Q&A with Chris Walton, Sales Representative
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Accidents don’t just happen inside your home; they can happen anywhere. Personal liability and medical payments coverage are designed to protect you financially when someone is injured or their property is damaged because of your actions. Chris Walton explains how these coverages work and why every homeowner should understand them.
Q. What is personal liability coverage and why is it important?
Chris Walton:
Personal liability, sometimes called family or general liability, covers situations where you are found legally responsible for bodily injury or property damage caused by your actions.
For example, if you’re visiting a friend and accidentally knock over an expensive vase, your homeowner’s policy can step in through personal liability coverage. Since you caused the damage, you’re financially responsible, and this coverage protects you from paying out of pocket.
Q. What types of situations are commonly covered?
Chris Walton:
There are many everyday situations people don’t think about. One common example is delivery drivers.
If a food delivery driver slips on ice, trips on a hose, or falls on your property, they could sue you for their injuries. Even if it was an accident, you can still be held responsible unless you took reasonable steps to prevent hazards, like shoveling snow, applying ice melts, or keeping walkways clear. Personal liability coverage helps protect you if that happens.
Q. Does personal liability coverage only apply at home?
Chris Walton:
No, it follows you. Personal liability coverage applies to whether the incident happens at your home or somewhere else. It’s designed to protect you wherever you go.
Q. Who is covered under personal liability?
Chris Walton:
Everyone who lives in the home is covered, including minors, even if they aren’t listed on the policy.
How is personal liability different from medical payments coverage?
Chris Walton:
Medical payments coverage is usually the first step in preventing lawsuits. I like to call it “goodwill coverage.” It can pay minor medical expenses right away when someone is hurt, helping resolve the situation before it turns into legal action.
Personal liability coverage, on the other hand, applies when there’s a larger claim or legal responsibility.
Final Thoughts
Personal liability and medical payments coverage work together to protect you from financial and legal risk. Whether it’s a visitor on your property or an accident somewhere else, these coverages ensure you’re not left paying for injuries or damages out of pocket.