The Importance of Liability Coverage in Home Insurance

Homeowners insurance isn’t just about protecting your property; it’s also about safeguarding you from legal and financial liability. Accidents happen, and if someone gets injured on your property or if you’re held responsible for causing damage to someone else’s property, liability coverage may step in to help. 

What Does Liability Insurance Cover for Homeowners?

Homeowners liability insurance can offer coverage for the following:

• Accidental injuries—Personal liability claims may involve third-party medical bills, your legal costs and potential loss of assets. For instance, if someone slips and falls down the stairs in your home and sues you, liability coverage may pay for lawsuit judgments, settlements and legal expenses.
• Property damage—If someone from your household accidentally damages someone else’s property, liability coverage can help cover the costs.
• Away-from-home incidents—It may also extend to incidents that occur away from home but for which you’re responsible. For example, if your dog bites a neighbor, liability coverage may help cover the resulting expenses.

How Much Liability Insurance Do Homeowners Need?

Most standard homeowners insurance policies provide at least $100,000 in personal liability coverage. However, this amount can quickly be exhausted if someone files a substantial lawsuit against you. If you have assets and savings, you become an attractive lawsuit target; thus, you may want to consider raising your liability coverage.

Additionally, consider umbrella insurance from your homeowners insurance company. Umbrella coverage can be an affordable way to add more liability protection to both your auto and home insurance policies.

How Can I Avoid Liability Claims as a Homeowner?

The following are some tips to avoid liability claims as a homeowner:

• Regularly inspect your home and address any safety hazards promptly.
• If you have pets, ensure they are well-trained and don’t pose a risk to visitors or neighbors.
• If you have a swimming pool, follow safety guidelines. Install a fence around the pool area and lock it when not in use.
• Be mindful of alcohol consumption and crowd control when hosting social events.
• Regularly assess your homeowners insurance policy to make sure your liability coverage is sufficient.
• Maintain good relationships with your neighbors. Address any concerns promptly.

Remember, prevention is critical. By taking proactive measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of liability claims and protect yourself financially and legally.

Homeowners Insurance in Kansas City, MO

Having adequate liability coverage ensures that you’re protected and can face unforeseen incidents with confidence. Without it, you would be responsible for paying for costly incidents out of pocket. Contact Safeway Insurance today to review your homeowners insurance and ensure you have adequate liability coverage.

This blog is intended for informational and educational use only. It is not exhaustive and should not be construed as legal advice. Please contact your insurance professional for further information.