Megapolis Insurance

Unfortunately this summer has seen several balcony fall fatalities in Europe. As the summer season draws to an end for many second home owners, thoughts turn to holiday home maintenance. As you work your way through your maintenance checklist, take the time to review balcony safety at your property.

Is the railing unsafe? Corroding? Does it comply with current health and safety regulations?

If an accident occurred and it’s claimed that your balcony was unsafe, then no doubt the third party would seek compensation. If you have comprehensive holiday homes insurance cover, then the policy should include public liability insurance to cover legal costs and any subsequent compensation.

But what about community block insurance? It is likely that your holiday apartment is covered by a block buildings insurance policy. Traditionally, block policies offer limited public liability cover, often as low as £100,000 compared to £5m provided by Schofields. Or even no cover for individual apartments, just communal areas within the block – so check with your insurer.

You should also consider that if the balcony railing is unsafe and in a state of disrepair, the insurance company could argue that you have been negligent and decline the claim.

Balcony safety tips As a holiday home owner there are some things that you can’t compromise on and health and safety has to be a priority.

Children should never be left unsupervised on a balcony at any time and particular care should be taken to keep balcony furniture away from the railings to prevent children from climbing up.

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