I was teaching a private session in a client’s living room. I demonstrated a Warrior III, lost my balance, and kicked a $50,000 Ming vase off a pedestal. It shattered. The client wants me to pay. My insurance said, “We don’t cover property in your care, custody, or control.”
Key Takeaways
- Voluntary Property Damage: You need this endorsement. It covers damage to others’ property caused by you.
- Care, Custody, Control (CCC): The standard exclusion. If you are “in control” of the living room, damage might be excluded.
- General Liability Limits: Ensure your “Property Damage” limit is high enough. $10,000 might not cover a vase.
- Waiver: Does your private client contract limit your liability for property damage?
The “Why”: The Property Damage Trap
The Trap:
General Liability covers Property Damage generally.
But the CCC Exclusion says: “We don’t cover personal property in the care, custody, or control of the insured.”
The insurer might argue: “You were controlling the space for the class, so the vase was in your care.”
You need “Broad Form Property Damage” or “Voluntary Property Damage” to bridge this.
The Investigation: I Quoted 3 Major Carriers
1. Thimble
- My Analysis: Their on-demand policy is great for privates. It includes Third Party Property Damage.
2. Hiscox
- My Analysis: They generally cover accidental damage to client property (like spilling coffee on a rug or kicking a vase) as part of GL.
3. NEXT Insurance
- My Analysis: Includes General Liability for property damage. But check the deductible. If it’s $1,000, you pay the first $1k.
[IMAGE: Photo of a “Clear Space” checklist for home visits]
Comparison Table: Home Visit Risks
| Carrier | Property Damage Limit | Deductible |
| Thimble | $1M | $0 |
| Hiscox | $1M | $500 |
| NEXT | $1M | Varies |
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Clear the Space: Before starting, ask the client to move breakables. “Safety perimeter.”
- Check Property Limit: Is it $100k? $1M?
- Contract: Add: “Instructor is not liable for incidental property damage.”
- Take Photos: Document the room condition before you start.
FAQ
Does my homeowners insurance cover this?
No, business activity exclusion.
What if I scratch their floor?
Property damage. Covered (usually).
Can I ask them to sign a waiver for their stuff?
Yes. “Client assumes risk of damage to home.”