Pool Parties, Road Trips & Storms: Ask Your Insurance Agent If You’re Covered
Ray Cogan
Before your next outing, check in with your insurance agent to make sure you’re covered.
Summer in Maryland brings long sunny days, backyard BBQs, family vacations, and the occasional pop-up thunderstorm. It’s a season filled with fun, but also potential risks that many homeowners and drivers don’t consider until it’s too late. So, before the next outing, it’s smart to check in with your insurance agent to make sure you’re fully covered.
At Lindquist Insurance, we believe your peace of mind should be part of your summer plans. Here’s a breakdown of common summertime activities and weather-related risks—and the insurance questions you should be asking before the season heats up.
1. Hosting Pool Parties? Make Sure You’re Covered. A backyard pool can be a refreshing escape during hot summer days, but it also brings liability risks, especially when friends and neighbors are invited over.
- Ask your insurance agent:
- Does my homeowners’ policy cover pool-related injuries?
- Do I need additional liability coverage for summer guests?
Most standard homeowners’ insurance policies include liability protection that may cover medical expenses if someone is injured on your property. However, if you have a pool, trampoline, or other "attractive nuisances," you may want to increase your liability limits or consider an umbrella policy for added protection. ***
Bonus Tip: Make sure fences, gates, and signage meet local safety requirements. Not only is this critical for safety, but it could also impact how your insurance responds to a claim.
2. Summer Storms Can Hit Fast—Is Your Home Ready? While summer skies are mostly blue, they can quickly turn dark and dangerous in Maryland. Hail, high winds, lightning strikes, and flash floods are not uncommon during the summer months, and they can cause serious damage to your home, roof, and vehicles.
Ask your insurance agent:
- Does my homeowners' insurance cover hail and wind damage?
- Do I have enough coverage for roof repairs or replacement?
- Is flood insurance included, or do I need a separate policy?
Many homeowners are surprised to learn that flood damage is not covered under standard homeowners' policies. If you live in an area prone to flash flooding, a separate flood insurance policy may be a wise investment, especially during summer storm season.
3. Taking a Road Trip? Don’t Hit the Highway Without This Info. Road trips are a classic part of summer, whether you’re headed to the mountains, the coast, or visiting family across state lines. Before you load up the car, take a moment to review your auto insurance.
Ask your insurance agent:
- Am I covered if I get into an accident out of state?
- Do I have roadside assistance for a summer breakdown?
- Will my policy cover a rental car if my vehicle is in the shop?
Comprehensive and collision coverage can help pay for repairs after an accident, but many drivers don’t realize they need to add rental car reimbursement or emergency roadside assistance as separate options.
If you’re adding new drivers for the trip, such as a teen or spouse, make sure they’re listed on your policy to avoid issues during a claim.
4. Grilling Safety and Fire Risks. Summer cookouts are a great way to gather with friends and family. But with grills, fire pits, and fireworks in the mix, your backyard fun can quickly turn into a fire hazard.
- Ask your insurance agent:
- What happens if a grill or fire pit causes damage to my home?
- Am I covered if fireworks cause property damage?
Most homeowners' insurance policies do provide coverage for accidental fires caused by grills or outdoor equipment. Still, it’s worth double-checking, especially if you host large gatherings or live close to neighbors.
Also, remember that certain types of fireworks may be illegal or restricted by local ordinances. Damage caused by illegal activity is often excluded from coverage, so know the laws and keep safety a priority.
5. Vacation Home or Airbnb Guests? That’s a Different Ballgame. If you’re planning to rent out your home or vacation property this summer, either short-term or through a platform like Airbnb, you’ll want to talk to your insurance agent first.
- Ask your insurance agent:
- Does my homeowners' policy cover short-term rentals?
- Do I need landlord or commercial coverage for vacation properties?
Standard homeowners’ policies may not provide coverage for property damage or liability when your home is being used as a business (which short-term rentals are classified as). Fortunately, there are specialized policies designed for vacation rental coverage that can give you peace of mind.
6. Umbrella Coverage: Your Summer Secret Weapon. Between pool parties, road trips, and guests coming and going, the risk of a claim increases during the summer months. One of the smartest ways to protect your assets is with an umbrella policy, which provides additional liability protection above and beyond your homeowners and auto policies.
- Ask your insurance agent:
- Would an umbrella policy benefit me this summer?
- How much additional coverage does it provide?
Umbrella coverage is surprisingly affordable and can cover everything from injury claims to legal fees, making it a smart investment for families who entertain, travel, or own property.
Summer is a time for fun, family, and making memories, not for dealing with insurance claims that could’ve been prevented. At Lindquist Insurance, we’re here to help you stay protected all season long. Before your next BBQ, road trip, or storm watch, give us a call. Our experienced insurance advisors
will review your current coverage, answer your questions, and help you feel confident that no matter what summer brings, you’re ready for it. Call Lindquist Insurance today
or visit our website to schedule a policy review or get a quote.
We serve the Annapolis and Frederick, MD area.
*** For more information about premises liability law, visit the Forbes website.
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