Is food poisoning covered by liability insurance?
BBQ season is among us, and with that comes outdoor entertaining. Summer is a prime time to get your friends together for some good food, cold drinks, and fun in the sun. But what happens if someone get sick, from something that you made and served them? Are you liable? Will your liability insurance be there to have your back? Let’s take a look.
What is liability insurance?
Before we dive too far into the crux of the matter at hand, let’s make sure we understand what liability insurance is. Liability insurance is a part of your homeowner’s insurance, and helps to protect not your things, but the people who visit your home. The amount of coverage is dependent on your policy, and how much you opt for. It is important to ensure that you choose to have enough coverage, as it can save you tens of thousands in the long run. If someone comes after you for medical or legal bills after an incident that took place on your property, you can rest easier knowing that you won’t have to front the costs yourself.
What situations are covered?
So, that being said, what is covered by your liability insurance?
Let’s take a look at our original question. If a guest of your household gets food poisoning from something that you served them, and they decide to come after you, will your liability insurance have you covered?
The answer? Yes, you would have coverage. If they decide to sue you for damages or medical bills, your liability insurance will cover the costs. It will also help to pay any associated legal fees.
Here are some other situations in which your liability insurance would have your back.
Slips and falls – Slips and falls are one of the most common liability claims. Accidents happen all the time, and can be a bit of a headache when they take place on your property. One saving grace is that if someone is injured while visiting your home, and they decide to come after you for damages, your insurance will be there for you.
Bitten by your pet –While you do not want to think that the fury member of your family would bite or attack one of your guests, accidents do sometimes happen. In the event that your pet injures a guest, your liability insurance will be able to step in and cover any medical or legal costs that come your way.
Damage to property –Your liability doesn’t just cover you for things taking place on your property, but also damage that you may cause to others. For example, say you are playing catch outside with your kids, and one of them throws a ball through a neighbour’s window. Not only will you have an angry neighbour on your hands, but a hefty repair bill to pay. Luckily in this case, your liability insurance will be able to help pay the costs.
Know your policy
Like with any form of insurance, it is important to thoroughly understand your policy, and know just what is covered. Coverage can vary from provider to provider, and even policy to policy. By studying the fine print, and asking your broker any questions you have about your coverage, you will eliminate any unpleasant surprises in the event that you have to put forth a claim.