You know one of the more popular (albeit morbid) Christmas songs, “Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer” once originally performed by Elmo Shropshire in 1979? (We highly recommend not looking into the background of that song, by the way!) While totally fictional, it does remind us that the holiday season, while intended to be full of laughter, cheer, and merriment, exposes us to a lot of potential liability risks. Between icy roadways and drunken partygoers, whose to say someone won’t get hurt? If someone does, how does our home or tenant insurance help?
This article covers personal liability insurance and some ways to prevent injuries during the holiday season. If you have any questions about your insurance limits, call us here at AHI.
What is Personal Liability Insurance?
Both your home insurance and auto insurance contain a liability component. In this article, we’re erring more on the topic of homeowners insurance-offered personal liability insurance. This coverage may help you and your household pay for injuries and incurred legal fees if an incident occurs to another person on your property. Another type of liability insurance may also cover you if you hurt someone else, anywhere in the world, which is usually referred to as “voluntary medical payments.” Both coverages will pay out for insured losses up to a specific limit.
If your hypothetical grandma were run over by a reindeer, then in this instance we’d assume Santa Clause’s policy would cover her for her injuries (although whether that’d be his personal home insurance policy or a commercial insurance policy is a question for another day!) Similarly, if someone were injured due to your actions or on your property, your policy would help cover their medical bills or even death benefits up until the policy’s limits.
If Someone is Injured on Your Property
You could be held legally responsible if someone ends up hurt on your property, like a partygoer, a delivery person, or even one of Santa’s elves. This may also apply in scenarios where injuries have occurred on other people’s property, but due to your actions. Technically, a trespasser getting injured on your property is up for debate, but any guests are considered your responsibility, and you as the homeowner (or renter) is the one who should secure their property to prevent conditions which could result in an accident. Children are especially prone to these kinds of injuries, and the holiday season with all its bright decorations and attractions can entice younger individuals into entering your property.
If someone was injured on your property, then your personal liability insurance would cover you. This includes slips and falls, burns, dog bites, trampoline incidents, etc. You may wish to check with your insurer to see what your limits are, as well as what’s excluded from your coverage (ex: some policies will exclude certain dog breeds from coverage!) Most policies provide a minimum of $100,000.
If You Injure Someone Else
Medical payments is another type of liability coverage that is usually included in a home or tenant policy. This coverage offers payment for people who are injured regardless of whether or not you’re legally responsible. Medical payments limits begin at $1,000 per person in your household, but higher amounts are typically available to purchase.
Avoiding Injuries During the Holidays
The holiday season exposes us to unique vulnerabilities—ones we don’t see daily. Since there isn’t exactly a specific “holiday insurance” policy to protect us (apart from event insurance, if you’re looking to host a big bash) we must take proactive measures to avoid injuries. Here’s some advice:
Childproof both your yard and your pool
Install childproof locks on gates to restrict access to potentially hazardous areas, including any pools you may have, trampolines, or enticing decorations. Use pool covers or fencing to secure swimming pools and prevent unsupervised entry.
Shovel snow promptly from sidewalks
Do as much snow removal as often as you can, removing it from steps, walkways, and play areas to reduce the risk of slips and falls. Apply sand or ice melt to icy surfaces to enhance traction and create designated pathways for safe travel.
Post trespassing warnings signs
To avoid uninvited guests, ensure you clearly mark private or restricted areas to deter unauthorized access. Make sure that these are well-maintained and easily visible to visitors.
Use non-slip rugs to prevent slips and falls
Although there is no ice indoors, guests can still slip when alcohol is involved, when walkways are busy, and when people are having fun. Use non-slip rugs to improve traction and reduce this risk.
These measures collectively contribute to creating a safer outdoor environment, especially for families with children, by addressing potential hazards and minimizing the risk of accidents on your property.
At AHI Group, we wish you a very happy holidays and hope you get some well-deserved rest! If you have any questions or concerns about your personal liability insurance, or anything to do with your home policy, please don’t hesitate to give us a call.
