The purpose of personal liability coverage is to provide financial protection for you and your family. If others are hurt or have damaged property for which you or covered residents of your household are legally responsible, then personal liability coverage can help protect you.

The personal liability coverage within your homeowners, renters or condo insurance policy provides coverage for bodily injury and property damage sustained by others for which you or covered residents of your household are legally responsible.

For example, if someone falls down your stairs, or your child accidentally throws a ball through a neighbor's window, breaking an expensive vase, you may be held legally responsible for the damages caused.

Personal liability coverage provides for a defense if you are sued, and can pay damages to injured persons up to the limit of liability.

Many homeowners insurance policies provide a minimum of $100,000 in personal liability coverage, meaning the insurance company can pay up to that amount in total to injured persons per occurrence. If you feel you need more protection, higher limits are available. You can also purchase a personal liability umbrella policy if you think you need additional liability coverage.

Medical Payments

Another type of liability coverage in a homeowners policy is medical payments to others coverage. The homeowners, renters or condo policy generally can provide for the payment of necessary medical expenses for guests who are accidentally injured on your property. This is regardless of whether or not you are legally responsible. It also can provide coverage in other situations as well.

The minimum amount of coverage available is $1,000 per person. Higher amounts of coverage may also be available.

Liability Coverage Exclusions

A homeowners, renters or condo policy does not cover all situations for which you or a covered member of your household may be legally responsible for causing bodily injury or property damage. There are many exclusions in the policy, some of which have exceptions.

It's important that you read your policy to learn what is covered or excluded. For all of these coverages, you can also talk to your agent or Travelers representative to better understand what the coverages provide.