Library Insurance

This provides protection against claims for injury or property damage from members of the public, such as a slip or fall on the premises.

We can include cover for your stock, including books and multimedia, against risks like fire, flood, or theft.  Vermin and insect damage are often excluded from cover btu we can offer advice on this point.

Yes, we provide All Risks cover for IT hardware, including self-service kiosks and public-use computers.

Our policies can include employers’ liability cover to ensure your volunteers are protected if they are injured while working for the library.

We can extend your policy to cover activities held in the library, such as reading groups, children’s workshops, or guest speaker events.

Community libraries often allow local groups such as chess clubs, homework clubs, reading groups or support groups to use their space. From an insurance perspective it is important to understand who is using the space and crucially whether they have their own insurance in place. 

Many community libraries rely heavily on volunteers to open and close the building, which can mean a relatively large number of keyholders.  From an insurance perspective it is helpful to understand how access to the building is controlled, who holds keys, and whether there is a record of keyholders.  Where key safes are used, insurers may also want to know how access codes are managed, whether codes are changed periodically, and how the organisation ensures that access is withdrawn when volunteers step away from the role.

Community organisations increasingly install automated external defibrillators (AEDs) so they are available in the event of a cardiac emergency.  From an insurance perspective there are usually two main considerations. The first is material damage to the device itself.  Defibrillators can be relatively expensive pieces of equipment and may be located externally so they are accessible to the public, which can increase the risk of theft, vandalism or accidental damage.  We work with library insurance products that can cover such claims and so if you have a defib at your library, please do discuss that with us.

The second consideration is liability associated with its use.  Modern AEDs are designed to guide users through the process and will only deliver a shock if clinically required.  In general insurers view the presence of a defibrillator positively as a community safety measure, provided it is appropriately maintained, batteries and pads are checked periodically, and there is a basic awareness among staff or volunteers of how the device should be used in an emergency.  In practice, the risk of liability arising from someone attempting to use a defibrillator in good faith is typically considered very low.

Flat roofs can present a higher risk of water ingress compared with pitched roofs, particularly if drainage outlets become blocked or if the roof deteriorates over time. For this reason insurers often apply conditions requiring periodic inspection and maintenance of flat roofs.  This may include checking the roof surface for cracks or damage, ensuring gutters and drains remain clear of debris, and monitoring for signs of standing water.  Regular inspections can help identify issues early and reduce the likelihood of significant water damage to the building or its contents.

If you are responsible for insuring your community library building, the rebuild value is very important.  It represents the cost of completely rebuilding the library if it were destroyed, including demolition, debris removal, professional fees and compliance with current building regulations.  This figure is not the same as the market value of the building or the amount it could be sold for.  If the rebuild value is underestimated, the building may be underinsured, which could result in reduced claim payments if a loss occurs.  Periodically reviewing the rebuild value, often through a professional valuation or rebuild assessment, helps ensure that the level of insurance remains appropriate.