Assault and Battery Coverage
Assault and battery coverage provides liability protection for claims arising from violent incidents on the property, which are often excluded or sublimited in standard general liability policies.
Assault and battery coverage addresses a gap in standard commercial general liability policies, which frequently exclude or severely sublimit claims arising from violent acts on the insured premises. When a tenant, guest, or trespasser is assaulted on an apartment property, the injured party may sue the property owner alleging that inadequate security, poor lighting, broken locks, or negligent tenant screening contributed to the incident.
These claims can result in significant settlements and judgments, particularly when the injuries are severe. Without dedicated assault and battery coverage, the property owner must fund the legal defense and any resulting payout entirely out of pocket, since the standard liability policy's exclusion prevents it from responding to the claim.
Assault and battery coverage can be added as an endorsement to the general liability policy, included as a sublimit within the policy, or purchased as a standalone policy. The coverage provides defense costs and indemnity for claims alleging the property owner's negligence in connection with an assault. It is particularly important for properties in higher-crime areas, student housing, properties with bars or nightlife tenants, and any property where the risk of violent incidents is elevated above the baseline.