Damages have four main functions: reparation, placing of the costs, distribution of the losses and prevention. The rules about damages evolved before liability insurance had the extension it has today, 97 % of the Swedish populations is covered by liability insurance, since it is included in the comprehensive household insurance. Liability insurance should be looked at in the light of the damage rules, but the rules about damages are adapted to the insurance possibilities.

The Law of damages contains, though the general adjustment article 6:2, the adjustment article 2:4 about children and the adjustment article 2:5 about the mentally ill, a possibility to adjust a non reasonable damage claim. If the liability insurance covers the damages no adjustment is made. Even when the adjustment articles are being used the damages is a heavy burden for the person who is liable for the damages. The liability insurance contains exemptions for damages caused by criminal actions amongst other things and therefore there is still a need for the adjustment articles. It is voluntary to have liability insurance for private individuals. The severity of the consequences for the person liable for the damages leads to that is should be involuntary, at least for children.

This year a change was made to the Law of damages and the legal guardian of children is now, not only responsible for damages causes when they are negligent, but also in some situations absolute liable. The ground for the change is to clarify the legal guardian’s responsibilities and decrease delinquency. The change is an unjust divergence from damage principles and will not fulfill its purpose.