You accidentally damaged equipment during an internship, or you caused unintentional harm to someone else ? Liability insurance helps protect you if these incidents lead to financial consequences. In this article, find out how simple coverage can save you a lot of trouble and allow you to stay calm when facing the unexpected.
Liability insurance is the obligation to repair damage you accidentally cause to another person. In practice, if you break something that doesn’t belong to you or unintentionally injure someone, you must compensate them. Liability insurance covers these costs on your behalf, so you don’t have to pay out of pocket.
Here, in the context of your studies, this refers to private liability insurance combined with School and Internship coverage. It is different from professional liability insurance, which only covers damage caused in the course of professional activity, or rental liability insurance, which protects the property you are renting.
Most of the time, liability insurance is included in your home insurance. However, it is often partial: it does not cover every type of damage, which could expose you to significant expenses that only a standalone liability insurance policy would prevent.
As a student, you are exposed to many situations where you could cause damage, even unintentionally: breaking an object at a friend’s place, accidentally injuring a classmate during a university match, etc. In these cases, student liability may apply. Without liability insurance, you must compensate the victim yourself, which can be very expensive :
Student liability insurance protects you by covering the costs on your behalf. It is often required to validate an internship or take part in school activities (e.g., a field trip). Being covered means avoiding a minor everyday accident turning into a real problem.
During an internship or work-study program
You are doing an internship and, while handling files, you accidentally spill a cup of coffee on a colleague’s computer. The device is damaged, and the company demands compensation. Without liability insurance covering internships, you would have to cover the costs yourself.
Labor costs: Workshops charge on average €69 including tax per hour, with a ceiling often set at €189 regardless of time spent. For a 2-hour repair, this would be €138.
Full replacement of the PC: If the repair cost exceeds half the value of the device, the company may prefer a replacement. A standard laptop in stores ranges from €400 to €600.
With the appropriate liability insurance, your policy covers the costs, saving you from a major expense.
Also read : Internship Insurance : What steps to take in case of an accident ?
During trips or sports/university activities
During a university trip, you participate in a sports activity organized by your school. While playing football, you accidentally injure another student. Their medical care incurs costs :
Hospital daily fee : €20 per day for full hospitalization
Ambulance transport : flat rate of €150 (including the first 20 km) + €2.32/km beyond
X-ray: €20 to €150 depending on the type of exam and facility
Physiotherapy session : standard rate of at least €16.13 (up to €20.43 for more complex treatments)
If you have liability insurance with coverage for school and sports activities, it will cover bodily injuries caused, avoiding legal or financial troubles.
Liability insurance is not always mandatory, but in many situations related to student life, it becomes essential, and sometimes required by law or regulations. For example, it is mandatory to have it for an internship, even unpaid, as it covers damages you might cause to your employer or to third parties. It is also often required to rent student accommodation, enroll in certain schools or universities, or participate in club or sports activities.
Good news : this coverage is sometimes included in your home insurance, school policy, or student health plan. It is therefore important to check the coverage you already have and supplement it if necessary. Being insured, even beyond legal requirements, effectively protects you against the unexpected in everyday student life.
To choose the right student liability insurance, start by ensuring it covers at least bodily, material, and immaterial damages you could cause to others in your private life, at school, or during an internship. A good liability policy should also apply in the places where you spend the most time: your accommodation, school, transportation, and internship locations. Be sure to check the compensation limits, as some policies significantly cap the amounts reimbursed, as well as the exclusions (risky sports, volunteer work, etc.). You can opt for standalone liability insurance if you want basic and affordable coverage.
Whether you’re in class, at an internship, sharing a flat, or on a university trip, a small mistake can have big consequences. Student liability insurance allows you to handle everyday unexpected events without stress. Simple and often mandatory, it saves you from potentially heavy expenses. By choosing the right liability policy, you protect yourself effectively… and your budget too !
And to ensure everything goes smoothly, remember to arrange your health insurance abroad. With STUDCORP, you can travel with peace of mind and fully enjoy your experience abroad, completely worry-free.