would I be sued into oblivion if someone was injured during the use of this watercaft (not a jet ski or similar)?

[Boosted LS1]

It's normal to sign an indemnity form at some martial arts events. I'll be interested to see what other posters have to say.

[anonymous-user]

You will almost certainly need PL insurance to trade from the beach. The council will insist on it.

[Simpo Two]

How about visiting a rival and seeing what they do? If you have to sign a disclaimer take a photo of it...

[ninja-lewis]

Unfair Contract Terms Act 1977 s2 (1)

said:

A person cannot by reference to any contract term or to a notice given to persons generally or to particular persons exclude or restrict his liability for death or personal injury resulting from negligence.

As it says, disclaimers or indemnity waivers are void if death or personal injury results from negligence.

Even if it wasn't, the issue of death or personal injury to a bystander who hadn't signed a waiver would still stand.

[insurance_jon]

ReaderScars said:

I'm very seriously considering operating a business which is based around hiring out a particular type of powered watercraft to the public at beaches.

I'm having trouble finding a broker who can offer cover against damage or theft in transit and public liability.

Maybe I'm looking in the wrong places and cover exists but if not, would asking customers to sign an indemity form be a waste of time - ie, would I be sued into oblivion if someone was injured during the use of this watercaft (not a jet ski or similar)?

For the the public liability insurance you need to look for brokers that specialise in in commercial marine insurance I.e they advertise to insure marine trades such as boat yards

They will also be able to add goods in transits to the insurance

[ReaderScars]

Thanks for the responses and the clarification N-J.

As mentioned I have tried marine brokers without success yet, which is why I sent you a PM a couple of weeks ago, insurance_jon! (although I did say I expected you may not be able to help in this case)

[anonymous-user]

If you either post on here exactly what it is you are doing, or PM me if we can't help I will introduce you to someone who can.

Edited by anonymous-user on Thursday 27th August 10:38

[insurance_jon]

ReaderScars said:

Thanks for the responses and the clarification N-J.

As mentioned I have tried marine brokers without success yet, which is why I sent you a PM a couple of weeks ago, insurance_jon! (although I did say I expected you may not be able to help in this case)

can' remember receiving it squire

my email is jon at lockyers.co.uk

[ReaderScars]

Thanks guys, PMs will be sent.