Understanding Personal Liability Insurance

Personal liability insurance is a type of insurance that provides financial protection to an individual in case he or she gets sued for causing bodily harm or property damage to a third-party. It is a form of insurance that covers the policyholder from any potential lawsuits that may arise from accidents that can cause harm to others.

How Does Personal Liability Insurance Work?

Personal liability insurance works by providing the policyholder with financial protection in case he or she gets sued for causing harm to others. The policy covers the policyholder’s defense costs, as well as any damages that may be awarded to the plaintiff if the lawsuit is successful.

For example, if you accidentally injure someone in your home or cause damage to his or her property, your personal liability insurance will cover the cost of defending yourself in court and any damages that may be awarded to the plaintiff if you are found liable.

Personal liability insurance is typically included in homeowner’s and renter’s insurance policies, but it can also be purchased as a standalone policy.

What Does Personal Liability Insurance Cover?

Personal liability insurance covers the policyholder in case he or she gets sued for causing bodily harm or property damage to a third-party. It typically covers the following:

Coverage
Explanation
Bodily injury
Provides coverage in case you injure someone or cause physical harm to them.
Property damage
Provides coverage in case you damage someone else’s property.
Legal fees
Covers the cost of defending yourself in court.
Damages awarded
Covers any damages that may be awarded to the plaintiff if the lawsuit is successful.

Who Needs Personal Liability Insurance?

Anyone who wants to protect themselves from potential lawsuits should consider purchasing personal liability insurance. However, there are certain professions that should consider this type of insurance more seriously, such as:

  • Health care professionals
  • Lawyers
  • Accountants
  • Real estate agents
  • Contractors

These professions are more likely to get sued because of the nature of their work, so having personal liability insurance can provide them with peace of mind.

What Is Not Covered by Personal Liability Insurance?

Personal liability insurance does not cover the policyholder in case of intentional harm or criminal acts. It also does not cover damage to the policyholder’s own property, as this is covered by other types of insurance such as homeowner’s insurance.

In addition, personal liability insurance typically has a limit to the amount of coverage provided. This limit varies depending on the policy, so it is important to read the policy carefully and choose one with adequate coverage.

How Much Does Personal Liability Insurance Cost?

The cost of personal liability insurance varies depending on the policy, the amount of coverage needed, and the policyholder’s personal circumstances.

In general, personal liability insurance is relatively inexpensive and can be added to an existing homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy for a nominal fee. Standalone policies can also be purchased for as little as $50 per year.

Conclusion

Personal liability insurance is an important type of insurance that provides financial protection to the policyholder in case he or she gets sued for causing harm to a third-party. It covers the cost of defending oneself in court, as well as any damages that may be awarded to the plaintiff if the lawsuit is successful.

Anyone who wants to protect themselves from potential lawsuits should consider purchasing personal liability insurance, especially those in professions that are more likely to get sued.

It is important to read the policy carefully and choose one with adequate coverage, as personal liability insurance typically has a limit to the amount of coverage provided.

FAQ

What is personal liability insurance?

Personal liability insurance provides financial protection to the policyholder in case he or she gets sued for causing harm to a third-party. It covers the cost of defending oneself in court, as well as any damages that may be awarded to the plaintiff if the lawsuit is successful.

Who needs personal liability insurance?

Anyone who wants to protect themselves from potential lawsuits should consider purchasing personal liability insurance, especially those in professions that are more likely to get sued.

How much does personal liability insurance cost?

The cost of personal liability insurance varies depending on the policy, the amount of coverage needed, and the policyholder’s personal circumstances. In general, personal liability insurance is relatively inexpensive and can be added to an existing homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy for a nominal fee. Standalone policies can also be purchased for as little as $50 per year.

What is not covered by personal liability insurance?

Personal liability insurance does not cover intentional harm or criminal acts. It also does not cover damage to the policyholder’s own property, as this is covered by other types of insurance such as homeowner’s insurance.

What does personal liability insurance cover?

Personal liability insurance covers the policyholder in case he or she gets sued for causing bodily harm or property damage to a third-party. It typically covers bodily injury, property damage, legal fees, and damages awarded.