“Can I file a claim against my own homeowner’s insurance? After all, I pay for it.” If you’re wondering this, there’s no reason to feel awkward or ashamed, it’s a valid question indeed.
If you think about it, people file claims against their policies all the time – car insurance, health insurance, life insurance, pet insurance, renter’s insurance, dental insurance, and so on. But homeowner’s insurance, people aren’t as familiar with the claims process, and when they can file claims against their own policy.
If you are hurt on your own property, you may be able to file a claim against your homeowner’s insurance policy, but it all depends on which policy you have. Many homeowners’ insurance policies have exclusions, which clearly state that they do not cover the policyholder for bodily injuries sustained on their own property.
When Your Insurance Excludes You
If you are injured on your own property and your homeowner’s insurance does NOT cover you, that doesn’t necessarily mean you cannot sue someone for compensation. If a negligent third party was responsible for your injuries, you may have grounds to file a personal injury claim against the legally liable party. Here are some examples:
- A delivery driver backs up into you while in your driveway. In this case, you can file a claim against the delivery driver’s auto insurance and possibly the company the driver works for.
- You are running your saw in your garage and it cuts you because of a design defect. So, you file a lawsuit against the manufacturer for selling a defective product.
- A roofer’s equipment slides off the roof and hits you in the head, causing a brain injury. You therefore sue the roofer for compensation.
- A neighbor’s viscous dog is running loose and it comes on to your property and attacks you. Since the dog owner is liable, the dog’s owner would be the most likely party to be responsible for your damages, such as medical bills, pain and suffering, and lost income.
If you are in the market for a new homeowner’s insurance policy, it’s not a bad idea to purchase one that covers you if you’re injured on your property. On the other hand, if you were injured on your own property, we invite you to contact us to explore your options. Even if your insurance excludes you, a third party may still be liable for your damages.