Understanding Personal Liability Coverage

Whether the place we call home is a condo, an apartment, or a single-family residence, there are certain insurance coverages and risks we should all be aware of. Many people don't understand the personal liability coverage on their homeowners or renters insurance policy as well as the coverage for their home or personal property if there is a loss.
May 15, 2020 | Home
By: Addie A.
Addie has a wide range of personal insurance experience and with her position at Acuity, has been able to specialize in homeowners insurance. On top of her homeowners insurance knowledge, Addie has a good understanding of the insurance industry in general. She focuses on the consumer allowing her to play a key role in product development. Also, she is currently working towards an Associate in General Insurance designation. In her free time Addie spends time outdoors and enjoys playing and watching sports.

Author of Home Focus

Whether the place we call home is a condo, an apartment, or a single-family residence, there are certain insurance coverages and risks we should all be aware of. Many people don't understand the personal liability coverage on their homeowners or renters insurance policy as well as the coverage for their home or personal property if there is a loss. 

 

Here are some examples of why having personal liability coverage with adequate limits is important.

 

A guest is injured on your property. Personal liability coverage would take care of the costs associated with medical bills if a visitor or guest is injured on your property. Legal expenses associated with accusations of your negligence would also fall under liability coverage.

 

Your dog bites a person or animal. If your dog bites or otherwise injures someone, you are responsible. Similarly, if your dog were to injure another dog at the dog park, you may be liable for associated costs. Liability coverage may respond if your specific breed of dog is not excluded by your insurance policy.

 

Your kid causes property damage. Personal liability coverage will also cover actions of household members listed on your policy, including minor children. If your kids are playing baseball in the backyard and send a ball through a window, liability coverage would come into play.

 

A neighbor’s property is damaged. If a tree were to fall on your neighbor’s house or car, you could be held responsible if you failed to respond appropriately to a dead or dying tree. That could be considered negligence on your part.

 

Protection away from home. Personal liability coverage may also be available when you are not on your property and held responsible for an accident or considered to have acted with negligence. For example, if you were to cause injury to someone in public because you were not paying attention while walking, you could be held liable for their medical costs.

While homeowners or renters personal liability coverage does apply to many situations, it is important to know that liability associated with operating a motor vehicle is NOT covered and should be carried on an automobile insurance policy according to your needs. 

 

Personal liability coverage is available with several limit options. It is a good idea to assess your insurance needs with a licensed professional to ensure you have adequate coverage. If you feel you need more coverage, read about Umbrella Insurance.

 

To learn more, visit the Acuity website or contact your independent agent.

 

*Subject to the terms and conditions of the policy

 

Sources:

https://www.acuity.com/ws/public/agency/cobrand/documents/brochures?titles=Homeowners%20Insurance&state=WI

https://www.thebalance.com/personal-liability-insurance-coverage-3957084

https://www.injuryclaimcoach.com/dog-on-dog-aggression.html

By: Addie A.
Addie has a wide range of personal insurance experience and with her position at Acuity, has been able to specialize in homeowners insurance. On top of her homeowners insurance knowledge, Addie has a good understanding of the insurance industry in general. She focuses on the consumer allowing her to play a key role in product development. Also, she is currently working towards an Associate in General Insurance designation. In her free time Addie spends time outdoors and enjoys playing and watching sports.

Author of Home Focus