Does your homeowners insurance protect you if someone slips on your porch?
Yes — that’s usually covered. But what about if someone sues you for something you posted online? Or for something you said in passing?
What happens if a neighbor, a stranger, or even a business claims you’ve damaged their reputation — and takes legal action?
That’s where most standard homeowners policies fall short.
What Is Personal Injury Liability Coverage — and Why Should You Care?
In this post we’ll explain exactly what personal injury liability coverage is, how it works, and why it matters more now than ever — especially in the digital world we all live in.
You’ll walk away knowing:
- What types of legal claims this coverage protects against
- Real-life examples of how lawsuits happen
- How to find out if your policy includes it — and how to add it if it doesn’t
Wait — Isn’t Personal Injury Covered in Homeowners Insurance?
Not always. And definitely not in the way most people think.
When most people hear “personal injury,” they think physical harm — broken bones, a trip on your sidewalk, a dog bite. That’s covered under bodily injury liability, which is a standard part of most homeowners insurance policies.
But legal harm, like defamation or false arrest? That’s a completely different coverage — and it’s called personal injury liability.
And here’s the kicker: many policies don’t include it by default. You usually have to request it as an endorsement or rider.
Here’s What Personal Injury Liability Actually Covers:
This type of coverage helps protect you financially if you’re sued for:
- Libel (written defamation, like a social media post or a bad online review)
- Slander (spoken defamation — even casual conversation or a joke taken the wrong way)
- False arrest or wrongful imprisonment
- Wrongful eviction or entry
- Invasion of privacy
And yes — these types of lawsuits really happen. A heated online argument. A bad review that someone claims hurt their business. A neighborhood dispute that escalates. These are all real examples of what can lead to expensive legal claims.
What Happens If You’re Sued?
Without personal injury liability on your policy? You’re likely paying out of pocket — for:
- Attorney fees
- Court costs
- Damages or settlements
That can easily add up to tens of thousands of dollars — even if the claim is completely groundless.
But with this endorsement on your homeowners policy?
You may be covered for: ✅ Legal defense costs
✅ Settlement or court judgments
✅ Other related expenses
Why This Matters Now More Than Ever
We’re all online — and fast to comment, post, and review.
But the truth is, one careless comment, one viral post, or one misunderstanding could land you in serious legal trouble.
In today’s world, it’s not just what you do — it’s what you say and share that could lead to a claim.
That’s why we recommend every homeowner have personal injury liability coverage as part of their policy.
Want to Know If You’re Covered?
Not sure if your policy includes this protection?
That’s where we come in.
At Vargas & Vargas Insurance, we’ve been helping Massachusetts families get the right coverage — and avoid hidden gaps — for over 45 years.
📞 Call us today at 617-298-0655
💬 Text us at 617-409-0329
📩 Or email us at quotes@vargasinsurance.com
We’ll review your current homeowners policy, explain what’s included, and help you decide whether personal injury liability coverage makes sense for your situation.
🎯 One conversation today could save you thousands tomorrow.
