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Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Personal Injury?

As a homeowner, you’ve likely put a lot of effort into making your property feel safe and comfortable. That said, even the best-kept homes can have unexpected accidents or incidents that lead to personal injuries. In these cases, it’s important to know what your homeowner’s insurance covers and how it can protect you financially.

 

Our New York attorneys explain how and when homeowners insurance can cover personal injury claims below!

What Does Homeowners Insurance Cover?

Homeowners or household insurance is a type of property insurance that covers private residences. The policies generally consist of several key components, each offering a different kind of protection.

Dwelling Coverage

This covers repairs or rebuilding if your house is damaged by fires, storms, or vandalism. It ensures your home remains safe and livable but doesn't cover personal injury claims.

Personal Property Coverage
Liability Coverage

Types of Claims Covered by Homeowners Insurance

  • Bodily Injuries: If someone sustains physical harm on your property, such as a slip and fall accident, your homeowners insurance may cover their medical expenses and related costs.
  • Dog Bites: In many cases, household insurance can help pay doctor’s bills and legal fees if your pet bites and injures someone. However, some insurers may exclude certain dog breeds or have specific coverage requirements.
  • Accidents Off Your Property: Liability coverage sometimes goes beyond your property and can cover accidental injuries you cause away from home during activities or events.
  • Medical Expenses Coverage: Some homeowners policies can help pay for the injured party’s medical bills without the need for a lawsuit.

 

It's important to note that this coverage has limits and exclusions, which we explain in the next section.

When Won’t Homeowners Insurance Cover Personal Injury Claims?

There are certain situations where liability coverage for personal injuries may not apply, including, but not limited to, the following:

Intentional Acts or Criminal Activities

Injuries caused by deliberate acts or crimes aren’t likely to be covered. This is to prevent the policy from being used to shield individuals from the consequences of their actions.

Injuries to Household Members

Any injuries to you or family members living at home aren’t covered because you can use health insurance for these claims.

Certain Pet-Related Injuries

As mentioned above, some policies may restrict dog breeds or exotic pets that are considered high-risk. Check your policy for specifics.

Commercial Activities

If you use your home for business purposes, any personal injury claims related to those commercial activities may not be covered. Instead, you’d need commercial liability insurance.

Automobile Accidents

If you’re injured in a car accident, your claim will typically be handled through your auto insurance policy, not your homeowners insurance.

How to File a Personal Injury Claim

You can follow these steps to file a personal injury claim with your homeowners insurance:

 

  1. Get Medical Attention: Before you do anything else, make sure the injured party receives immediate medical care.
  2. Gather Evidence: Collect details about the incident, including the wounded person’s information, location, and any witnesses. If possible, take photos to document the scene.
  3. Notify Your Insurance Company: Report the incident to your homeowners insurance provider as soon as possible.
  4. Cooperate During the Investigation: Be responsive and transparent during the insurance company’s investigation of the claim. Provide truthful documentation.
  5. Document the Process: Keep records of all communications with the insurance company and relevant documents like medical bills and receipts.

Liability Coverage FAQs

Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Personal Injury?

The short answer is yes; homeowners insurance usually covers personal injury claims. As we stated above, the liability portion of your policy is designed to protect you if someone is injured at your home or because of your neglectfulness, whether it's a guest, a delivery person, or even a trespasser.

Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Accidental Death?
Can You Sue Someone If You Fall on Their Property?
Is Homeowners Insurance Required in New York?

Key Takeaways

Homeowners insurance is a form of property insurance designed to cover private residences.

While this type of insurance typically covers personal injury claims, there are exceptions.

Personal injury claims may not be covered by homeowners insurance in certain cases, such as injuries sustained by household members or those related to commercial activities.

Contact Our New York Personal Injury Firm Today!

If you or a loved one was injured on someone else’s property, knowing your rights is important! At Field Law Group, we’re dedicated to helping individuals and families in New York get the compensation they deserve.

 

Our experienced lawyers have a strong track record in handling personal injury cases, including those involving household insurance. Don’t handle your claim alone — call 212-739-7278 or contact us today to schedule a FREE consultation!

 

About the Firm: With over a decade of experience, Field Law Group has been helping personal injury victims across New York since 2013. We’re dedicated to protecting the rights of accident victims and fighting to get them the compensation they deserve.

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