Summer is here—cue the pool parties, BBQs, and late-night firepit chats. But while you’re busy soaking up the sun, your homeowner liability risks might be heating up too.
As your trusted insurance advisors, we’re not here to kill the vibe—just to keep the fun from turning into financial disaster. Let’s take a look at the top summer homeowner liability risks (and how a little extra coverage can go a long way).
Pools: Cannonballs & Claims
Nothing ruins a pool party faster than a slip, fall, or worse. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reports over 6,000 pool-related injuries in kids each year. And drowning remains the leading cause of accidental death in children under 5.
Play it safe:
- Install a fence and self-latching gate.
- Supervise swimmers—floaties don’t count as lifeguards. Consider hiring a lifeguard, and appoint an adult as a “watcher”
- Post rules (even if no one reads them).
Insurance Tip: Pools increase liability risk. The good news? Boosting your personal liability coverage often costs just a few extra dollars per year.
Firepits: Cozy Nights, Costly Accidents
Firepits are great for s’mores—but not so great when someone trips and ends up in the ER. July is peak season for outdoor fire incidents, per the National Fire Protection Association.
Smart moves:
- Keep pits at least 10 feet from your home or deck.
- Use a spark screen.
- Never leave a fire unattended (seriously, not even for marshmallows).
Insurance Tip: Most homeowners policies cover fire-related incidents—but upping your liability coverage gives you extra peace of mind, and it’s super affordable.
Grills: Burgers & Blunders
Grill fires cause over 10,000 home fires annually, resulting in $140M+ in damages. That’s a lot of charred chicken.
Stay safe:
- Clean grease buildup regularly.
- Check propane lines.
- Don’t grill too close to the house (or your uncle’s prized tiki bar).
Insurance Tip: Ask us about umbrella policies or increasing your liability limits—most people are surprised how inexpensive it is.
Backyard Guests: Kids, Trampolines & Chaos
From trampolines to slip ’n slides, summer fun can quickly turn into injury claims. Over 100,000 trampoline injuries happen yearly. And if someone gets hurt on your property, you could be liable. Supervise all kids on trampolines-and don’t allow younger children to jump with older children
Final Thoughts
We want your summer to be memorable—for the right reasons. Call us today to review your liability coverage. For just a few dollars more per year, you can enjoy your summer knowing you’re protected—no matter how wild the cannonballs get. Remember, We’re Here for You-and your liability needs!