Is there a deductible when someone files a liability claim against your homeowners policy?
Two coverages, no deductible
- Personal liability: pays for injuries to others and damage to their property when you are legally responsible, plus your legal defense. Common limits range from $100,000 to $500,000.
- Medical payments to others: a small, no-fault coverage that pays a guest's medical bills after a minor injury on your property, regardless of who was at fault.
Trees and roofs: whose policy pays?
This question comes up after every Georgia windstorm. In general, if a healthy tree falls in a storm, each owner's own insurance pays for damage to their own property, subject to their own deductible. If your tree lands on your neighbor's roof, their policy usually handles their roof. You are typically liable only if you knew, or should have known, that the tree was dead, diseased or dangerous and did nothing. In that case your liability coverage may pay their damage, with no deductible on your side.
Other common examples
- A guest slips on your stairs.
- Your child's baseball breaks a neighbor's window.
- Your dog bites a visitor, subject to any animal exclusions in your policy.
Report it anyway
Even when no deductible applies, report incidents promptly. Policies require notice, and late reporting can jeopardize your defense. Do not admit fault or promise to pay; let the insurer handle it.
If a storm sent a tree onto a roof, see wind damage roof claims and Robust Roofing's guide to trees over your roof.