Ohio Homeowner Insurance Law
Homeowners insurance protects your home from unforeseen disasters, such as fire, but it can also help you with something as simple and avoidable as water damage from a leaking sink, or as unusual as the letter carrier tripping over your hose and breaking his leg. The states regulate the licensed insurance carriers in their state, so what you can, and must be covered for, may be different in Ohio than elsewhere.
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Standard Coverages
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In Ohio, the state regulators deemed the following to comprise the standard covered events in their state: Fire, lightning, storm damage, tornadoes, windstorms or hail, burglary or theft, injuries sustained by others in your home or on your property. This includes falls and pet bites.
Standard - Not Covered
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Ohio insurance commissioners also decide what isn't part of standard coverage. For most events that aren't covered, you may be able to get an insurance rider, for an additional premium, that will cover the event. The following are not covered: floods, earthquakes, pest infestation, boat theft or damage, car theft or damage, pet injury or theft, items damaged by you or your family, or injuries incurred by your or your family.
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Drinking
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In Ohio, you are responsible for the acts of anyone in your home who has been drinking. Your responsibility for them does not end when the tipsy guest leaves your home. If they get into a car accident on their way home, you are responsible not only for what happens to your guest, but also for any damages to the accident victim. The Ohio Department of Insurance recommends you ensure that your policy covers lawsuits.
Increased Liability
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The Ohio Department of Insurance warns citizens that if you have a pool, a trampoline or any similar backyard entertainment, you may be required to increase the liability portion of your insurance. You should also upgrade your policy as you increase your possessions. The insurance commission only sets the minimum limits of your coverage. Many coverages can be increased for a higher amount, with a higher premium, of course.
Dogs
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If you are the owner of a pit bull, you should know the State of Ohio has deemed them vicious or dangerous, and you are required to have liability insurance that will cover each injury or death caused by the dog, up to $100,000 per occurrence. Interest and fees are your responsibility. If you have a pit bull, check with your insurance agent to ensure your dog is covered or you will have to purchase the additional coverage. Most insurance companies do not cover vicious breeds. Individual counties can have their own list of breeds, in addition to pit bulls, so it would behoove you to check out that puppy you're buying your kids for Christmas, you may want to rethink the breed if they're on the list. If you already have a pit bull or a dog that was newly placed on the list in your town, you must comply with the new law. Renters are not exempt.
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