Some may be covered for damage resulting from networking parties

 

April 16, 2008

Over the last couple of years there has been a rising interest in social networking sites, which have become especially popular amongst teenagers who want to try and make new friends both in the local area and around the world. However, whilst these sites enable users to chat and make friends, there have also been concerns raised about things such as how easy it can be for people to find out your personal details, and even where you live, which could lead to a myriad of problems.

Another problem that has arisen from social networking sites is that some teenagers have the bright idea of throwing a party and advertising it as a free for all on the social networking site, which means that your home could suddenly be invaded by hundreds of complete strangers. There is speculation over whether any damage caused in your home by complete strangers at such parties would be covered in terms of your insurance cover, and this seems to be based on the circumstances.

An official from the Financial Ombudsman Service stated: ‘Without seeing individual facts, it would be hard for us to make a judgment on a claim because the wording in policies can differ widely.’ Another industry official said: ‘The problem is that there is no hard and fast ruling. It really would depend on the individual insurer.’

Some officials state that the insurance may be invalid if the party was advertised to strangers, with one official stating: ‘Friends and family will take due care in your home. People who don’t know you have no reason to be careful or treat your property as if it were their own. House party guests must be known to you - they cannot be random people off the street.’

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Written by admin · Filed Under Home Insurance, Insurance 

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