Most homeowners insurance policies include liability coverage to protect you if someone is injured on your property or if you accidentally damage someone else’s property. But some situations create a much higher risk of injury or lawsuits than everyday mishaps. These are considered unusual and excessive liability exposures, and in Florida, they’re more common than you might think.
What Counts as Unusual Liability Exposure?
Not all risks are equal. A guest slipping on your driveway falls under standard liability coverage, but some activities carry far greater dangers. Common examples include:
- Trampolines – Known for causing broken bones, head injuries, and even spinal damage.
- Skateboard or bike ramps – Increase the likelihood of falls and serious injuries.
- Diving boards or pool slides – A single misstep could result in catastrophic harm.
- Unsecured pools or hot tubs – Without barriers or covers, they pose major liability risks, even if trespassers are involved.
- Motorized recreational devices – E-bikes, scooters, and hoverboards can cause accidents both on and off your property.
If you own or even temporarily use any of these, you could face financial responsibility if an accident occurs—sometimes even when it happens away from home.
Why Extra Protection Matters
Florida’s legal environment makes homeowners particularly vulnerable to lawsuits. For example, if a neighborhood child sneaks into your yard and gets hurt on your trampoline or in your unfenced pool, you might still be held accountable under state liability laws. Medical bills, lost wages, and legal costs from such cases can easily climb into the tens of thousands of dollars or more.
Do All Insurance Policies Cover These Risks?
Many homeowners assume their insurance will handle any liability claim, but that’s not always the case. Some insurers specifically exclude these high-risk activities, while others require you to purchase additional endorsements before coverage applies. For instance:
- Trampolines and ramps may be outright excluded by certain carriers.
- Pools and spas often require fences, gates, or safety nets to qualify for coverage.
- Motorized scooters or e-bikes might not be covered unless you’ve added extra protection.
This is why reviewing your policy in detail—and understanding its exclusions—is so important.
How This Differs from Umbrella Insurance
It’s worth noting that “unusual and excessive liability exposure” isn’t the same as umbrella insurance. Umbrella coverage extends your liability limits once your homeowners policy is maxed out, protecting you from especially large claims. By contrast, unusual liability coverage targets very specific risks—like trampolines or scooters—that many policies exclude altogether. Both can play a role in safeguarding your financial future, but they serve different purposes.
Protecting Yourself at Home
While having the right insurance is critical, there are also practical steps you can take to reduce your exposure:
- Install fences and safety covers around pools or spas.
- Supervise children and guests using trampolines, ramps, or scooters.
- Require helmets and safety gear when using bikes, scooters, or skateboards.
- Familiarize yourself with liability laws, especially Florida’s “attractive nuisance” rules that make you responsible even for uninvited guests.
- Work with your insurance agent to confirm your policy includes the coverage you need.
The Bottom Line
Unusual and excessive liability exposures may not cross your mind until an accident happens—but by then, it’s too late. From trampolines to scooters to unsecured pools, these risks can quickly turn into lawsuits. The right mix of preparation and coverage can protect your home, your finances, and your peace of mind.
