What is Homeowners Personal Liability Coverage?

Personal liability coverage comes standard on most insurance homeowners policies and covers you if someone is injured while on your property or if you cause damage to another individuals' property. Homeowners policies usually have a standard amount of liability coverage ($300,000 in many cases) per incident.

Who's Covered under Personal Liability

If you are or another person insured on your policy are found to be at fault for bodily injuries to individual or damage to property, your personal liability coverage may kick in and help cover the expenses. If a lawsuit is brought about by an injured or damaged person, your insurance company may pay to defend you or any insured that is named on a lawsuit. Just a note that you are typically covered for negligence or carelessness and not if you purposely injure someone or damage their property.

You are covered both at home and away by your homeowners personal liability coverage. It also protects family members that live with you. Some of the things it will protect you from are slip-and-fall incidents that occur on your property, dog bites to delivery persons, or damages to a neighbors property. For example if you child throws a baseball through the neighbors window, your personal liability insurance may help pay for the incident. It's always important to read your policy to see what is covered and call your insurance agent with any questions.

Exclusions and Conditions Coverage

The liability portion of your homeowners insurance will also list exclusions. There will be a detailed description of these exclusions. For example your homeowners personal liability will not cover damages made your vehicle. It will not cover you for injuries or damages related to business or professional activities (including those related to a home office), any injuries or damages caused intentionally by you or any injuries that are suffered by those living in your home.

You must also abide by any conditions the insurance company sets forth before compensation is paid out. You may need to provide the insurance company with written notification of an incident, a police report or any demand, summons or notification in connection with a claim.

Please read all the exclusions and conditions carefully and reach out to your insurance agent for questions or concerns.

Personal Umbrella Liability Policy

Do you need more liability coverage than your homeowners policy offers? You may consider buying an umbrella liability policy. An umbrella policy will cover more than the limits of your personal liability coverage and protect you in the event you are sued my an injured or damaged person. Without proper liability coverage, your assets as well as potential future earnings and inheritance may become part of a litigation settlement.