If you plan to purchase a firearm or currently have one or more in your house, you’ll need to know if they are covered under your home insurance policy. From theft to injuries and property damage caused by guns, being aware of the liability thresholds is essential before an incident takes place. Here’s some information on whether firearms are covered and some important gun safety reminders.

Are Guns Covered Under Home Insurance?

Because some insurance carriers consider firearms personal property, they may be covered under an existing policy. There will likely be a maximum dollar limit. If you have a collection of guns that are highly valuable and they’re stolen or damaged, your home insurance coverage might not cover the total appraised amount. A firearm injury or fatality that occurred in your home or surrounding property might also be covered.

There might also be conditions on whether the owner was under the influence of alcohol or drugs when an incident occurred. In general, the liability portion of a home insurance policy won’t cover criminal acts committed by the owner or others who live in the house. Talk with your insurance agent about specific coverage details.

What Gun Safety Tips Should Be Followed?

Don’t let carelessness and lack of knowledge be a tragedy waiting to happen.  Firearms should always be kept in a childproof, locking gun cabinet or safe. Restrict access to responsible adults. The fewer individuals who have access to guns, the less likely for injuries and property damage to occur.  Store guns unloaded.

In addition, keep all ammunition in a separate locked safe to prevent anyone from loading the guns.  You never want a child to have unsupervised access to an unsecured, loaded firearm.  As an added precaution, remind children to let a parent, teacher, or adult know immediately if they come across a gun. Instruct them to never play with or touch firearms.  Always keep firearms safe and secure to prevent mishaps in the home.

If you have questions about firearms and home insurance, contact Western States Insurance Group in Lovington, NM. Since 1997, this independent agency has served Lovington, Hobbs, Lea County, and the surrounding areas by providing expert guidance and customized coverage. You can always count on speaking with an experienced agent in a welcoming environment. Call (575) 396-1318 with questions about coverage or visit their website for information about available insurance options.  Follow Western States Insurance Group on Facebook.