Householders could be liable for falls on their doorsteps

HOMEOWNERS have been warned they may be liable if people trip on a footpath on their premises in the coming storm.

But anyone making such a claim would have to prove that the property owner was negligent, said insurance expert Jonathan Hehir of InsureMyHouse.ie.

He said that people who were injured on public footpaths or roads in front of homes would not be able to make a claim against the homeowner. This is in contrast to the US, where residents are responsible for clearing snow from the front of their premises.

Many homeowners will attempt to clear snow and ice from the front of their premises, including on public footpaths, he said.

But there is also a view that it is not worthwhile to clear the likes of steps leading to a front door as someone who slips may try to claim on the basis that the steps were not cleared properly.

Every householder has to make their own decisions on this, Mr Hehir said.

The ‘Beast from the East’ is expected to bring some of the coldest weather to this country in 30 years.

This has prompted a surge in homeowners seeking insurance cover that they had allowed to lapse.

Householders have been advised to take precautions to protect their homes from sub-zero temperatures and ensure that water pipes and water tanks in the attic are insulated with good quality lagging. Householders were also advised to turn on taps regularly to make sure there’s a periodic flow of water through them.

If you are going out for an extended period of time, put your heating on a timer.