When you purchase home insurance, it protects you financially against damage to the structure of the dwelling, as well as its contents. In addition, most policies also include personal liability protection, which pays money up to a specified limit when someone gets hurt on your property or accuses you of causing harm to their home or belongings. The guide below explores more situations when you will be grateful you had this coverage.

5 Ways Liability Insurance Protects Homeowners

1. Dog Bites

If your dog—or another pet—should bite or otherwise injure someone else, liability coverage will pay for medical treatment. It doesn't matter if the animal is in the house, on a walk with you, or running loose after escaping from the yard.  Just be aware that some insurance companies have prohibited dog breeds.  Be sure and discuss with your agent. 

2. Broken Windows

If your kids are playing baseball in the backyard and one of them accidentally hits a home run through a neighbor's picture window, you don't have to pay out-of-pocket to have it repaired. The home insurance policy should cover it. Be aware, though, that liability coverage does not protect against intentional acts of vandalism.

3. Accidental Injuries

If you should bump into someone on the neighborhood basketball court and cause a sprained ankle, your home insurance policy pays for medical treatments. In most cases it also covers pain and suffering, court costs, and any judgment or settlement amounts.  

4. Lost Wages

If a postal carrier, political campaigner, plumber, or another visitor to your property should suffer an injury that's deemed your fault, liability coverage pays for the medical treatment. However, it also pays for any lost wages the injured party faces during recuperation.

5. Property Damage

If a dead tree in your yard should fall across—and crush— your neighbor's fence after he has repeatedly asked you to trim it back, home insurance would cover the expenses. This includes both the damage to the fence and the legal costs to defend a lawsuit for property damage.

Information provided here does not constitute professional advice. You need to contact a qualified professional to discuss specific coverage details and your insurance needs.

To discuss home insurance options with an experienced professional, contact Comaltex Insurance Agency in New Braunfels, TX. They are locally-owned and -operated and have been helping residents and businesses throughout Comal County design the right policy for their needs. They specialize in auto, home, business, and life insurance. Visit their website to view these products or call (830) 625-7511 to request a quote.