Theft at work, who is liable? Help sought

[d5hef]

We have had a day time theft from our office in the last week. A mixture of personal and business effects were taken.

My question is who's insurance is liable?

The business is telling all those with personal effects stolen to claim from their personal household insurance, but to me that doesn't make sense. Surely as the theft was in the office the claim should be made against the businesses own insurance?

Is the business just trying to reduce the claim they make, or are they right?

Cheers Dan

[clapham993]

I make it clear that the office policy does NOT cover people's personal belongings and I think most employers would - legitimately - take the same view

[d5hef]

Are there any leagl implications if it has not previously been stated that personal effects are not covered?

[shadowninja]

d5hef said:

The business is telling all those with personal effects stolen to claim from their personal household insurance, but to me that doesn't make sense. Surely as the theft was in the office the claim should be made against the businesses own insurance?

note this would only work if you have the 'personal belongings' insurance bolt-on... not sure how basic contents insurance would handle theft outside the home, especially if it was just left in plain view and nothing was done to prevent the theft...

[Davel]

No companies that I am aware of cover staff's personal belongings either at work or in the car parks etc.

This included staff's cars, contents and personal belongings so I don't think that you'll have a claim there.

The system is so open to abuse and many thousands of genuine claims would be made each year, so premiums would be either far too high or insurers simply wouldn't offer cover.