Bodily Injury Coverage:  What You Need to Know

Presented by: Aaron Bonham & Gregory Hamblin of American National Insurance

Bodily injury liability coverage is an element of many different types of insurance policies (auto, homeowner’s, etc) and is meant to protect an individual should physical harm come to him or her through the action or inaction of another.

Auto Insurance and Bodily Injury Coverage

The bodily injury portion of the standard auto policy is designed to protect the policyholder in the event that he or she causes physical injury to another person while operating a vehicle.

Every U.S. state requires that drivers in their jurisdictions include a set minimum amount of bodily injury coverage as part of the auto insurance policy. These state-mandated limits, however, are generally not enough to cover a very serious accident and most insurance experts suggest purchasing more than the legal minimum. In the event of a serious bodily injury claim and subsequent lawsuit, a policyholder could be in jeopardy of losing his or her home and property. Those who have substantial assets to protect might also want to consider purchasing an umbrella policy that provides supplemental coverage to the existing ones.

Homeowner’s Insurance and Bodily Injury Coverage

One of the most nightmarish scenarios any homeowner can imagine is one in which a visitor to the home is seriously injured in some way. Friendships and family ties have been broken over such circumstances and finances have been left in ruin. Every responsible homeowner should review his or her existing homeowner’s policy and determine what sorts of accidents or injuries are the responsibilities of the homeowner and which are not.

All homeowner’s policies offer some sort of bodily injury liability coverage for both visitors and residents. This coverage protects against just about every possible circumstance that could lead to physical injury in the home and includes injuries caused by the homeowner and anyone residing within the home. Any injuries caused by household pets are also covered.

There are some situations, however, in which bodily injury that occurs on a homeowner’s premises is not covered by the homeowner’s insurance policy.   If the homeowner runs a business from the home and the injury sustained relates to the business in any way, there is no coverage. If the injury occurs in a rented property, then the homeowner’s insurance will not cover it – renter’s insurance should contain the necessary coverage. Another circumstance in which coverage is not provided through the homeowner’s policy is when the injury is proven to be intended or expected by the homeowner.

Aaron Bonham and Greg Hamblin are honored to be a part of B3-Healthy.  We offer FREE, no obligation insurance reviews.  American National Insurance is located at 337 S. Main Suite 220 Cedar City, Utah.   

Aaron Bonham 435-865-2761

Greg Hamblin 435-238-0493