Summer is made for backyard barbecues, pool parties, family gatherings, and evenings around the fire pit. While those moments create lasting memories, they can also create unexpected liability risks that many homeowners never consider until it’s too late.
Most people think of homeowners insurance as protection for their house and belongings. Just as important, however, is the liability coverage built into your policy. If a guest is injured on your property, your dog bites a neighbor, or an accident causes damage to someone else’s property, your insurance may help cover medical expenses, legal costs, and other financial losses. Understanding the risks summer brings can help you enjoy the season with greater confidence.
5 Common Liability Claims to Avoid This Summer
While the personal liability portion of your policy can be valuable, filing a claim will likely increase your rates and may even lead to nonrenewal of coverage. As such, it’s best to limit the chances of incidents in the first place. (Safer is better!) Consider the following common sources of liability claims and how summer may require you to step up your risk management game:
- Fires—If you start a fire and it spreads, damaging other properties or causing neighbors’ burn injuries, you would be held liable. Be especially careful during the summer if you enjoy grilling out, setting off fireworks or using a fire pit. Even a single stray ember could ignite a costly blaze.
- Pool-related injuries—Having a swimming pool on your property can be an enjoyable luxury during the summer months, but it also represents a significant exposure. Did you know that even if someone uses your pool without your permission, you could be liable for their injuries? Erect barriers, such as a fence with a locked gate, to prevent outsiders from entering on their own.
- Pet incidents—Summer can be enjoyable for the human and animal members of your household alike. But if your cat bites someone and causes blood poisoning, or your dog attacks someone else’s pet at the park, you’d be responsible for the losses. Know your pet’s behavioral cues and, if they don’t do well with guests or strangers, keep them on a leash or in a separate room for the duration of a visit.
- Slips, trips and falls—Consistently ranking as one of the most common sources of home injuries, falls can lead to expensive medical bills. During summer, foot traffic in and around your home may increase. Be sure to keep hallways, walkways and stairs clear of any clutter and clean up any spills as soon as possible.
- Storm damage—Although you’re unable to control the weather, you can still be held responsible for certain losses resulting from storms. For example, if you’re aware of and fail to trim perilous tree branches that hang over your neighbor’s yard, you’d potentially be at fault if powerful winds cause them to break and fall on their home.
In addition to incidents occurring on your property, homeowners and renters insurance policies can also cover third-party losses you or another insured cause elsewhere, such as while visiting someone else’s home or in public spaces.
Understanding Your Coverage Needs
Not all home insurance policies are created equal. Just as you might adjust the limits and capabilities of your policy to match the value of your home and personal belongings, you should also carefully assess and address your liability coverage needs.
When composing your policy, ask yourself these questions:
- Do you often welcome guests or host events at your home?
- Do you have children who regularly play outdoors or participate in summer sports and activities?
- Do you have pets that are allowed outdoors or that cannot be sequestered while having company?
- Does your home include “attractive nuisances,” such as a pool, hot tub, playground equipment or trampoline?
It’s generally considered a good idea to retain coverage that exceeds your net worth. In addition to homeowners or renters insurance, a personal umbrella policy, which can provide additional coverage for claims that exceed other policies’ limits, may prove to be a valuable investment.
Be Sure You Have Sufficient Liability Coverage for This Summer
It’s always the right time to revisit your insurance and make possible adjustments. Contact the friendly, local insurance experts at Deeley Insurance Group today to discuss your unique needs. We can help you assess and address liability risks and ensure that this summer is your safest ever! Call or text us at 410-213-5600.
