Homeowners insurance protects against many risks, but some liability exposures go beyond everyday accidents. Unusual and excessive liability exposure refers to high-risk situations increasing the chance of serious injuries and lawsuits – risks other insurers may either exclude or require an endorsement to cover.
Florida Peninsula Insurance Company takes a different approach. Unlike insurers who exclude or limit coverage for high-risk activities, Florida Peninsula automatically includes high-risk liability coverage in Florida home insurance policies – both its homeowners (HO-3) and landlord (DP-3) policies – providing an extra layer of protection where other insurers fall short.
So, what exactly does this coverage protect against? And why is it especially important for Florida homeowners?
Hidden Liability Risks Homeowners Overlook
Many homeowners assume personal liability or high-risk liability coverage in Florida home insurance policies applies to any accident on their property. But some activities create a significantly higher risk of injury or property damage, leading to lawsuits – and putting your assets at risk.
Florida Peninsula defines unusual and excessive liability exposure as liability arising from certain high-risk items or activities, including:
- Unprotected swimming pools and spas (a major liability concern)
- Trampolines
- Skateboard & bicycle ramps
- Swimming pool slides & diving boards
- Motorized recreational vehicles (e-bikes, e-scooters, hoverboards, etc.)
Even if these risks seem minor, they can carry major financial consequences for homeowners.
Why Unprotected Swimming Pools Are a Huge Liability Risk
Among all liability risks, high-risk liability coverage in Florida home insurance policies is especially crucial for unprotected swimming pools – especially in Florida. The state’s warm climate makes backyard pools a staple, but without proper safety measures pools pose serious risks to children, guests, and even trespassers.
Here’s why:
- Drowning is a leading cause of accidental death for young children – and Florida has one of the highest drowning rates in the country.
- Florida’s attractive nuisance doctrine holds homeowners responsible if a child enters an unfenced pool and gets injured – even if the child was trespassing.
- A simple misstep on a wet pool deck can lead to costly medical bills and legal action.
Without proper coverage, a single lawsuit could lead to financial hardship, making this built-in protection an essential part of Florida Peninsula’s homeowners policies.
Common Misconceptions About Liability Coverage
Many homeowners believe their standard liability coverage automatically includes protection for all injuries and accidents. However, this is not always the case. Understanding high-risk liability coverage in Florida home insurance policies is crucial to ensuring you’re fully protected.
Here are a few common misconceptions among Florida homeowners:
1. “If someone is injured on my property, my home insurance will cover it.”
Not necessarily. Standard home insurance policies may exclude high-risk activities, like injuries from trampolines or pool slides, without additional endorsements.
2. “If I put up a ‘No Trespassing’ sign, I’m not responsible for injuries.”
False. In Florida, the attractive nuisance doctrine can make homeowners liable for injuries, even if the person injured wasn’t invited onto the property.
3. “If someone gets hurt using my e-bike or scooter off my property, it’s not my problem.”
It could be. Even accidents occurring away from home could expose you to lawsuits if you own, rent, or lend out high-risk items.
How Florida Peninsula’s Coverage Helps Protect Homeowners
Florida Peninsula provides $25,000 in liability protection to cover high-risk liability such as:
- Bodily injury lawsuits resulting from covered high-risk activities
- Property damage claims caused by these activities
- Legal defense costs if you’re sued
Unlike insurers who exclude these risks or charge extra for endorsements, Florida Peninsula includes this coverage automatically in every one of its HO-3 and DP-3 policies.
Real-Life Scenarios: When This Coverage Matters
Here are a few examples of how this coverage can make a difference:
- Unprotected pool: A neighborhood child sneaks into your unfenced pool and gets hurt. Without this coverage, you could be financially responsible for medical bills, legal fees, and a potential settlement.
- Trampoline injury: A friend’s child suffers a concussion after falling off your trampoline. Medical expenses and a lawsuit could follow.
- E-bike collision: Your teenager crashes into a pedestrian while riding an electric scooter you own. You could be sued for medical costs and damages.
Without proper coverage, these incidents could lead to thousands of dollars in legal and medical expenses.
What You Can Do to Reduce Your Liability Risks
While having built-in liability coverage is a big advantage, taking preventive measures can further protect your home and assets.
Here’s how you can reduce your liability exposure:
- Secure your pool – Install a four-sided fence with a self-latching gate to prevent unauthorized access. Ensure your pool and hot tub have secure, child-proof covers.
- Add safety measures for trampolines and ramps – Use safety nets and padding and require adult supervision.
- Limit motorized vehicle use – Set ground rules for e-bikes, e-scooters, and hoverboards, especially around pedestrians and vehicle traffic.
- Review your policy – Know what’s covered in your homeowners policy and ensure your limits are sufficient.
While accidents can’t always be prevented, taking these steps can help minimize risks and provide peace of mind.
Are You Fully Covered? Here’s What to Do Next
Since you now know what’s covered under unusual and excessive liability in your homeowners policy, it’s time to make sure you’re fully protected. Liability risks aren’t always obvious – but they can have serious financial consequences if you’re not properly covered. High-risk liability coverage in Florida home insurance policies is included in every Florida Peninsula homeowners and landlord policy, providing essential protection at no extra cost.
- Already insured with Florida Peninsula? Review your policy with your agent to understand the full scope of your coverage.
- Considering a new policy? Get a quote today and see how Florida Peninsula’s built-in protection can help safeguard your home and finances.
