Hunting Season is Here. Stay Safe and Be Sure You Have the Right Coverage for Your Firearms.

Hunting rifles and other firearms are covered for loss, theft or damage under your homeowners insurance policy, like other types of personal property. A standard homeowners policy typically provides up to $2,500 in coverage for lost, damaged or stolen firearms. If you think that the value of your firearms might exceed this limit, you may need to increase your coverage limit.

Most homeowners insurance policies refer to covered perils, or causes of loss, such as fire or theft. Some policies cover all perils except ones that are specifically excluded, while other policies cover only the perils named in the policy—leaving you without coverage for many ways in which you could lose your gun. Should your hunting rifle fall into a lake while you are duck hunting, never to be seen again, it would not be covered under your standard homeowners policy because the way in which it was lost (dropped in a lake) is not typically a covered peril.

The good news is that most insurance companies offer additional coverage, or scheduled personal property riders, for firearms. By covering your guns with a rider on your homeowners policy, you gain additional protection for the full value of the item (if needed), as well as coverage for additional covered perils that are not covered under the basic homeowners policy. And most scheduled personal property riders are not subject to your deductible.

Your homeowners policy also provides liability coverage if you accidentally injure someone with your gun. Here again, if you feel the limits of the standard policy are not enough, you can purchase additional liability protection or even a specialty policy for gun owners.

Basic Hunting Safety

The most common cause of accidents and injuries among hunters include:

• Falling from treestands 
• Incorrect identification of a target
• Self-inflicted injuries

 To avoid injuries while hunting, remember these basic hunter safety rules:

• Keep the muzzle of your gun pointed in a safe direction at all times.
• Treat every firearm as if it is loaded.
• Be sure of your target and what is in front of it and behind it.
• Keep your finger off of the trigger until you are ready to shoot.
• Wear a blaze orange cap or vest.
• Use a small flashlight during dim light conditions to identify yourself as a human being.
• Follow all fundamental firearm safety rules at all times.

You should also take steps to make sure that your treestand is secure, as well as be respectful of wildlife, the land you are on and other people in the area.

Are you ready for hunting season? Have you reviewed your insurance coverage to be sure that you are properly protected?

NOTICE: This blog and website are made available by the publisher for educational and informational purposes only. It is not to be used as a substitute for competent insurance, legal or tax advice from a licensed professional in your state. By using this blog site you understand that there is no broker-client relationship between you and blog and website publisher.