Fremont Insurance Offers Guidance in Avoiding Hunting Related Damages

October 8, 2012

With the opening of deer hunting season in Michigan, Fremont Insurance is reminding homeowners about the dangers of allowing people to hunt on their property.

Individuals may be exposed to potential liability in the event of any bodily injury or property damage resulting from the actions of hunters. Fremont Insurance offers a hunting hold harmless agreement via the Company’s website to help mitigate damages that may result from a claim.

Under Michigan law, a property owner has a duty to warn of hidden defects on the premises or other features that may cause or contribute to the loss. If money, or any other form of consideration, is exchanged for allowing others to hunt on an individual’s property, then the duty is even higher and requires the property owner to make the property reasonably safe, warn of known dangers, and inspect and make necessary repairs. Even if no money is exchanged, however, the homeowner can still be held liable should a situation occur that results in injury or property damage.

“Deer hunting season in Michigan is among our most widely observed outdoor traditions, but homeowners need to be careful to avoid lawsuits related to injuries suffered by hunters on their property,” said Kurt Dettmer, vice president and chief marketing officer for Fremont Insurance. “A simple, low-cost solution can be a Hunting Hold Harmless Agreement.”

The agreement is a simple document that Fremont-insured homeowners can use with anyone they allow onto their property for hunting purposes. Signers waive any claim against the property owner and agree to indemnify and defend him in the event their hunting causes injury to another.

Source: Fremont Insurance