San Diego Personal Insurance News
Did you know that most people never actually read their homeowner’s insurance policy? We understand insurance policies are often difficult to read and understand unless you are in the insurance business. We do often recommend that you read your policy to make sure you know what is covered and not covered. If you have any questions, call our office, as we are happy to help you.
Personal Liability
The personal liability section of a renters’ or homeowner’s policy protects against accidents or injuries for which the owner may be liable that occur in, on, or around, the premises. The policy covers bodily injury, personal injury, and property damage.
Personal liability can be defined as your legal obligation to another party. A renter or homeowner can be held legally responsible for injury or damages caused to another party at your home or apartment. You will only be held accountable (liable) for an accident, injury, or property damage; if you caused the accident, or if you failed to ensure that your home was in safe condition.
Liability Coverage Specifics
- Bodily Injury – covers injury to the body of a third party. This would include a guest that trips on your deck and breaks their leg.
- Personal Injury – these claims usually include damages involving libel and slander.
- Property damage – covers damage or loss to someone else’s private property.
The personal liability section also generally includes defense coverage in the event you are brought into litigation. The insurer will defend you and pay any damage for which you are liable up to the policy limit, subject to the policy terms and conditions.
Some renters’ and homeowner’s insurance policies have “premises medical coverage.” This is like a no-fault coverage to help pay for reasonable medical expenses if a guest is injured on your premises. This allows your guest’s medical bill to be paid without having to get involved in litigation.
Premises medical typically cover (up to your limit) necessary medical and surgical expenses including:
- Ambulance Services
- Dental work
- X-rays
- Nursing services
- Hospital costs
- Funeral services
Personal Insurance May Also Cover:
- Trip and falls
- You accidentally throwing a ball through your neighbor’s window
- Dog bites
- Food poisoning at a barbecue
- Accidentally causing damage to your hotel room while on vacation
- Libel and slander
Of course, not all claims or damages are covered under standard renters or homeowner’s insurance policies. Remember each policy is different, so we always recommend you read your policy.
Common Exclusions
- Vehicles
- Intentional acts
- Criminal acts
- Domestic workers, an endorsement can add this coverage
- Injury to people living in your home or apartment
- Damage caused by contractors
- Business activities including claims related to your professional activities
According to the Insurance Information Institute, these are the most common kinds of personal liability claims:
- Falling trees onto neighbors fences or home
- Dog bites
- Trip and fall accidents
- Guests that are intoxicated
- Injury to domestic workers
Actions To Take In The Event of a Claim
The first thing you need to do is contact your agent and insurance company. You must cooperate with the insurer and any representatives during the investigation. Never agree to settle or use your funds to pay for medical bills or damages.
Our Final Thoughts About Personal Liability Insurance
- It is a necessity in today’s world. Personal liability insurance is very cost-effective, and we recommend it to everyone.
- While it may not be required, it certainly will help protect your assets in the event you are involved in litigation or cause serious injury to another person.
- Personal liability insurance is designed to protect you from accidents or unintended events. You never know when that might happen.
- While you can purchase different limits, we recommend at least a personal liability limit of $300,000 to $500,000 per occurrence.
- We also recommend that every person consider a personal umbrella policy. This kind of coverage applies over your personal liability policies, including your personal auto coverage.
- If you have any domestic workers, you should have your agent review your homeowner’s insurance policy. There may be specific laws that require you to carry workers’ compensation on these individuals.
- A renter or homeowner must keep their property safe for guests. You must advise your agent of any new exposures like installing a swimming pool.
McCormick Insurance Professionals
Curious to know how much you could be saving!
Dial (619) 276-0492 and the Wayne McCormick Insurance team will help you get a comprehensive homeowners or renters policy that will meet your needs.