Quick! Get out your #2 pencils and a pad of paper and take this short quiz to see how much you know about your homeowner’s insurance policy.
1. If your house guest slips and falls on your front steps, are you liable for the injury and damages she sustained?
2. If someone who is trespassing on your property slips and falls on your front steps, are you liable for the injury and damages she sustained?
3. Your neighbor’s tree which hangs over your side of the property line falls onto your fence. Is your neighbor liable?
4. Your dog runs off your property and attacks someone walking down the street unprovoked. Will your homeowner’s insurance cover it?
Answers:
1. Yes, as you would expect you are responsible for your house guest’s injuries and/or property damage. Of course how you will handle the incident is up to you and your guest, but your homeowner’s insurance policy does have a section for liability that will cover the bills up to the limits of your policy.
2. Unfortunately in some cases, yes, you could be held liable. If your steps have hidden hazards like a wobbly plank or exposed nails, you may have to cover the damages. Your homeowner’s insurance will have your back for that, too.
3. In this case, your neighbor would not be liable for the damage to your property from the fallen tree branch. Your neighbor is not responsible for where the tree falls. Your homeowner’s insurance policy would most likely cover it.
4. In a lot of cases, yes, your homeowner’s insurance would cover it. However, some dog breeds are considered more aggressive than others and could cause problems for your insurance. If you own a dog or are planning on buying one, talk with your agent first to make sure your carrier will provide coverage for your home with the dog present.
Please call us with any other scenarios you may question in regards to your homeowner’s insurance.
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