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Homeowners insurance: How much liability coverage is enough?

There is really no way to define enough liability coverage on your homeowner's policy. Most policies come with a standard coverage of $100,000. Is this enough? It is very hard to tell since you have no way of knowing what will happen in the future.

There are a few things to consider when deciding on the limit or amount of your liability coverage. First and foremost you must consider your home's location and any hazards that may be present. Do you frequently get deliveries or have neighbors coming in and out? The more people that are on your property the more likely that you will wind up with a liability claim. Do you have any dog's that may bite someone? If so you have a greater chance of a liability claim.

This is not to say that no one should ever come over to your place I am only suggesting that you keep unwanted and unnecessary traffic down. Fence in your place and have deliveries made at the gate and you can meet them rather than let them have access to your property. Meet guests when they arrive and provide a polite escort to them. These are a few of many things that one could do to mitigate any liability litigation.

As for the amount of your coverage you must consider how bad someone could get hurt and what you could lose if your insurance didn't cover your costs. What I mean is if you own a hundred thousand dollar home and own your own business you stand to lose more than a person that owns a twenty-five thousand dollar home and works for minimum wage. On the same hand you can afford more insurance as well.

Buy as much insurance as you can afford. It is better to be over-insured than under-insured. Do not go overboard though. Talking with your insurance agent and explaining everything to him will help you to get in the proper range for your liability coverage.

Learn more about this author, Stanley Roberts.
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Homeowners insurance: How much liability coverage is enough?

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