Slips and falls occur in Virginia homes all the time. And some of these tumbles can cause serious injuries. If you have homeowner’s insurance, your policy might cover the damages. Here’s what you need to know about slips and falls and your homeowner’s insurance.
Who does the policy cover?
Your homeowner’s policy covers slips and falls when it’s a household guest. If you have household employees, the policy covers their slips and falls. Your policy will cover the injuries no matter who is at fault for the accident. The amount of coverage depends on the limits of your policy.
What does the policy cover?
Your homeowner’s policy will cover certain expenses associated with a slip and fall. If a guest needs dental work because of the accident, your policy will pay for the dental work. If an injury requires an ambulance trip and an emergency room visit, the policy will pay for both expenses. But as always, the amount the policy pays depends on the coverage limit. You might have to pay out-of-pocket if your policy isn’t enough to pay the total expense.
Who doesn’t the policy cover?
The homeowner’s policy doesn’t cover your slips and falls or those of anyone who lives full-time in your home. If you or a resident is injured, you’ll have to rely on medical insurance to cover the expense. Your policy also doesn’t extend to other property you might own.
For example, if you have more than one home, you’ll need a separate policy for the second home. If a guest or household employee slips and falls in the uninsured location, you won’t have the policy to cover the damages.
The benefit of homeowner’s insurance
Homeowner’s insurance can save you from paying hefty out-of-pocket expenses should a slip and fall occur on your property. You can take steps to prevent slips and falls, but some accidents are unavoidable. The benefit of having a homeowner’s policy outweighs the cost.