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Homeowners Insurance: Is Personal Injury Liability the same as Bodily Injury Liability?
Jeff Ryan - CLU, ChFC, AIA, CIC, CPCU
March 20, 2024
That is an interesting and important question! The short answer is “no,” but it should come with an explanation.
Personal injury is different from bodily injury and is treated as such by homeowners' liability forms. Depending on the carrier and program, personal injury coverage may be added by endorsement or as part of the base policy. (An example of a Personal Injury homeowners endorsement can be seen here):
Personal Injury is defined in the policy form(s) and may include acts such as:
- False arrest, detention, or imprisonment;
- Malicious prosecution;
- Wrongful eviction
- Libel or slander (oral or written)
- Violation of Privacy (oral or written)
Every homeowner's policy has numerous exclusions that apply to liability coverage parts and may include:
- Foreknowledge that the act would inflict "personal injury."
- Knowledge that the publication of the material was false
- Arising out of the offense related to the insured's employment or "business."
The last employment/business exclusion suggests that those involved as social media "influencers" or who are compensated for their posts could trigger the "business" exclusion found in a homeowners liability section.
It is essential to know that insurance companies use different forms and policy language. In addition, each state's insurance department approves the forms companies can use.
Are you concerned about or looking for personal injury coverage? The help of a knowledgeable independent insurance agent would be beneficial. The Ryan Agency’s homeowners insurance specialists will gladly help with your essential liability questions. You can contact us by dialing 607-324-7500 or stopping by our office nearest you.
Homeowners Insurance FAQs: Personal Injury vs. Bodily Injury
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What is the difference between Personal Injury and Bodily Injury coverage in homeowners insurance?
Personal Injury and Bodily Injury are distinct coverages in homeowners insurance. Bodily Injury covers physical harm to someone else, like from a slip and fall on your property. Personal Injury, on the other hand, protects you against claims of non-physical harm, such as libel, slander, wrongful eviction, or invasion of privacy.
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Is Personal Injury coverage automatically included in my homeowners insurance?
Not always. Some policies include it as a standard feature, while others require you to add it as an endorsement for an additional premium.
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What specific situations does Personal Injury coverage protect me against?
Personal Injury coverage typically protects against claims of:
- False arrest, detention, or imprisonment
- Malicious prosecution
- Wrongful eviction
- Libel or slander (written or oral)
- Invasion of privacy
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Are there any exclusions to Personal Injury coverage?
Yes, common exclusions include:
- Acts committed with prior knowledge they would cause "personal injury."
- Publishing material known to be false.
- Offenses arising from the insured's employment or business activities.
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As a social media influencer, am I covered by my homeowner's Personal Injury coverage for online activities?
Possibly not. If you receive compensation for your social media posts, your activities might be considered a "business" and therefore excluded from coverage under your homeowner's policy.
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Do all insurance companies offer the same Personal Injury coverage?
No. Insurance companies use different policy forms and language, which can vary in coverage details. Additionally, each state's insurance department regulates the approved forms for use within its jurisdiction.
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How can I find out if my homeowner's policy includes Personal Injury coverage?
The best way is to review your policy documents carefully. Look for a section titled "Personal Injury" or an endorsement adding this coverage.
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Where can I get expert advice on Personal Injury coverage for my specific situation?
Consulting a knowledgeable independent insurance agent is highly recommended. They can assess your needs, explain your options, and help you find the right coverage.
"Homeowners Insurance: Is Personal Injury Liability the same as Bodily Injury Liability?" Deep Dive Podcast
The content in this article, including the podcast and FAQ, was created by the staff at The Ryan Agency, with portions generated using artificial intelligence. This information is for general informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as professional advice. For guidance specific to your situation, please consult your policy documents and an insurance professional. The Ryan Agency, Jeff Ryan, and our staff expressly disclaim any liability for actions taken or not taken based on this content without consulting your policy or an insurance professional.
This article may have been originally published at Quora.com.
To see Jeff's Quora.com profile click here.
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