Does Homeowners' Insurance Cover Injuries to Guests on My Property?
Maybe you invited the neighbor over for a cup of coffee. Or perhaps you are having a larger party to celebrate your spouse’s 50th birthday. Whatever the situation, if you are having guests over to your Saline home, you may worry about liability issues.
There is always the possibility that someone could trip and fall. Maybe they get bitten by your dog. Perhaps you are hosting a pool party, and someone slips.
No matter how careful you may be, accidents can still happen. And when they do, you want peace of mind knowing that everything will be OK.
If you have homeowners’ insurance, you should be fine. Homeowners’ insurance typically covers personal liability and property damage if someone is injured on your property and you are liable.
While this is the general rule, of course, there are exclusions that apply. Homeowners’ insurance does not cover every possible situation, so you will need to be aware of the limitations that apply.
Homeowners’ insurance typically provides some protection for guest injuries. Standard liability coverage usually helps if a guest is injured on your property and you are found at fault, while medical payments coverage pays for minor injuries regardless of fault.
If you are hosting a large party or special event, though, your insurance may not cover everything. If your gathering involves alcohol, hired staff, or rental equipment, your risk increases, as well as the potential for uncovered claims. You may need umbrella insurance to ensure you are fully protected.
What is Umbrella Insurance?
Umbrella insurance is an extra layer of liability protection that goes beyond the limits of your homeowners’, auto, or renters’ insurance. It is designed to safeguard your assets if you are sued for damages or injuries that exceed your standard policy limits. For example, if a guest at your party suffers a serious injury and the medical bills and legal costs total $800,000, but your homeowners’ liability limit is $300,000, your umbrella policy could cover the remaining $500,000.
There are two main types of umbrella insurance: personal umbrella policies and commercial umbrella policies. Personal umbrella insurance protects you and your household from liability claims related to personal activities, such as accidents on your property, car crashes, or even defamation lawsuits. Commercial umbrella insurance, by contrast, extends coverage for business-related risks.
Umbrella policies typically offer coverage in increments of $1 million and can include legal defense costs, judgments, and settlements. They also provide protection against certain claims your primary policies may not cover, such as false arrest, slander, or libel.
If you frequently host gatherings, have significant assets, or own high-risk features like a pool, trampoline, or dog, umbrella insurance can provide peace of mind.
Contact Us Today
Having homeowners’ insurance can ensure that one accident does not cause financial ruin. Make sure you have the right coverage today.
A Saline MI agent from Hartman Insurance Agency, Inc. can assess your situation and ensure you have adequate protection. To schedule a consultation, contact us via (734) 999-4190 or online here.