Understanding Platform Liability Insurance

Your safety and peace of mind are our top priorities. To ensure you can host with confidence, our platform provides a comprehensive Host Protection Insurance policy. This article explains how this coverage works, what is included, and how it supplements your personal insurance.

Why This Matters

While we strive to create a safe community, accidents can happen when dogs are at play. Our liability insurance acts as a robust safety net, protecting you from significant financial loss if a third party (like a guest or a neighbor) is injured or their property is damaged during a booking.

What is Covered?

Our policy provides up to $1,000,000 in liability coverage per occurrence. This is "Third-Party" insurance, meaning it covers claims made against you by others. Key areas of coverage include:

• Bodily Injury: Coverage if a guest (dog owner) slips, falls, or is injured by a dog while on your property during a scheduled booking.
• Legal Defense: If you are sued for a covered incident, the policy helps pay for your legal fees and defense costs, regardless of who is at fault.

What is NOT Covered? (Common Exclusions)

It is important to understand the limits of this policy so you can prepare accordingly:

• Personal Property Damage: Damage to your own home, furniture, or personal belongings caused by a guest's dog is not covered.
• Host Injuries: If you (the Host) are injured by a guest’s dog, this policy does not cover your own medical bills.
• Pre-existing Hazards: Issues you were aware of but did not fix (e.g., a known hole in the fence or a broken gate) may lead to a claim being denied.
• Intentional Acts: Coverage does not apply to any intentional harm or criminal activity.

How It Works with Your Homeowner’s Insurance

The platform's insurance is primary for incidents that occur during a booking. This means if a guest is injured, our insurance responds first.

However, this does not replace your personal homeowner's or renter's insurance. We strongly recommend notifying your insurance provider that you are hosting. Many Canadian providers offer affordable "Home-Based Business" riders that ensure your property remains fully covered for general risks (like fire or storm damage) while you operate your dog park.

How to File a Claim

If an incident occurs, time is of the essence. Follow these steps to activate your coverage:

1. Ensure Safety: Immediately address any medical needs for people or pets.
2. Document Everything: Take photos of the scene, any injuries, and the property damage.⁴
3. Collect Info: Get statements and contact details from the guest and any witnesses.⁵
4. Report via Chat: Notify our support team through email at hostsupport@offleshnetwork.ca within 24 hours of the incident.

Pro Tip

The "Incident Log" Habit: Keep a small notebook or a digital note on your phone. If a guest mentions their dog was "a bit rowdy" or if a minor "near-miss" occurs, jot it down with the date. Having a history of safe operations and documented minor notes can be incredibly helpful if a formal claim is ever filed.