Liability · Insurance Term
Assault and Battery Exclusion (A&B Exclusion)
Definition
An assault and battery exclusion removes or limits liability coverage for injuries from fights, attacks or other intentional harm on your property. It can apply even when the lawsuit says you were careless. It is common on policies for apartments, hotels, bars and convenience stores.
In Plain English
Say someone is attacked on your property and sues over poor lighting, a broken gate or too few guards. Without this exclusion, a commercial general liability policy might defend you. With it, the insurer may deny the claim. Many exclusions also reach related claims, such as negligent security, negligent hiring or failure to prevent the attack.
Some insurers offer a sublimit instead, which is a smaller limit just for these claims. Others offer coverage only if you meet security conditions, such as cameras, guards or lighting.
These exclusions are most common for habitational risk properties, hotels, nightlife and businesses with liquor liability exposure. Read the wording closely. Two exclusions with the same title can be very different.
Not sure how your policy handles this? Have us review it, or get a quote.
Example
Hypothetical: a tenant at an apartment complex is assaulted in the parking lot and sues the owner, saying the gate was broken for months. The owner's policy has a full assault and battery exclusion covering negligent security claims, so the insurer declines to defend, and the owner must hire a lawyer at its own cost.
Why It Matters for Texas Property Owners
Texas property owners can face premises liability suits over criminal acts by third parties when those acts were foreseeable. For Houston-area apartments, hotels and convenience stores, assault and battery terms are frequently a key difference between quotes.
What to Watch For
- Look for assault and battery wording in the exclusions and endorsements of every quote.
- Ask whether the policy offers a sublimit instead of a full exclusion, and at what cost.
- Check whether defense costs are covered even when the claim is excluded or sublimited.
- Keep records of security measures; they matter for both underwriting and defense.
Common Questions
Will my umbrella cover an assault claim if my general liability excludes it?
Usually not. Most umbrellas follow the underlying exclusions, so check the umbrella wording.
Can I get coverage for assault and battery claims?
Often yes, as a sublimit or by endorsement, depending on the property type and security measures. Availability and price vary by market.
Last updated October 14, 2026 · Primesure editorial team · How We Write