# Your duty to mitigate: limiting further damage

> You are required to take reasonable measures to limit the damage. What does that involve, and who pays those costs?

*Gepubliceerd: 2026-06-08* · *Categorie: uitleg*

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The duty to mitigate is the statutory obligation to take reasonable measures to limit the damage as soon as a loss threatens to occur or has occurred. It sounds formal, but it comes down to common sense.

## Examples of reasonable measures

- Turning off the mains water in the event of a leak.
- Scooping away water or removing a wet carpet.
- Temporarily sealing a broken window or roof with tarpaulin.
- Moving valuable or still-dry belongings to safety.
- Ventilating and drying (or having things dried) to prevent mould.

## Who pays the costs?

The reasonable costs you incur to limit the damage — the so-called **mitigation costs** — are generally payable by the insurer, even if the measures ultimately did not help. So keep all your receipts and invoices.

> **Please note** — Only do what can be done safely. Never go back into a burning or unstable building to save belongings.