The holiday season is here. Over the next few months, your front porch will probably get more visitors than at any other time of year. Costumed trick-or-treaters come first, then Thanksgiving relatives, then friends dropping by with holiday cookies. It’s one of the best parts of living in a close-knit community. But more visitors also means more chances for someone to get hurt, especially once Nebraska’s ice and snow arrive. If a guest is injured on your property, who pays? Let’s look at how your homeowners insurance works and how to keep visitors safe this season.
Halloween: Get Your Porch Ready for Trick-or-Treaters
Excited kids in costumes, often wearing masks and running up dark steps, make Halloween night a prime time for trips and falls. A few simple steps go a long way:
- Light up your walkway, steps and porch
- Keep decorations, cords, hoses and pumpkins out of the path
- Use LED candles in jack-o’-lanterns instead of real flames
- Fix loose steps, boards or railings ahead of time
- Keep pets away from the front door
That last tip matters more than you might think. Dog bites are one of the most common homeowners liability claims, and a doorbell ringing over and over can stress even the friendliest dog. In Nebraska, dog owners are generally held responsible for injuries their dogs cause, even if the dog has never been aggressive before.
Winter: Stay Ahead of Ice and Snow
As the holidays continue, icy sidewalks and steps become the bigger risk. Shovel and salt early and often, and keep ice melt by the door so it’s easy to grab. Make sure your downspouts don’t drain onto walkways, where the water can refreeze overnight. Sturdy handrails on outdoor steps can also make a big difference for older guests.
How Your Homeowners Insurance Helps
Even with the best preparation, accidents happen. Most homeowners policies include two coverages for guest injuries:
Medical payments to others pays a guest’s minor medical bills, no matter who was at fault. If a trick-or-treater trips on your steps and needs a few stitches, this coverage can pay for the visit without anyone having to prove who was to blame. Limits are usually between $1,000 and $5,000 per person.
Personal liability coverage steps in for more serious injuries. If you’re found legally responsible, it can help pay medical bills, lost wages and legal fees if you’re sued. Many policies start at $100,000, though $300,000 or $500,000 limits are common and often recommended.
What Isn’t Covered
This coverage generally won’t pay for injuries to you or members of your household, injuries you cause on purpose, or injuries tied to a home-based business. Some policies also exclude trampolines, pools or certain dog breeds.
If Someone Gets Hurt
Make sure they get medical care first. Then take photos, write down what happened and contact your agent as soon as you can. Don’t admit fault or promise to pay for anything before talking with your insurer.
Is Your Coverage Enough?
A serious fall on an icy step can lead to costs far beyond your policy limits. If you have significant assets to protect, an umbrella policy adds an extra layer of liability coverage, usually in $1 million increments, and it often costs less than people expect.
Let’s Make Sure You’re Ready for the Holidays
Before the trick-or-treaters and holiday guests arrive, take a few minutes to make sure your coverage fits your home and family. Our local independent agents at Northeast Nebraska Insurance can go over your homeowners policy with you and help you choose the right limits. Reach out today for a free review of your home insurance coverage.