Paul Dreher Director of Personal Insurance View Bio

Summer Safety, Trampoline

Whether you’re a homeowner or rent your residence, you may need to account for many risks and exposures while navigating daily life. Although damage to your own property might be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about insurance, you should also understand the importance of retaining coverage that can account for other parties’ losses. If someone is injured in your home or you otherwise cause third-party losses, sufficient personal liability coverage could be critical.

Both homeowners and renters insurance typically include personal liability coverage, which can provide financial aid if you or another insured, such as your spouse, children or pets, cause accidents that affect others. Specifically, your policy could pay out to assist with third-party medical bills and property damage, as well as your legal fees.

5 Common Liability Claims to Avoid This Summer

While the personal liability portion of your policy can be valuable, filing a claim will likely increase your rates and may even lead to nonrenewal of coverage. As such, it’s best to limit the chances of incidents in the first place. Consider the following common sources of liability claims and how summer may require robust risk management:

  1. Fires
    If you start a fire and it spreads, damaging other properties or causing neighbors’ burn injuries, you would be held liable. Be especially careful during the summer if you enjoy grilling out, setting off fireworks or using a firepit. Even a single stray ember could ignite a costly blaze.
  2. Pool-related injuries
    Having a swimming pool on your property can be an enjoyable luxury during the summer months, but it also represents a significant exposure. Did you know that even if someone uses your pool without your permission, you could be liable for their injuries? Erect barriers, such as a fence with a locked gate, to prevent outsiders from entering on their own.
  3. Pet incidents
    Summer can be enjoyable for the human and animal members of your household alike. But if your cat bites someone and causes blood poisoning, or your dog attacks someone else’s pet at the park, you’d be responsible for the losses. Know your pet’s behavioral cues and, if they don’t do well with guests or strangers, keep them on a leash or in a separate room for the duration of a visit.
  4. Slips, trips and falls
    Consistently ranking as one of the most common sources of home injuries, falls can lead to expensive medical bills. During summer, foot traffic in and around your home may increase. Be sure to keep hallways, walkways and stairs clear of any clutter and clean up any spills as soon as possible.
  5. Storm damage
    Although you’re unable to control the weather, you can still be held responsible for certain losses resulting from storms. For example, if you’re aware of and fail to trim perilous tree branches that hang over your neighbor’s yard, you’d potentially be at fault if powerful winds cause them to break and fall on their home.

In addition to incidents occurring on your property, homeowners and renters insurance policies can also cover third-party losses you or another insured cause elsewhere, such as while visiting someone else’s home or in public spaces.

Understanding Your Coverage Needs
Not all home insurance policies are created equal. Just as you might adjust the limits and capabilities of your policy to match the value of your home and personal belongings, you should also carefully assess and address your liability coverage needs. When composing your policy, ask yourself these questions:

  • Do you often welcome guests or host events at your home?
  • Do you have children who regularly play outdoors or participate in summer sports and activities?
  • Do you have pets that are allowed outdoors or that cannot be sequestered while having company?
  • Does your home include attractive nuisances, such as a pool, hot tub, playground equipment or trampoline?

It’s generally considered a good idea to retain coverage that exceeds your net worth. In addition to homeowners or renters insurance, a personal umbrella policy, which can provide additional coverage for claims that exceed other policies’ limits, may prove to be a valuable investment.

Secure Sufficient Liability Coverage for This Summer
It’s never a bad time to revisit your insurance and make possible adjustments. Contact Lawley to discuss your policy and coverage needs. We can help you assess and address possible liability risks and ensure that your insurance is tailored accordingly.

This document is not intended to be exhaustive nor should any discussion or opinions be construed as legal advice. Readers should contact legal counsel or an insurance professional for appropriate advice. © 2026 Zywave, Inc. All rights reserved.