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Other Frequently Asked Questions


Last updated 25 December 2021

Who insures (provides cover for) the LDWA?

What risks does the Policy cover?

Does the Policy cover use of my car for LDWA purposes?

Does the Policy provide personal accident cover?

Are non-members covered by our Policy?

Are non-LDWA events covered by the policy?

What is the position concerning dogs on walks?

What protection is given to walk leaders by the Policy?

Is a risk assessment required for challenge walks?

What form should a risk assessment take?

Do group social walks require a risk assessment?

What are the requirements for reporting accidents or incidents which may result in a claim?

Have we answered your question?


Q. Who insures (provides cover for) the LDWA?

A. Cover is provided 50% by Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance Plc and 50% by Insuresport Mutual Ltd. Our insurance brokers are Perkins Slade Ltd.

The limit of indemnity cover is £5m.

Copies of the certificates may be found in the Library


Q. What risks does the Policy cover?

A. The Civil Liability Policy is designed to protect Members against claims of negligence resulting in harm to others. This is provided under the following headings:

Public Liability, Products Liability, Professional Indemnity, Libel and Slander, and Directors and Officers cover.

Cover is only provided in respect of activities recognised and authorised by the LDWA.


Q. Does the Policy cover use of my car for LDWA purposes?

A. No, the Policy carries a very specific exclusion relating to motorised vehicles. Such cover is provided by the owner's personal motor policy and any claim should be referred to the appropriate motor insurers.


Q. Does the Policy provide personal accident cover?

A. There is no Personal Accident cover at present.


Q. Are non-members covered by our Policy?

A. Non members can attend walks and take part in challenge events and they are covered under the Civil Liability policy.


Q. Are non-LDWA events covered by the policy?

A. No, only events organised by recognised LDWA local groups are covered under the Policy.


Q. What is the position concerning dogs on walks?

A. The Policy does not extend to include any form of liability arising from the actions of a pet that a Member may take on a walk.


Q. What protection is given to walk leaders by the Policy?

A. If you are a recognised walk leader then protection is offered under the Policy in the event that a claim for negligence is brought, for example in the event of an unsuitable walk being planned leading to an injury.


Q. Is a risk assessment required for challenge walks?

A. Yes. Organisers should take reasonable steps to identify and address foreseeable risks associated with the event. Being able to demonstrate that this process has been carried out will be of considerable benefit should a claim be made against the LDWA.


Q. What form should a risk assessment take?

A. It is important to remember that performing a risk assessment does not mean that an event has to sanitized of all risk. It is about identifying hazards, assessing the potential consequences and the likelihood of them happening, and taking reasonable steps to avoid them happening, e.g. Highlighting busy road crossings in the route description, or not serving egg mayo sandwiches at an outdoor checkpoint in the middle of summer when there are no refrigeration facilities available.

The Risk Assessment does not necessarily have to be a long and detailed document and can be produced in matrix format. See the Guidelines for Event Organisers for an example.


Q. Do group social walks require a risk assessment?

A. The risk assessment helps walk leaders plan and lead LDWA social walks safely. It does this by helping walk leaders think through any hazards which may be encountered on the walk, the risk involved and, importantly,  practical ways to reduce or remove the risk. Completion of a risk assessment was necessary as part of ensuring Covid secure social walks but, with the lifting of restrictions, the risk assessment is no longer mandatory. However, the completion of the risk assessment is considered good practice and the LDWA strongly encourages walk leaders to continue with this practice. There are a number of reasons why it makes sense to do this;

  • As part of planning and reccying the walk, the leader will consider the safety and enjoyment of walkers – completing the risk assessment template just involves committing this thinking to paper
  • In the very unlikely event of a claim following an accident on a walk, the risk assessment will help our insurers deal with this. It’s important to stress that the risk assessment DOES NOT make the walk leader more liable in the case of an accident but, in the event of a negligence claim, the risk assessment demonstrates that due diligence was carried out.
  • Covid-19 will be a feature of life for the foreseeable future and the Government has issued guidance on controlling the spread of the virus. Working through the risk assessment will help ensure that walk leaders apply this guidance when planning walks.

Q. What are the requirements for reporting accidents or incidents which may result in a claim?

A. In the event of a possible claim the LDWA Treasurer should be contacted without delay (failing the Treasurer, contact the Local Groups Secretary, the Chairman or the General Secretary; see the current Strider for addresses)

When confronted by a possible claim, organisers and helpers must not admit any liability, nor reassure any allegedly injured party that they will be covered by the LDWA's insurance.

It is important to record the details of any incident, using the LDWA's Incident Report Form, regardless of whether it appears a claim may arise. This should be sent to the LDWA Treasurer, with a copy retained for the Group's records.


Q. Have we answered your question?

A. Each section of this website contains separate Frequently Asked Questions pages, so if you haven't found what you want here please try one of the following:

If you still cannot find the answer to your question then please contact the relevant member of the National Committee.

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