Am I responsible for damage to a work computer?

Question

I work in an office which often requires me to take home a work laptop to complete my job. The laptop is "mine" in the sense that I always have the same laptop, and have "my" data stored on it, however the machine itself still belongs to the office, as in, I wouldn't be able to take it with me if I left.

Recently, it has come time to renew my home insurance, and I am a little confused as to what to do. The laptop is quite expensive, and adding it to the specified items on my contents insurance will bump up the premium by a noticeable amount.

I had always assumed that my since my job REQUIRES me to take the computer off the premises, that they would also be required to ensure it is adequately covered by their contents insurance, however they are insisting that our home contents cover specify the computer, as WE are liable for any damage to the machine that occurs.

If I were to accidentally damage the laptop (obviously if I were to abuse the computer or was negligent which lead to the damage, I would be responsible), legally, would I be held responsible for the damage? And if, because I did not list the item on my contents cover, my home insurance did not replace like for like, or gave me a partial settlement would I be required to cover the difference myself?

And if the law is in my favour, but their insurance is inadequate to cover the computer, then who is responsible? Could I still be held responsible, for taking a machine they have told me isn't fully covered, or is it my boss for allowing it?

FYI I am located in the UK, which may affect the advise I am given, I know that some countries the law is probably different.

I would prefer advise from people who actually know the law on this one. I know it's a hypothetical, but I need to be sure. Thanks

Answer 1

I'm in exactly the same situation as you, working from home using the company's computer.  Just to be on the safe side, I included it when I was working out the total for my home contents insurance, but since I was well within the limit, it did not make any difference.

In the past, I have had work computers die on me both at home and in the office, and my employers simply replace them without any fuss.  I have always assumed that where employers provide you with equipment to do your job, it is their responsibility to insure it and to replace it when necessary, regardless of where you are physically sitting when you use it.  

Since your employer is being difficult, it would be a good idea to ask the Citizens' Advice Bureau for advice.

Answer 2

"your" computer (including data) is not "your" computer in the since that it does not belong to "you".  Example.  I sit in the same chair at work every day.  It is not "my" chair.  It belongs to the "company".  It is "their" asset where "my" *** sits (ha. ha.)   They insure their assets.  I insure my *** ( another ha. ha.)

If "you"  break a "company" asset, it is "your" responsibility to make financial restitution -- or to at least to offer.  The "company" that actuall "owns" the asset, can take it from there.

Dumb asset.

Answer 3

Try which legal advice for a definitive answer. It will cost you a few quid but far less than paying a solicitor - and if you are right its a small price to pay for the satisfaction of being able to tell your firm to stuff it!

I think they are in the wrong but I'm not a lawyer.

http://www.whichlegalservice.co.uk/