Insurance Jargon Explained – What Is Gross Negligence?

After a busy day you light a few candles in the evening and want to make yourself comfortable with a glass of wine. You fall asleep exhausted and forget to blow them out. In the middle of the night you are woken up by the smell of burning… and you’re shocked to see that your carpet has caught fire.

This is a typical case of gross negligence. But what exactly is gross negligence and who pays the resulting costs?

Gross negligence – what is it?

Gross negligence means that you act in a highly careless and irresponsible manner, thus violating your duty of care. You are therefore aware of the risk of your actions, but you take them anyway. Examples of this would be lighting candles when you’re tired and know you could fall asleep, or leaving a pot on the stove in the kitchen while you go and do something else. Even if you go out of the house and leave the washing machine running or if you do not lock the front door, making it particularly easy for burglars, you are violating your duty of care and acting with gross negligence.

What is the difference between ordinary and gross negligence?

There is a gradual difference between ordinary and gross negligence. Whenever something "can happen to anyone", it is ordinary negligence. If, for example, the candle tipped over just as your neighbour rang the doorbell, then your brief neglect of due diligence is classified as "ordinary negligence". Another example would be if you were playing football in the garden and accidentally broke the neighbour’s window.

I have acted with gross negligence – does my insurance still pay out?

Yes, your liability insurance will still pay. With Getsafe, you have 100 percent protection, regardless of whether you are guilty of simple or gross negligence – and of course if you are not to blame for the damage.

Protect yourself and learn more about Getsafe's affordable, transparent and digital liability insurance.