Homeowners insurance often operates like a general liability policy. A homeowner can be liable for negligence in causing an accident at home or otherwise, and in which case, his or her homeowners insurance policy may provide coverage for the accident. Those who are injured due to the negligence of another person, i.e., a homeowner with insurance, may find a source of financial recovery. Read Part A of Homeowners Insurance & Personal Injury Accidents to learn about how homeowners insurance coverage works in a personal injury accident case in Pennsylvania.
Three Common Exceptions to the Application of Homeowners Insurance Coverage to a Personal Injury Accident
As with any insurance policy, there are usually several major exceptions to coverage. For homeowners insurance policies in Pennsylvania, the following explains the three most common exceptions.
1. Exclusion of accidents which occur during commercial activities.
The definition of what constitutes commercial activity varies depending on the insurance carrier. However, in general, a woman running a daycare center out of her home would probably be excluded from homeowners insurance coverage. Hence an accident that occurs during operation of the daycare center would not be covered. A child injured in an accident at the home while the day care was being operated would probably not be able to make a homeowners insurance claim against the homeowner and day care operator.
2. Exclusion of accidents caused by intentional criminal conduct.
Most homeowners insurance policies will exclude coverage for injuries caused by intentional criminal conduct. Instead, many policies will cover negligent criminal conduct. For example, homeowners insurance will probably apply to a situation where a homeowner gets into a bar fight and pushes someone who then suffers serious injuries. On the other hand, homeowners insurance would not cover a homeowner who intentionally shoots someone.
3. Exclusion of accidents which occur during use of an automobile.
As a general rule, homeowners insurance coverage will not apply to a car accident situation.
The language of every homeowners insurance policy varies. Therefore if you believe you have a claim against a homeowner, you should consult with an accident and injury lawyer. Read more about property owner and homeowner liability for negligence.
Related accident content:
- Pennsylvania Accident Law – Negligence Claims Against Neighbors
- Pennsylvania Accident Law: A Homeowner’s Liability for a Guest’s Accident
- Pennsylvania Fall Down Accident Law – A Homeowner’s Liability to Yard/Garage Sale Guests
Philadelphia Slip & Fall Accident Lawyers
Schwartz & Blackman has been representing the injured and their families for over thirty years in slip and fall accident cases. Our firm offers a free consultation for all Pennsylvania and New Jersey injury and accident victims. Call now and ask for your free consultation. 215.925.4451
Schwartz & Blackman handles fall down accident cases in the Pennsylvania and New Jersey area:
- PA: Berks County, Bucks County, Chester County, Delaware County, Montgomery County, Philadelphia County, Allentown, Lehigh Valley, Norristown, Philadelphia
- NJ: Atlantic County, Burlington County, Camden County, Gloucester County, Mercer County, Middlesex County, Monmouth County, Camden, Cherry Hill, New Jersey shore cities
*This website does not provide legal advice. Every case is unique and it is important to get a qualified, expert legal opinion prior to making any decisions about your case. See the full disclaimer at the bottom of this page.