Homeowner Liability When Hiring Contractors Or Other Help

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Professional Insurance Agents of Wisconsin
6401 Odana Rd.
Madison, WI 53719                                          FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ATTN: Ron Von Haden
Phone (800) 261-7429
www.piaw.org

MADISON, Wisconsin (July 1, 2015)    Anyone you hire to help around your house, such as the neighbor boy who mows your lawn, a babysitter, a contractor or other outside services, opens you up to potential legal headaches.  If anyone is injured while performing work on your property, you may be financially liable for the person’s injuries and disabilities.

“Many homeowners assume that their homeowners insurance policy will protect them If someone is injured on their property,” says Ron Von Haden, CIC, Executive Vice President of the Professional Insurance Agents of Wisconsin (PIAW).  “That is not necessarily true. Contractors such as builders or landscapers should be covered by their own workers’ compensation, health or disability insurance.  However, if they do not have coverage, you could be held liable.  That’s why it’s important to thoroughly check out any contractor you have working on your property.”

“Some homeowners policies may provide limited coverage for the minors that mow the lawn and even domestic workers like maids, nannies or cleaners.  If yours does not, it might be a good idea to purchase an umbrella liability policy to supplement your homeowners liability insurance.  Discuss your policy and your needs with your professional independent agent to determine whether or not you are adequately covered.”

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