Liability insurance not paying? 5 reasons for rejection you need to know

You broke something, harmed someone – and your liability insurance is supposed to pay .
But then you receive a letter that sounds like "unfortunately not" in insurance jargon.

It's important to know that not every rejection is correct . Insurance companies often reject applications because many people simply give up after the first "no".

Here are the 5 most common reasons for rejection , and what they really mean.

Liability insurance does not pay

1. “Not an insured event”

That sounds final at first. But it actually means:

"The damage is not covered by your policy."

Examples:

❌ Damage to personal belongings
❌ Damage in rented accommodation without co-insurance
❌ Damage during professional activities

What to do?

  • Check the policy (often misclassified)

  • Send photos + description of the incident

  • Determine whether objects or situations have been

We regularly see cases where insurers say "not insured" – even though it is covered , e.g. in the case of damage to rented property .

2. “Intent” – i.e., acting deliberately

Intentional intent is not insured , that's true.

Example:

You intentionally destroy something → no insurance coverage.

However:
“Intent” is sometimes suspected when negligence term, e.g.:

  • "I dropped my phone" → negligent = insured

  • "I accidentally bumped something" → insured

Legally, intent is a serious accusation that cannot simply be made.

Tip:
If the insurance company suspects intentional wrongdoing, it is almost always worth filing an objection .

3. "Contractual relationship excludes damage"

Meaning something like:

"You weren't actually covered for that, professionally/privately."

Classic traps:

Professional liability claims → private liability insurance does not cover this
Damage caused by acts of kindness → some policies cover it, some do not
Damage to rented property → only if included
Leasing/renting → usually excluded

Example:

You help with the move → expensive TV breaks down → some tariffs cover it , some exclude damage caused by favors .

Therefore, it is important:

Before : Understand the tariff.
After : Check the rejection.

4. “Not the property of the injured party”

This is a classic example:

  • borrowed items

  • rented equipment

  • Company property

  • common property

Liability insurance only pays out if it is clear:

Who owns the object?

Example:

You destroy a friend's camera → insured.
You destroy your company's camera → not privately insured.

The question is often worth asking here:

➡ Is there proof of ownership ?
➡ Or was it only borrowed ? → Some tariffs include insurance!

5. “Contributory negligence or no obligation to claim”

Here the insurance company is trying to say:

"The victim should have been more careful himself."

Examples:

  • Children playing → vase falls → parents should have “kept an eye on things”

  • Dog bites dog → both owners are “partly at fault”

  • Cyclist falls → “own fault”

Important to know:
Even in cases of contributory negligence, liability insurance may pay a portion of .

Many give up here – and forfeit percentage claims .

When is it worth filing an appeal?

In short: more often than you think.

An appeal is worthwhile if:

✔ The reason for rejection is unclear
✔ "Intent" is alleged
✔ A favor was involved
✔ Rented property is affected
✔ Work/private life was not clearly separated
✔ Ownership is unclear

We regularly have cases where, after a rejection, we write again – and suddenly payment is made.

How do you file an appeal? (Mini-guide)

Here's how to do it right:

  1. Screenshot the rejection letter

  2. Briefly describe the event

  3. Attach photos/chat histories

  4. Enclose policy or contract number

  5. Gather evidence (not a novel!)

Sample sentence for your answer:

"I request a comprehensible explanation based on the insurance terms and conditions, as well as information on which specific clause leads to the rejection."

This forces the insurance company to argue based on facts .

Common misunderstandings about liability insurance

Here are the three biggest misconceptions:

"I have liability insurance, so it pays for everything."

No, it doesn't. It pays for damages you cause to others .

"My own damages are included."

Only household contents or comprehensive insurance covers damage to your own property – not liability insurance .

"Rejection means: end of story."

Insurance companies calculate that over 60% of people will not object.

Conclusion – Clear, concise & without romance

If the liability insurance doesn't pay, it's often due to:

  • incorrect categorization

  • Misunderstandings

  • unclear ownership situation

  • false claims

  • missing evidence

A “no” is not a judgment – ​​often just an insurance reflex .

📲 We review rejections via WhatsApp – no form required

You send:

📸 Rejection letter
📄 Brief description of the situation
📷 Photos (if relevant)

We'll tell you:

✔ Is the rejection correct?
✔ What's the catch?
✔ Is an appeal worthwhile?
✔ What do you need to do now? (step by step)

Get it checked now >>>

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