Unusual & Excessive Liability Exposure: Are Florida Homeowners Protected?

Homeowners insurance provides liability coverage to protect you in case someone is injured on your property or if you accidentally cause damage to someone else’s property. But what happens when certain high-risk activities expose you to even greater liability?

This is where unusual and excessive liability exposure comes in – a specific type of risk commonly resulting in lawsuits. While other homeowners insurance policies may exclude these types of risks or require additional endorsements, Edison Insurance Company includes $25,000 in coverage for unusual and excessive liability exposure in every one of its home and condo insurance policies – at no extra cost to you.

So, what is unusual and excessive liability exposure in homeowners insurance? And why does it matter for Florida homeowners?

Understanding Unusual & Excessive Liability Exposure

Not all liability risks are created equal. Everyday situations – like a guest slipping on your driveway – may be considered a personal liability risk, protected by the Coverage E limits in your home insurance policy. But some activities pose greater-than-average risks, increasing your likelihood of facing a lawsuit.

Edison defines unusual and excessive liability exposure as liability stemming from high-risk items or activities, such as:

• Trampolines – A common source of broken bones, concussions, and spinal injuries.

• Skateboard & bicycle ramps – These structures increase the risk of falls, head trauma, and lawsuits.

• Swimming pool slides & diving boards – A misstep can lead to severe injuries, with homeowners held responsible.

• Unprotected pools & spas – If a pool lacks a fence, wall, or safety cover, it presents a major liability hazard.

• Motorized vehicles (e-bikes, electric scooters, hoverboards, etc.) – These fun rides can lead to accidents involving pedestrians or vehicles.

If you own, rent, or borrow any of these items – even if an accident happens off your property – you could be held liable for injuries or damages. This is why understanding what is unusual and excessive liability exposure in homeowners insurance is essential for protecting your finances.

Why This Coverage Matters

Lawsuits related to unusual and excessive liability exposure can be expensive – especially in Florida, where homeowners can be sued even if they weren’t directly involved in an accident.

For example:

• A neighbor’s child is injured on your trampoline – Even if they used it without permission, you could be held responsible.

• A guest falls off your skateboard ramp – Their medical bills and lost wages could become your financial burden.

• A pedestrian is hit by your e-bike or scooter – You may be sued for negligence, medical costs, and more.

• A trespasser drowns in your unfenced pool – Florida’s attractive nuisance doctrine could mean you’re liable.

Even if you take safety precautions, accidents happen. This is why knowing what is unusual and excessive liability exposure in homeowners insurance and whether you have coverage for these risks can help you avoid serious financial consequences.

Do Other Insurance Companies Cover These Risks?

Many Florida homeowners assume their insurance automatically covers all liability risks – but this is not always the case. Insurance carriers may either exclude these high-risk activities from coverage or require homeowners to purchase an additional endorsement.

For example:

• Some insurers won’t cover trampolines, skateboard ramps, or diving boards at all due to the risk of severe injuries.

• Others may offer coverage only if specific safety measures – such as safety nets or fences – are in place.

• Liability for e-bikes, scooters, and other motorized recreational devices may be excluded entirely or require additional coverage.

This is why homeowners should always review their policy carefully to understand what is unusual and excessive liability exposure in homeowners insurance and whether they have protection.

Is ‘Unusual & Excessive Liability’ the Same as ‘Excess Liability’?

Insurance companies use different terms to describe liability risks. What Edison calls “unusual and excessive liability” is sometimes simply labeled as just “excess liability” by other insurers. However, these terms aren’t interchangeable.

• Unusual and excessive liability exposure (as defined by Edison) applies to specific high-risk activities and equipment – like trampolines, skateboard ramps, unsecured swimming pools/spas, or motorized scooters – which could increase the likelihood of injury-related lawsuits.

• Excess liability coverage is a broader term some insurers use to refer to higher limits of personal liability coverage. Some companies may exclude high-risk activities entirely, while others require homeowners purchase endorsements to extend coverage.

This is also different from umbrella insurance, which provides extra liability coverage beyond the limits of a standard homeowners policy.

How ‘Unusual & Excessive Liability’ Differs from an Umbrella Policy

An umbrella policy is designed to kick in after your homeowners insurance personal liability limits have been exhausted. For example, if you have $300,000 in personal liability coverage and a lawsuit results in a $500,000 judgment, an umbrella policy could cover the remaining $200,000 (depending on your policy’s terms).

In contrast, Edison’s $25,000 in unusual and excessive liability exposure coverage is built into your policy – covering specific risks other insurers may exclude. It does not replace an umbrella policy but serves as an added layer of protection for the specified high-risk activities.

How Edison Stands Out: Built-In Coverage at No Extra Cost

Edison automatically includes $25,000 in unusual and excessive liability exposure coverage in every homeowners and condo insurance policy it sells.

This built-in protection helps cover:

• Bodily injury lawsuits related to covered risks.
• Property damage claims if your high-risk activity causes harm.
• Legal fees if you need to defend yourself in court.

While some insurers may exclude coverage for these risks or require you to pay extra for an endorsement, Edison provides it automatically – helping homeowners avoid unexpected gaps in coverage.

How to Protect Yourself from Unusual Liability Risks

Beyond Edison’s included coverage, homeowners should also take proactive steps to minimize liability risks:

• Secure your pool or spa – Install appropriate fencing and safety covers to prevent unauthorized access.

• Supervise high-risk activities – Ensure proper safety gear is used for trampolines, ramps, and motorized devices.

• Understand liability laws – Florida’s attractive nuisance doctrine could hold you accountable, even for uninvited guests.

• Know your coverage – Review your policy details and discuss any concerns with your agent.

Is Your Personal Liability Coverage Enough?

Now you understand what is unusual and excessive liability exposure in homeowners insurance, making it important to know where you stand. Edison Insurance Company automatically provides $25,000 in coverage for these high-risk situations, offering peace of mind at no additional cost to you.

For homeowners with added concerns, reviewing your policy and speaking with your agent can help ensure you’re fully protected.

Not yet insured with Edison? Get a quote on our website and find the right coverage for your needs.