Who is Covered Under My Home Insurance Liability Coverage??

Who is Covered Under My Home Insurance Liability Coverage?

Home insurance policies cover three main areas: dwelling, personal belongings and general liability. Unlike the first two coverages, general liability insurance is not designed to compensate you for physical loss. Instead, it is geared to cover you from monetary loss in case of a lawsuit. 

General liability coverage under home insurance covers bodily injury and property damage someone else may suffer on your home’s property. This insurance can provide compensation for medical bills and other benefits, as well as compensation for property damage. 

So who is covered under this insurance? 

In short, everyone in your household should be covered under your home insurance’s general liability coverage. This includes spouses, children and even pets. Even accidents that occur away from home may be covered under this insurance, as well. 

Say, for example, your older neighbor visits and during a tour of your home, the elderly neighbor slips down the stairs. They are rushed to the hospital to receive treatment. In this case, general liability insurance can help pay for your neighbor’s medical bills. It can also offer you compensation if the neighbor or one of their relatives decides to sue for additional compensation. 

Who is Not Covered Under Home Insurance Liability? 

Keep in mind that there are certain exclusions. Intentional acts of violence or property damage or criminal acts will not be covered under general liability insurance. Family members who do not live in your household will also not be covered under your home’s liability insurance unless they are a victim of bodily injury or property damage. They cannot receive compensation for damages they cause from your policy, however. 

While this coverage also extends to pets, there are limitations on what pets may be covered. Unique animals like birds and reptiles may not be covered under your home insurance policy. Many insurers also exclude certain dog breeds from coverage, as they are seen as more destructive in nature. Dog breeds commonly excluded from home insurance policies include huskies, Akitas, wolf hybrids, Chow Chows, pit bills, Doberman Pinschers, Mastiffs, Rottweilers and German shepherds.  

If you have any questions about who or what is covered under your home’s general liability insurance, be sure to ask your insurance agent. It is important to make sure that you and your loved ones are covered by a comprehensive policy that can protect against expensive lawsuits and other expenses.