Jongno-gu enrolls 500 people with developmental disabilities in liability insurance

Jongno-gu in Seoul announced Monday that it will provide a 2026 liability insurance program for about 500 residents with intellectual or autism spectrum disabilities registered in the district.

The program aims to ease concerns over unexpected accidents and liability claims, helping people with disabilities and their families go about their daily lives with greater peace of mind and participate more actively in the community.

The policy covers not only liability claims but also everyday injuries such as fractures and burns. It runs for one year from Nov. 1 through Oct. 31 next year, and all residents with intellectual or autism spectrum disabilities registered in Jongno-gu are automatically enrolled — no separate application is required.

The coverage includes six categories in total. The two existing categories — general liability and permanent injury from accidents — have been joined this year by four new ones: surgical and diagnostic coverage for fractures, and surgical and diagnostic coverage for burns. General liability pays up to 30 million won ($22,400), permanent injury coverage pays up to 10 million won, and each of the four new categories pays up to 150,000 won.

The general liability component covers compensation for physical or property damage that a person with a developmental disability causes to a third party. The permanent injury component pays out when an accident directly results in lasting disability.

Claims can be filed through a dedicated call center. A contracted insurance agency verifies the policyholder's eligibility and then connects the claimant with the insurer to guide them through the remaining steps.

Earlier, Jongno-gu opened a district-run vocational training facility for adults with developmental disabilities in 2024 to support independent living. The center provides job skills education to adults with developmental disabilities who have limited access to vocational training after finishing school, helping them obtain certifications and build economic self-sufficiency.

Jongno-gu District Mayor Yoo Chan-jong said the district would work to create an environment where people with disabilities and their families can live as full members of the community without being left behind.