Personal Liability Insurance: What Happens When Someone Gets Hurt on Your Property

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.