Home Insurance Forum

Mar. 17, 2007

We recently found out that our property has a conservation easement with approval for a public path. How will this affect my liability, and how much more insurance should I get?

Enrique, New Jersey

Dear Enrique,

Having a public easement shouldn't have much of an effect your liability requirements and it shouldn't effect your insurance rates, according to Loretta Wolters, vice president of communications for the Insurance Information Institute. After all, sidewalks are considered to be public easements too. Like your sidewalk, the path would be on your property, so your existing liability coverage included in your homeowners insurance policy should protect you from any concerns.

On the other hand, as Wolters notes, whenever you have a potential change in your insurance needs, the best thing to do is to contact your insurance agent and explain the issue to them. Your agent knows exactly what your existing policy will and will not cover and can advice you if your coverage is sufficient.

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